The Master of Arts in Musicology offers students a multitude of research opportunities. A faculty of active scholars, Latin American Center for Graduate Studies in Music, and proximity to such Washington institutions as the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution provide the resources needed to become a 21st-century musical scholar. The school's music departments are fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Students are encouraged to take advantage of all the resources, cultural and intellectual, that Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area offer. The Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art remains the preeminent Catholic center for music study in the United States and is internationally recognized for perpetuating the Church’s historical role in uplifting the human spirit through the study and performance of music. The music departments welcome applications from women and men of character, intelligence, motivation, and talent, regardless of race, creed, nationality, ethnic background, or disability.<br><br>The bachelor's degree program includes at least 18 semester hours in music theory and six semester hours in music history. Any deficiencies must be made up in the first year. An original research paper on any musical topic is required as part of the application. The paper should demonstrate facility with scholarly sources, the ability to formulate an original argument, and solid writing skills. All entering graduate students in the Master of Arts degree program must take the Music Theory Placement Examination and the Music History Placement Examination.