Post-Baccalaureate Certificates

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Music Theory provides students and/or professionals with knowledge and skills needed to apply principles of music theory to a variety of musical careers. 

Admission Requirements

An earned Bachelor’s degree in Music. Students admitted to a MM, DMA, or Ph.D. may elect this program on the formal plan of study. Students who apply directly for the certificate program must submit all application materials required by the Graduate School, excluding GRE scores, by the appropriate deadline to be considered for Fall, Spring, or Summer admission. All applicants must score at least 75 percent on the Graduate Theory Diagnostic Exam administered to all degree-seeking music graduate students. The Coordinator of Music Theory will advise certificate students in their choice of theory courses.

Program Requirements

12 Credits from the following (must be taken at UNCG): 

• MUS 508 Tonal Counterpoint (3) or MUS 510 Advanced Tonal Analysis (3)
• MUS 611 Seminar in Analysis (3) may be taken twice under different topics
• MUS 644 Pedagogy of Music Theory (3)
• MUS 660 Theory and Analysis of Rhythm (3)
• MUS 662 Schenkerian Analysis (3)
• MUS 664 Post Tonal Analysis (3)
• MUS 687 Aural and Keyboard Skills for Music Theory (1) may be repeated once

Exit Requirements

Comprehensive Exam: Each certificate student enrolled in a degree program must include a member of the music theory faculty on his/her Comprehensive Committee to assure that requirements of the certificate program have been met and that the student's knowledge of music theory is examined with sufficient depth and rigor during the written and oral (if applicable) exams. Non-degree students must pass a comprehensive exam in music theory based upon the courses they have taken. Students in either program will have two opportunities to pass the exam.

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The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Musicology provides students with the opportunity to study music history in greater depth in a structured program, preparing MM and DMA students to teach courses requiring music history knowledge, and thus enhancing their marketable skills.  It also prepares other graduates of BA of BM programs for further graduate study in musicology and enhances the employability of students with an interest in public sector music fields and arts administration.

The objectives of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Musicology are to:

• Develop a level-appropriate knowledge and understanding of musical styles, theories, and practices in their historical and cultural contexts.
• Increase cultural awareness and understanding of the Western art music tradition in relation to non-European musical traditions.
• Develop practical skills for teaching music history in the classroom.
• Develop research and writing skills in the field of music history.

The program is open to students with a B.A., B.Mus or other undergraduate four-year degree who meet admission requirements.  Additionally, it is open to UNCG students enrolled in M.M., D.M.A. and Ph.D. programs in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance.

Admission Requirements

• Pass the music history diagnostic exam required of all incoming degree-seeking music graduate students with a score of 70% or better. 
• Provide a statement of intent that outlines the candidate’ s background, interests, and goals in musicology.
• Provide a writing sample that demonstrates intellectual engagement with music.
• Interview with participating faculty.

Students in the Musicology certificate program will work with an advisor in the musicology area who will help the student design an integrated program specific to his or her needs and interests.  

Program Requirements

13 Credits (must be taken at UNCG):

2 MUS 606 Seminars (6); Students will choose seminar topics in consultation with their advisors.  MUS 606 may be repeated for credit with a different topic.

Additional Musicology/Ethnomusicology courses at the 500 or 600 level* (6)

MUS 689 Practicum in Teaching Music Theory and Musicology (1)

* In consultation with the student's musicology advisor, and as appropriate for the student's plan of study, the student may substitute one relevant course outside the area.  Relevant courses could include MUS 601 or 602, a language, a period or non-Western ensemble, or a 500-/600-level course in such fields as History, Women's and Gender Studies, African American Studies, Music Theory, or others.

Exit Requirements:

A member of the musicology faculty must be a member of the student's comprehensive exam committee (MM students) and/or thesis committee (DMA students). Testing conditions will follow those outlined in the Handbook for Graduate Study in Music for the respective degree program. Non-degree students must pass an exit essay and interview in musicology based upon the courses they have taken; they will have two opportunities to pass.

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Within a masters or doctoral program, a student may elect a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Ethnomusicology (15 hours). The purpose is to provide graduate students with knowledge and skills needed to apply principles of ethnomusicology to a variety of musical careers. In addition to gaining awareness of a wide variety of musical traditions, the certificate will prepare students to teach introductory courses in world music and ethnomusicology.

Admission Requirements

Students will normally apply for admission at the beginning of their first semester of graduate study. A student who is denied admission to the program may reapply once at the beginning of the following fall or spring semester. Faculty with ethnomusicology expertise will direct and administer the program.

In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants must:

• submit a writing sample showing significant engagement with music and culture.
• provide a statement of intent outlining their background in ethnomusicology and their particular goals and interests.
• interview with participating faculty.

Program Requirements

15 Credits (must be taken at UNCG):

Required Courses:

• MUS 606 Seminar in Music History: Theory and Methods in Ethnomusicology (3) (offered once every two years)
• MUS 677 World Music Ensemble (Old Time, West African, etc.) (2) (two semesters)
• MUS 689 Practicum in Teaching Music Theory and Musicology (1)

Two of the following courses:

• MUS 606 Seminar in Music History (3)
• MUS 627 Issues in Multicultural Music Education (3)
• MUS 631 Selected Topics in Ethnomusicology (3)

One 500/600-level Social Science/Humanities elective:

• ATY 583 Culture and Society (3)
• MLS 610 Culture and Ideas (3)
• Or other in consultation with advisor

Exit Requirements

Each certificate student must include a faculty member with ethnomusicology expertise on his/her Doctoral Advisory Committee, who will assure the requirements of the certificate program have been met and that the student's knowledge of ethnomusicology/world music is examined with sufficient depth and rigor during the written and oral comprehensive exams.

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The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Composition provides students with knowledge and skills needed to pursue music composition within a variety of musical careers.

Admission Requirements

Students admitted to the MM, DMA, or PhD in music may elect this program in their formal plan of study. Those not currently enrolled in a degree program can apply directly for the certificate program. These students will normally hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in music; in exceptional cases a student with a minimum of an undergraduate degree outside of music may be considered. Non-degree students must submit all application materials required by the Graduate School, excluding GRE scores, by the appropriate deadline for Fall, Spring, or Summer admission. The application will also contain a portfolio of scores and recordings of original compositions (normally consisting of 3-5 works).

Program Requirements

12 Credits (must be taken at UNCG; at least 6 must be 600-level):

• MUS 508 Tonal Counterpoint (3)
• MUS 550 Electronic Music (3)
• MUS 566 Orchestration (3)
• MUS 640 Electroacoustic Music Composition (3)>
• MUS 553 Applied Instruction in Composition (1-2) may be repeated
• MUS 600 Recital (0-1)
• MUS 623 Jazz Arranging 1 (3)
• MUS 624 Jazz Arranging 2 (3)
• MUS 676-i Contemporary Chamber Players (1) may be repeated once

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. in courses counting for credit towards the certificate.

Exit Requirements

Each certificate student must present a 30-minute recital of their original compositions. Degree students must include a member of the composition faculty on their comprehensive exam committee. Testing conditions will follow those outlined in the Handbook for Graduate Study in Music for the student’s degree program. Students will be afforded two opportunities to pass the recital requirement.

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Any person with an undergraduate degree in music may elect a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Jazz (12 Hours). The purpose is to provide post-baccalaureate students and/or professionals with knowledge and skills needed to apply principles of jazz to a variety of musical careers.

Program Requirements

12 Credits (must be taken at UNCG):

Required Courses: (9 credits)

• MUS 605 Jazz Theory (written, aural, keyboard) (3)
• MUS 609 Jazz Pedagogy (3)
• MUS 663 Jazz History (3)

3 credits from the following:

• MUS 623 Jazz Arranging 1(3)
• MUS 624Jazz Arranging 2 (3)
• MUS 664 Jazz Improvisation 1 (3)
• MUS 665 Advanced Jazz Improvisation (3)
• MUS 553 Jazz Performance Studies (1) may be repeated for credit

Although not required, students are encouraged to audition for one of the jazz ensembles or jazz combos.

Exit Requirements

Completion of all course work with a grade of B or better is required.

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Any person with an undergraduate degree in music may elect a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Music Education (12 hours). The purpose is to provide post-baccalaureate students and/or professionals with knowledge and skills needed to apply principles of music education to a variety of musical careers.

Program Requirements

12 Credits minimum (must be taken at UNCG):

Required Courses: Research and Assessment of Music (6 credits)

• MUS 601 Research Methods in Music (3)
• MUS 605 The Measurement of Musical Behaviors (3)

3 credits from the following: Foundations of Music Teaching & Learning

• MUS 618 Psychology of Music (3)
• MUS 634 Contemporary Trends in Music Education (3)
• MUS 650 Seminar in Music Education (3)
• MUS 653 Music Supervision (3)
• MUS 659 Philosophy of Music (3)

3 credits from the following: Music Education Methods & Approaches

• MUS 627 Multicultural Issues in Music Education (3)
• MUS 632 Methods and Materials in Music Reading Instruction (3)
• MUS 633 Teaching Music to Exceptional Children (3)
• MUS 645 Teaching Elementary Methods: Theory and Practice (3)
• MUS 656 Advanced Choral and General Music Methods for the Adolescent (3)
• MUS 657 Advanced Instrumental Methods (3)

Exit Requirements

To acquire the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Music Education, all students must complete the course work, as specified in item 14, with a grade of B or better to demonstrate that they have sufficient depth and breadth of music education knowledge and skills.

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The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in BioMusic requires 15 semester hours and provides students interdisciplinary, sate-of-the art knowledge, methodologies, and skills needed to effectively participate in BioMusic research and teaching. The coursework will provide innovative, relevant foundational knowledge and experiences that reflect the changing perspective of the 21st century on the role of music and music-making’s fundamentals in humans and other species.

This certificate is intended for professionals or recent graduates who already have a bachelor’s degree in music, liberal arts, or sciences to gain state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in all aspects of BioMusic including current tools and methodologies in order to actively participate in BioMusic research and teaching.

Program Requirements

15 Credits minimum (must be taken at UNCG):

Required Course: (3 credits)

• MUS 667 BioMusic Grounding and Practice (3)

Qualifying Electives: (9 credits, 3 must be outside MTD/MUS/MUP/MUE)

• MTD 638 Exploring Musical Cultures (3)
• MUE 618 Psychology of Music (3)
• MUE 619 Acoustics of Music (3)
• MUE 659 Philosophy of Music (3)
• MUS 631 Selected Topics in Ethnomusicology (3)
• ATY 555 Human Evolution (3)
• ATY 557 Primate Behavior (3)
• BIO 606 Seminar in Evolutionary Biology (3)
• BIO 625 Advanced Animal Behavior (3)
• CSD 630 Fundamentals for Speech and Language Analysis (3)
• CSD 632 Introduction to Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders (3)
• CST 502 Semiotics of Everyday Life
• CST 601 Engaging Communication Theories (3)
• CST 602 Engaging Communication Research Methodology (3)
• CST 632 Introduction in Relational Communication (3)
• PSY 625 Advanced Animal Behavior (3)
• PSY 643 Developmental Psychology (3)
• PYS 652 Cognitive Processes (3)
• PSY 735 Seminar on Contemporary Issues (3)
• SOC 616 Advanced Research Methods (3)
• SOC 619 Practicum in Evaluative Research (3)
• MLS 610 Culture and Ideas (3)
• MLS 620 Human Nature and Society (3)
• MLS 630 Scientific Reasoning (3)

Research / Independent Study: (3 credits)

• MUS 697 Directed Study in Music (3)

Exit Requirements

The capstone experience that includes active research should result in a publishable research article.

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