MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CONDUCTING (MSC)

THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CONDUCTING PROGRAM OBJECTIVE
The Master of Conducting degree program is designed to offer advanced musical studies focused upon development of conducting skills to qualified graduates of undergraduate music and music education programs.

This training will prepare students for professional advancement in leadership of school, community, and church music organizations. The degree program may also serve to prepare individuals for teaching positions in higher education or for further study on the 6th-year or doctoral level.

Upon successful completion of the Master of Science in Conducting program, the student will be able to

1. demonstrate advanced skills in rehearsing and leading a musical ensemble;

2. incorporate current research findings into musical analysis, performance practice, and rehearsal psychology;

3. display comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge of musical repertoire in an area of specialization (instrumental or vocal);

4. assume professional responsibilities for conducting school, community, and/or church music organizations with high standards of musical achievement;

5. qualify for entry-level positions teaching music in institutions of higher education; and

6. continue musical studies at the Ed.S. or doctoral degree level.

PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS

Candidates for admission must have earned a baccalaureate degree in musical studies that includes sufficient coursework appropriate to graduate studies in conducting.
 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CONDUCTING
Unconditional Admission
NOTE: These standards are in addition to the Admission Standards for Graduate School.

1. Candidates must meet the following requirements:
   Hold a baccalaureate degree in music (B.A., B.S., B.M., or B.M.E.) from a regionally accredited institution.

2. Successfully complete an entrance examination covering music theory and history.

3. Complete a successfully prepared conducting audition before the conducting faculty.

4. Unconditional admission will be granted to candidates meeting requirements 1, 2, and 3 above, as well as meeting the Graduate School general requirements listed under Unconditional Admission in the Admission Classification section.

Conditional Admission

Conditional admission may be granted to candidates meeting requirements 1, 2, and 3 above, but who may be deficient in GPA or test scores as required by the Graduate School. Students admitted conditionally must clear their status during the first 12 semester hours of work, as prescribed under Conditional Admission in the Admission Classification section.
 

CURRICULUM

Courses carry three semester hours credit for lecture courses and one semester hour credit for performance and ensemble courses.
 

TRANSFER CREDIT

A maximum of four courses (12 semester hours) taken at another regionally accredited institution, each with a grade of "B" or better, can be applied toward the degree. These courses must be comparable in content and catalog description to Troy University courses in the Master of Science in Conducting graduate program and be approved by the appropriate main campus dean/department chair. Students transferring a "core" or "required course" are still subject to a written comprehensive exam based on the material presented at Troy University.
 

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY

1. To be admitted to candidacy, students must have a 3.0 GPA on all work attempted.

2. Unconditionally admitted graduate students may apply for admission to candidacy for a degree after completing six semester graduate hours at Troy University. A student will be admitted to candidacy the term following completion of 12 semester hours.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS—Master of Science in Conducting

Students will elect to specialize in either instrumental or choral conducting. Any student who completes the 30 semester hours of course work listed below with a 3.0 GPA or better and successfully completes the conducting recital (MUS 6633) and the comprehensive exam (for MUS 6631, 6632, 6636, 6691, and 6606 or 6609) will be awarded the master’s degree.