Master of Sacred Music

Program of Study

The Masters in Sacred Music (M.S.M.) is an applied program that prepares students for pastoral liturgical music ministry. The program in Sacred Music is part of a larger initiative for Liturgy and Sacred Arts, but it is the only part of the initiative that is degree granting at this point in time. Following the principles of the document Music in Catholic Worship, the program is multi-disciplinary embracing in particular three dimensions: musical, liturgical, and pastoral. The program strives to integrate these three dimensions grounding the student professionally in liturgical music as a ministry.

Learn More
Concentration in Organ >
Concentration in Choral-Vocal >

Develop the following competencies

A professional level of musical training in a specific area of sacred music (i.e. organ or choral) with secondary sensitivity to other allied areas of sacred music.

A working knowledge of the worship life of the Catholic Church in its various traditions, both East and West, as well as an acquaintance with the worship life of Protestant communions. While the program is Catholic to the core, liturgy is best learned in an ecumenical setting.

Knowledge of the liturgical documents of the Roman Catholic Church, especially since Vatican II.

Pastoral formation in order to be able to discern whether music in the liturgical celebration will enable the congregation to express its "faith, in this place, in this age, in this culture." (MCW 39)

Integration of pastoral, musical and liturgical dimensions.

Program description

The M.S.M. degree is a two-year 48-credit-hour degree, consisting of courses in sacred music, liturgical studies, and applied music. There are two areas of concentration for the MSM: Organ and Choral-Vocal.

General course requirements include the following courses:

  • Liturgy (15 credits)
  • Sacred Music (15 credits)
  • Music Studies/Performance (16 credits)
  • Interdisciplinary Colloquia (2 credits)
  • Applied Music Practices (remedial courses offered on a non-credit basis); Practicum (supervised pastoral placement for four semesters – transcripted only)

Interdisciplinary Colloquium

The master’s colloquium is designed both to familiarize M.S.M. students with the methods and content of the disciplines of music and theology and to engage students with faculty members in discussions about Sacred Music. Each year several colloquia will address issues common to both liturgy and the sacred arts. These colloquia will ground the interdisciplinary ethos of the programs, and draw the faculty and students into on-going dialogue. Attendance is mandatory for all M.S.M. students.

Practicum

M.S.M. students will benefit from supervised pastoral placement for four semesters in the following places: Basilica of the Sacred Heart, local churches, or residence halls.

Comprehensive Exam

M.S.M. students are required to do two recitals or one recital and a 60-minute oral comprehensive exam (to be administered in the final semester).