Why Pursue a Graduate Certificate in Music Theory Pedagogy
The Graduate Certificate in Music Theory Pedagogy at UTSA is specifically designed for educators at both the secondary and collegiate levels. This program, one of the only of its kind in Texas, offers teachers the opportunity to enhance their content and pedagogical knowledge related to music theory. Focus is also placed on developing strategies for incorporating music theory and aural skills into ensemble rehearsals and private lessons, which are central to these music teaching positions.
Earn a Master's Degree
Are you ready to take your career and academic journey to the next level? Combine this program with another eligible certificate to earn a master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies! Take advantage of the opportunity to customize your degree to align with your professional and educational goals.
Admission & Application Requirements
Applications are submitted through the UTSA Graduate Application. Please upload all required documents (listed below) on your UTSA Graduate Application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completion and submission of the application, a nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents are on file with UTSA by the appropriate application deadline.
For international students, please note that student visas are not issued at UTSA for non-degree-seeking students, including certificate programs. For more information, visit our international students admission page.
| Music Theory Pedagogy (CERT) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Required Degree | Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution. Applicants are expected to hold a Bachelor of Music degree or Bachelor of Music Education degree with a major in their intended area of graduate emphasis. | |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) Departments may consider GPA of last 60 semester credit hours | |
| Transcripts* | Required from all institutions attended; international transcripts must be recorded/translated to English | |
| Credential Evaluation | Required if you have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions. Submit an evaluation of your transcripts from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) directly from the graduate admission application platform | |
| English Language Proficiency | 550 TOEFL Paper / 79 TOEFL Internet / 6.5 IELTS / Duolingo 100 | |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2 academic or professional reference(s) demonstrating your attributes for successful completion of this program (you will request these through the Graduate Admissions Application; let your recommenders know of your deadline to ensure submissions are on time) | |
| *Unofficial transcripts will be taken into consideration for admissions; however, if admitted into the program, you must submit official transcripts to the University. | ||
Application Deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline. Deadlines are subject to change.
| Music Theory Pedagogy (CERT) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing on Admission Decision: Completed applications will be reviewed for admission on a rolling basis. Decisions generally will be made and sent to applicants within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving the application. | |||
| Application Deadlines for: | Priority | International | Domestic |
| Spring 2025 | Not Available | November 1 | November 1 |
| Summer 2025 | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| Fall 2025 | February 1 | May 1 | May 1 |
| Spring 2026 | Not Available | November 1 | November 1 |
| Summer 2026 | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
Career Options
UTSA prepares you for future careers that are in demand. The possible careers below is data pulled by a third-party tool called Emsi, which pulls information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, other government databases and more to give you regional and national career outlook related to this academic program.
- MUS 5133 – Topics in Music Theory
- MUS 5313 – Music Theory Pedagogy
- MUS 5323 – Aural Skills Pedagogy
- MUS 5342 – Keyboard Skills for Music Theory
- MUS 5541 – Advanced Pedagogy Practicum
Students who do not meet the minimum requirements on the entrance exams are also required to take MUS 5002 Graduate Music Theory Review and/or MUS 5042 Graduate Aural Skills Review prior to enrolling in the courses required for the certificate.
