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2022 Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Music Theory & Composition

174 Colleges in the United States
595 Bachelor's Degrees
Music Theory & Composition is above average in terms of popularity with it being the #329 most popular bachelor's degree program in the country. As a result, there are many colleges that offer the degree, making your choice of school a hard one.

College Factual reviewed 174 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the most popular for bachelor's degree seekers in the field of music theory and composition. Combined, these schools handed out 595 bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Music Theory & Composition School for Your Bachelor's Degree

Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Music Theory & Composition The music composition bachelor's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. One of the reasons we created our Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Music Theory & Composition ranking is to help you make that choice.

While being high in popularity does not always mean a school has a quality music theory and composition program, it is a sign that a large number of students choose the school. Sometimes this is because the school offers a great educational experience, it is a good value, or it is highly focused on the program.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Associate Degrees in Music Composition
Master's Degrees in Music Composition
Doctor's Degrees in Music Composition
Overall Popularity in Music Composition

This is not our only ranking, nor the only degree level we have ranked. In addition to this ranking, you may want to take at the rankings for different degree levels as called out above. You can also narrow your search by location by filtering for a certain area of the country. Plus, you can view our other rankings for music theory and composition.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

The following list ranks the most popular colleges and universities for pursuing a bachelor's degree in music theory and composition. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Music Composition Students Working on Their Bachelor's

1
173 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MA
#1 Best Quality In MA

Berklee College of Music is a popular option for individuals interested in a bachelor's degree in music theory and composition. Located in the city of Boston, Berklee College of Music is a private not-for-profit college with a medium-sized student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in Massachusetts.

There were about 173 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at Berklee College of Music in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from Berklee College of Music

2
25 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CT
#1 Best Quality In CT

Every student who is interested in a bachelor's degree in music theory and composition needs to look into Western Connecticut State University. WestConn is a medium-sized public university located in the small city of Danbury. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in Connecticut.

There were approximately 25 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at WestConn in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from Western Connecticut State University

3
Academy of Art University crest
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA
18 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#12 Best Quality In CA

Every student who is interested in a bachelor's degree in music theory and composition needs to take a look at Academy of Art University. Located in the large city of San Francisco, Academy of Art University is a private for-profit university with a medium-sized student population.

There were approximately 18 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at Academy of Art University in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from Academy of Art University

4
16 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CA
#7 Best Quality In CA

Every student pursuing a degree in a bachelor's degree in music theory and composition has to take a look at California Institute of the Arts. Located in the large suburb of Valencia, CalArts is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #7 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in California.

There were about 16 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at CalArts in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from California Institute of the Arts

5
Purchase College crest
Purchase College
Purchase, NY
15 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#10 Best Quality In NY

Purchase College is a small public college located in the suburb of Purchase.

There were about 15 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at Purchase College in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from Purchase College

6
Belmont crest
Belmont University
Nashville, TN
11 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TN
#2 Best Quality In TN

Belmont is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Nashville. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in Tennessee.

There were approximately 11 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at Belmont in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from Belmont University

7
10 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
#1 Best Quality In NY

Located in the medium-sized city of Rochester, University of Rochester is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in New York.

There were approximately 10 music theory and composition students who graduated with this degree at University of Rochester in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from University of Rochester

7
Musicians Institute crest
Musicians Institute
Hollywood, CA
10 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In CA

Located in the city of Hollywood, Musicians Institute is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

There were about 10 music theory and composition students who graduated with this degree at Musicians Institute in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from Musicians Institute

7
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
10 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
#2 Best Quality In NY

Located in the city of New York, NYU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in New York.

There were approximately 10 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from New York University

7
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
10 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In FL
#2 Best Quality In FL

Located in the small city of Coral Gables, U Miami is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in Florida.

There were about 10 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from University of Miami

11
9 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MO
#1 Best Quality In MO

UMKC is a fairly large public university located in the city of Kansas City. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in Missouri.

There were roughly 9 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at UMKC in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from University of Missouri - Kansas City

11
Temple crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
9 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In PA
#1 Best Quality In PA

Located in the large city of Philadelphia, Temple is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in Pennsylvania.

There were roughly 9 music theory and composition students who graduated with this degree at Temple in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from Temple University

11
9 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OR
#1 Best Quality In OR

Lewis and Clark College is a small private not-for-profit college located in the city of Portland. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in Oregon.

There were roughly 9 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at Lewis and Clark College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from Lewis & Clark College

14
8 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OH
#4 Best Quality In OH

UC is a fairly large public university located in the city of Cincinnati. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #4 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in Ohio.

There were roughly 8 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from University of Cincinnati - Main Campus

15
7 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In GA
#1 Best Quality In GA

Located in the medium-sized city of Athens, UGA is a public university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in Georgia.

There were roughly 7 music theory and composition students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from University of Georgia

15
7 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In WA

Located in the city of Redmond, Digipen is a private for-profit school with a small student population.

There were roughly 7 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at Digipen in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from DigiPen Institute of Technology

15
7 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IL
#1 Best Quality In IL

Northwestern is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Evanston. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in Illinois.

There were about 7 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from Northwestern University

15
7 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#4 Most Popular In CA
#1 Best Quality In CA

USC is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Los Angeles. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in California.

There were about 7 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from University of Southern California

19
6 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#5 Most Popular In CA
#13 Best Quality In CA

Located in the city of Hollywood, LA Film School is a private for-profit school with a moderately-sized student population. More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from Los Angeles Film School

19
Ithaca crest
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY
6 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#4 Most Popular In NY
#3 Best Quality In NY

Located in the small suburb of Ithaca, Ithaca is a private not-for-profit college with a moderately-sized student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in New York.

There were approximately 6 music theory and composition students who graduated with this degree at Ithaca in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from Ithaca College

21
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
5 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In FL
#1 Best Quality In FL

Located in the midsize city of Tallahassee, Florida State is a public university with a very large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in Florida.

There were approximately 5 music theory and composition students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from Florida State University

21
UArts crest
The University of the Arts
Philadelphia, PA
5 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In PA
#2 Best Quality In PA

Located in the city of Philadelphia, UArts is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 5 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at UArts in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from The University of the Arts

21
Oberlin crest
Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH
5 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In OH
#1 Best Quality In OH

Located in the town of Oberlin, Oberlin is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in Ohio.

There were roughly 5 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at Oberlin in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from Oberlin College

21
5 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#6 Most Popular In CA
#4 Best Quality In CA

Chapman is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Orange. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for bachelor's degrees in music theory and composition in California.

There were roughly 5 music theory and composition individuals who graduated with this degree at Chapman in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from Chapman University

21
5 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type

The New England Conservatory of Music is a fairly small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston.

There were roughly 5 music theory and composition students who graduated with this degree at The New England Conservatory of Music in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in music theory and composition from The New England Conservatory of Music

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Music Theory & Composition students that almost earned our Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Music Theory & Composition award.

Rank College Location
27 Arizona State University - Tempe Tempe, AZ
27 Brooklyn College Brooklyn, NY
27 University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI
27 Rider University Lawrenceville, NJ
27 Baylor University Waco, TX
27 Manhattan School of Music New York, NY
27 Columbia College Chicago Chicago, IL
27 SUNY Fredonia Fredonia, NY
27 Western Washington University Bellingham, WA
27 The New School New York, NY
27 California Baptist University Riverside, CA

Music Theory & Composition by Region

View the Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Music Theory & Composition for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Music Theory & Composition is one of 16 different types of Music programs to choose from.

Related Major Annual Graduates
General Music 7,886
Music Performance 4,318
Other Music 886
Music Technology 656
Voice Performance 364
Jazz Studies 347
Stringed Instruments 209
Keyboard Instruments 174
Music History 141
Music Pedagogy 78

Notes and References

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