Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts / BOYER COLLEGE OF MUSIC AND DANCE

Learn more about the graduate certificate in Professional Studies.

About the Certificate

The post-master's certificate program in Professional Studies is rooted in the conservatory tradition with a strong emphasis on advanced performance study. It offers a year of comprehensive study and intensive training in major performance areas. Students choose from 12 instruments, including brass, cello, classical guitar, double bass, historical keyboard instruments, opera, percussion, piano, viola, violin, voice and woodwinds.

Time Limit for Certificate Completion: 2 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The certificate program is completed on a full-time basis.

Accreditation: The degree programs of Boyer College of Music and Dance are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Areas of Specialization: The Professional Studies post-master's certificate is offered in the following instruments:

  • Brass
  • Cello
  • Classical Guitar
  • Double Bass
  • Historical Keyboard Instruments
  • Opera
  • Percussion
  • Piano
  • Viola
  • Violin
  • Voice
  • Woodwinds

Job Prospects: The certificate program prepares musicians who are already performing at the post-master's level with specialized preparation for the professional world.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Students admitted to the certificate program are classified as non-matriculated graduate students by the University, since the program does not lead to a degree. No portion of the Professional Studies curriculum can be completed by credit transfer from another institution. Additionally, credit earned in Professional Studies cannot be transferred to another Boyer College program.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall and Spring: Admission is on a rolling basis. Interested students should contact music@temple.edu for permission to enroll in coursework.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate Bachelor of Music degree at Temple University, which is based on a curriculum of 124 to 135 hours. To enroll in the post-master's certificate program, candidates must hold the Master of Music degree (or the equivalent) in the field of specialization from an accredited institution.

Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A degree in Music is expected.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A degree in Music is expected.

Certificate Requirements

Number of Credits Required to Complete the Certificate: 18

Required Courses:

Brass, Classical Guitar, Percussion, and Woodwinds

MUSC 8500Instrumental Ensemble (2 terms)2
MUSC 9001Appl Music-Prof Studies4
MUSC 9002Appl Music-Prof Studies4
Ensemble or Repertoire course (2 terms)2
Elective (2 terms) 16
Total Credit Hours18
1

Students select electives to meet their individual needs. These may be advanced theory or history courses, performance practice courses, non-music courses that support the student's major study, or courses designed to fill gaps in earlier study. With departmental permission, elective credits may also be fulfilled by additional repertoire or ensemble courses, but only if this does not limit the participation of students in other programs in the College.

Cello, Viola, and Violin

MUSC 8500Instrumental Ensemble (2 terms)2
MUSC 8510Instrumental Ensemble (2 terms)2
MUSC 8555Orchestral Repertoire (2 terms)2
MUSC 9001Appl Music-Prof Studies4
MUSC 9002Appl Music-Prof Studies4
Elective (2 terms) 14
Total Credit Hours18
1

Students select electives to meet their individual needs. These may be advanced theory or history courses, performance practice courses, non-music courses that support the student's major study, or courses designed to fill gaps in earlier study. With departmental permission, elective credits may also be fulfilled by additional repertoire or ensemble courses, but only if this does not limit the participation of students in other programs in the College.

Double Bass

MUSC 8500Instrumental Ensemble (2 terms)2
or MUSC 8510 Instrumental Ensemble
MUSC 9001Appl Music-Prof Studies4
MUSC 9002Appl Music-Prof Studies4
Ensemble or Repertoire course (2 terms)2
Elective (2 terms) 16
Total Credit Hours18
1

Students select electives to meet their individual needs. These may be advanced theory or history courses, performance practice courses, non-music courses that support the student's major study, or courses designed to fill gaps in earlier study. With departmental permission, elective credits may also be fulfilled by additional repertoire or ensemble courses, but only if this does not limit the participation of students in other programs in the College.

Historical Keyboard Instruments and Piano

MUSC 9001Appl Music-Prof Studies4
MUSC 9002Appl Music-Prof Studies4
Ensemble, Accompanying, Literature, or Repertoire course (2 terms)4
Elective (2 terms) 16
Total Credit Hours18
1

Students select electives to meet their individual needs. These may be advanced theory or history courses, performance practice courses, non-music courses that support the student's major study, or courses designed to fill gaps in earlier study. With departmental permission, elective credits may also be fulfilled by additional repertoire or ensemble courses, but only if this does not limit the participation of students in other programs in the College.

Opera

MUSC 8231Opera Role Preparation3
MUSC 8232Opera Role Preparation3
MUSC 8235Opera Vocal Lessons2
MUSC 8236Opera Vocal Lessons2
Elective (2 terms) 18
Total Credit Hours18
1

Students select electives to meet their individual needs. These may be advanced theory or history courses, performance practice courses, non-music courses that support the student's major study, or courses designed to fill gaps in earlier study, although it is recommended that those in Opera take 2 credits of MUSC 8215 Vocal Coaching. With departmental permission, elective credits may also be fulfilled by additional repertoire or ensemble courses, but only if this does not limit the participation of students in other programs in the College.

Voice

MUSC 9001Appl Music-Prof Studies4
MUSC 9002Appl Music-Prof Studies4
Ensemble, Repertoire, Literature, or other Performance course (2 terms)4
Elective (2 terms) 16
Total Credit Hours18
1

Students select electives to meet their individual needs. These may be advanced theory or history courses, performance practice courses, non-music courses that support the student's major study, or courses designed to fill gaps in earlier study. With departmental permission, elective credits may also be fulfilled by additional repertoire or ensemble courses, but only if this does not limit the participation of students in other programs in the College.

GPA Required to be Awarded the Certificate: 3.0 minimum

Additional Requirements: Only grades of "B-" and higher count toward certificate requirements.

Culminating Event: A graduation recital is not required. Students are, however, required to play a jury each academic term.

Contacts

Certificate Program Web Address:

https://www.temple.edu/academics/degree-programs/professional-studies---music-certificate-graduate-bc-pfst-grpm

Admissions Information:

Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts/Boyer College of Music and Dance

129 Presser Hall

2001 N. 13th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19122-6079

music@temple.edu

215-204-8598

Submission Address for Application Materials:

https://apply.temple.edu/Boyer/

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

James Short

jshort@temple.edu

215-204-8598