University of the Pacific
Music Theory and Composition
Field of study · Stockton, California, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Stockton
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
Music Theory and Composition at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Music composition graduates work as composers for film, television, games and concert music, alongside careers in music production, sound design, music publishing and recording. Many combine compositional work with music education and performance.
Student life (indicative)
Life in Stockton revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
3,204
Staff Ratio
13.0:1
International
7.0%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
68%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£37,133
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
University Life
Urban
City & Location
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Music Theory and Composition
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Music Theory and Composition topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Music Theory and Composition
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
3,204
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
13:1
Students per staff
International Students
7%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Urban
City Size
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Mild coastal
Safety Index (indicative)
6.5/10
Transport
Excellent (direct city or on-campus rail, major airport nearby)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle
Student Life & City (indicative)
Life in Stockton revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
- Life in Stockton revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
What Students Love
- Beach lifestyle
- Vibrant nightlife & bars
- Diverse international food scene
- Major sports culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
68%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£37,133
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Music composition graduates work as composers for film, television, games and concert music, alongside careers in music production, sound design, music publishing and recording. Many combine compositional work with music education and performance.
- Music composition graduates work as composers for film, television, games and concert music, alongside careers in music production, sound design, music publishing and recording.
- Many combine compositional work with music education and performance.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
N
- N
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,675/month (housing $1,650 alone, plus $520 food and $185 transport). A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.
- One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,675/month (housing $1,650 alone, plus $520 food and $185 transport).
- A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.