The Master of Music in Sacred Music at The Catholic University of America offers advanced training in liturgical music with specializations in Choral Conducting or Organ. Combining rigorous musical instruction with theological and liturgical studies, the program prepares students for leadership roles in sacred music ministry, academia, and performance. Located in Washington, D.C., it provides access to renowned religious and cultural institutions, fostering both artistic excellence and spiritual depth. Graduates emerge as skilled musicians and leaders, ready to serve the Church and broader musical communities.
Master's
Sacred Music (MMSM)
Degrees
The M.M. in Sacred Music, typically consists of 44-48 credit hours of coursework.
The Master of Music in Sacred Music program at The Catholic University of America offers concentrations in Choral Conducting and Organ Performance. Each track integrates liturgical studies, sacred and choral music, applied skills, music history, theory, literature, performance, and electives. Both tracks require comprehensive examinations and a public recital.
Choral Conducting Concentration (Total: 48 semester hours):
- Liturgical Studies (6 hours):
- TRS 741A: Liturgy: Theological and Historical Perspectives (3 hours)
- TRS 744: Eucharist: A Liturgical Theology (3 hours)
- Sacred and Choral Music (6 hours):
- MUS 584: Liturgical Music (3 hours)
- MUS 746: Seminar in Sacred Music (3 hours)
- Applied Skills (4 hours):
- MUS 635: Repertory Chorus and Lessons (4 hours)
- Music History (6 hours):
- MUS 556: History of Sacred Music (3 hours)
- MUS 731: Research Methodology (3 hours)
- Music Theory (6 hours):
- MUS 711: Analytical Techniques I (3 hours)
- MUS 712: Analytical Techniques II (3 hours)
- Music Literature (12 hours):
- MUS 634: Choral Seminar (taken all four semesters) (3 hours)
- Music Performance:
- MUS 507: Chamber Choir (2 hours)
- After completing the unit requirement, non-credit participation in the CUA Chamber Choir is required each semester in residence. For this non-credit participation, students should register for MUS 507A.
- Electives (6 hours):
- General Electives (3 hours)
- Music Electives (3 hours)
- Comprehensive Examinations:
- MUS 698A (with classes) or MUS 698B (without classes)
- Recital:
- MUS 697A (with classes) or MUS 697B (without classes)
Organ Performance Concentration (Total: 44 semester hours):
- Liturgical Studies (6 hours):
- TRS 741A: Liturgy: Theological and Historical Perspectives (3 hours)
- TRS 744: Eucharist: A Liturgical Theology (3 hours)
- Sacred and Choral Music (6 hours):
- MUS 584: Liturgical Music (3 hours)
- MUS 746: Seminar in Sacred Music (3 hours)
- Applied Skills (8 hours):
- Organ Private Instruction (8 hours)
- Choral Studies (4 hours):
- MUS 635: Repertory Chorus (1 hour)
- MUS 634: Choral Seminar (3 hours)
- Music History (3 hours):
- MUS 556: History of Sacred Music (3 hours)
- Music Theory (3 hours):
- MUS 712: Analytical Techniques II (3 hours)
- Music Literature (6 hours):
- MUS 516: Organ Literature I (3 hours)
- MUS 516A: Organ Literature II (3 hours)
- Music Performance:
- MUS 507: Chamber Choir (2 hours)
- After completing the unit requirement, non-credit participation in the CUA Chamber Choir is required each semester in residence. For this non-credit participation, students should register for MUS 507A.
- Electives (6 hours):
- General Electives (3 hours)
- Music Electives (3 hours)
- Comprehensive Examinations:
- MUS 698A (with classes) or MUS 698B (without classes)
- Recital:
- MUS 697A (with classes) or MUS 697B (without classes)
$26,095 / semester
More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.