Music Theory and Composition

CIP Code: 50.0904

A music theory and composition degree prepares graduates for careers in Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary, Music directors and composers. 147 colleges and universities offer this program.

Annual Degrees Awarded
1,336
Colleges Offering 147
Avg. Career Salary $71,930
Top Career Salary $80,190

What Can You Do With a Music Theory and Composition Degree?

Graduates with this degree pursue careers in the following fields:

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary

$80,190 +1.7% growth

Music directors and composers

$63,670 -0.3% growth
$71,930
Average Salary Across Careers
$80,190
Highest Paying Career
2
Career Paths Available

Best Colleges for Music Theory and Composition

Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees awarded. These are the top-rated colleges that produce the most graduates in music theory and composition.

# College Location Degrees Awarded Repit Grade
1 New York University New York, NY 64 A
2 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL 25 B+
3 Berklee College of Music Boston, MA 271 B
4 California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA 27 B
5 Academy of Art University San Francisco, CA 29 C
6 Los Angeles Film School Hollywood, CA 219 D

Largest Music Theory and Composition Programs

Schools ranked by number of graduates. These institutions produce the most music theory and composition graduates annually, including online and distance learning programs.

# College Location Degrees Awarded Repit Grade
1 Berklee College of Music Boston, MA 271 B
2 Los Angeles Film School Hollywood, CA 219 D
3 New York University New York, NY 64 A
4 Academy of Art University San Francisco, CA 29 C
5 California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA 27 B
6 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL 25 B+
1,336
Degrees Awarded Annually
147
Colleges Offering Program
2
Related Careers

About Music Theory and Composition

Music Theory and Composition is a degree program offered at 147 colleges and universities across the United States. Each year, approximately 1,336 students graduate with this degree.

Graduates with this degree can pursue careers such as art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary, music directors and composers.

Program Classification

CIP Code 50.0904
Field (2-digit CIP) 50
Category (4-digit CIP) 50.09

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a Music Theory and Composition degree?
A Music Theory and Composition degree can lead to careers as a art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary, music directors and composers, and more. Top earners in related careers can make up to $80,190 annually.
How many colleges offer Music Theory and Composition?
147 colleges and universities in the United States offer Music Theory and Composition as a degree program. Each year, approximately 1,336 students graduate with this degree.
What are the best colleges for Music Theory and Composition?
The best colleges for Music Theory and Composition based on Repit's ratings include New York University, University of Miami, Berklee College of Music, California Institute of the Arts, Academy of Art University. Rankings are based on the college's overall Repit grade and the number of degrees awarded in this program.
What is the salary potential with a Music Theory and Composition degree?
Graduates with a Music Theory and Composition degree can expect average salaries around $71,930 in related careers, with top earners making up to $80,190. Actual salaries depend on the specific career path, experience level, and location.