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CIP 50.0904 · CLASSIFICATION 2020

Music Theory and Composition.

A program that focuses on the study of the principles of sound manipulation as applied to the creation of music, and the techniques of creating and arranging music. Includes instruction in aural theory, melody, counterpoint, complex harmony, modulation, chromatics, improvisation, progressions, musical writing, instrumentation, orchestration, electronic and computer applications, studies of specific musical styles, and development of original creative ability.

How to use this list

These institutions reported at least one first-major completion in this field in the connected reporting years ending 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020. This shows historical award activity, not a complete list of available programs or an assurance that a course is accepting applications.

Compare the degree level, curriculum, teaching language and costs on the institution’s current official website. Related subjects may use different CIP codes.

Learn how to research a field of study →

Sources: NCES CIP 2020 classification and C2023_A.zip, C2024_A.zip, C2025_A.zip, C2020_A.zip, C2021_A.zip, C2022_A.zip, C2024_A.zip.

Connected Music Theory and Composition award observations

Each row describes one ending year and award level for CIP 50.0904. Institution counts overlap across levels and years. Award counts are historical first-major awards, not unique people, available places, programme quality or a graduation rate.

Year endingAward levelReporting institutionsPositive awards
2025Certificate 1–2 years11
2025Associate degree8112
2025Certificate 2–4 years29
2025Bachelor degree116719
2025Postbaccalaureate certificate711
2025Master degree55332
2025Post-master certificate35
2025Doctorate — research2363
2025Doctorate — professional practice11
2025Doctorate — other22
2025Certificate 12 weeks to under 1 year427
2024Associate degree7133
2024Certificate 2–4 years26
2024Bachelor degree117714
2024Postbaccalaureate certificate611
2024Master degree53296
2024Post-master certificate11
2024Doctorate — research2475
2024Doctorate — professional practice14
2024Certificate 12 weeks to under 1 year727
2023Certificate 1–2 years11
2023Associate degree689
2023Certificate 2–4 years15
2023Bachelor degree121634
2023Postbaccalaureate certificate23
2023Master degree53342
2023Post-master certificate37
2023Doctorate — research2263
2023Doctorate — professional practice11
2023Doctorate — other12
2023Certificate 12 weeks to under 1 year314
2022Certificate 1–2 years11
2022Associate degree798
2022Certificate 2–4 years110
2022Bachelor degree126667
2022Postbaccalaureate certificate36
2022Master degree58278
2022Post-master certificate411
2022Doctorate — research2155
2022Doctorate — professional practice15
2022Doctorate — other12
2022Certificate 12 weeks to under 1 year49
2021Certificate 1–2 years11
2021Associate degree6129
2021Certificate 2–4 years214
2021Bachelor degree114604
2021Postbaccalaureate certificate34
2021Master degree58294
2021Post-master certificate11
2021Doctorate — research2362
2021Doctorate — professional practice14
2021Certificate 12 weeks to under 1 year39
2020Certificate 1–2 years38
2020Associate degree6125
2020Certificate 2–4 years11
2020Bachelor degree125542
2020Postbaccalaureate certificate33
2020Master degree55307
2020Post-master certificate37
2020Doctorate — research2060
2020Doctorate — professional practice12
2020Doctorate — other12
2020Certificate 12 weeks to under 1 year24

A year ending 2025 describes July 2024–June 2025. Do not add different years to estimate an entering class or current enrolment. Follow an institution's field link below to inspect the exact records.

These counts cover exact institution-ID matches to our connected directory, rather than a complete national total. Historical providers outside that population remain in the original source evidence and are not assigned invented matches. Read the population and archive rules →

Research the exact programme behind this field

CIP 50.0904 is a reporting classification. The official definition above explains its scope, while a university may use a different programme title. Related fields in classification family 50 can involve different curricula and award levels.

On the current institution website, record the exact degree title, campus, entry route, teaching language, curriculum and cycle. Compare those details with the classification definition before assuming that two similarly named degrees cover the same subject. For regulated professions, check the relevant licensing or recognition body's current requirements separately.

A positive award observation establishes historical activity in this classification. It does not confirm a current application opening, professional recognition, a specific delivery format or career outcome.

Compare two field definitions and historical records → · Use CIP codes to research fields → · Build your field research questions →

Institutions with reported graduates

198 institutions

NY · Four-year

The New School ↗

New York, NY · Private nonprofit

Bachelor degree: 5 first-major awards · year ending 2025.

Postbaccalaureate certificate: 2 first-major awards · year ending 2025.

Master degree: 6 first-major awards · year ending 2025.

Post-master certificate: 1 first-major awards · year ending 2020.

Inspect this institution's CIP 50.0904 records →

Related fields

Visual and Performing Arts, General. ↗

Digital Arts. ↗

Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry. ↗

Dance, General. ↗

Ballet. ↗

Dance, Other. ↗