理论与作曲集中课程的目的是为学生准备一所大学一级的作曲或音乐理论博士学位课程。该课程的准备重点是对作曲主题的个别指导，以​​及音乐理论必修和选修课程的广泛列表。理论课程使学生能够编写，聆听，分析，理论化和接受从十六世纪到现在对音乐作品的批评。
Theory & Composition at UNM is a vibrant area within the music department boasting a large, diverse faculty that works well together and a remarkable team of unique and talented students. Students work impressively as a community meeting weekly to develop collaborative projects, performances and concerts and to discuss relevant issues and share scholarly work. With a broad array of high-level course offerings in theory, composition and music technology, the BM and MM degrees in Theory-Composition are flexibly constructed to allow students to find the curriculum that's best suited to their short-term and long-term goals and needs. From the creation of fully theatrical collaborative multi-media shows, to professional conference invitations and publications, to acceptance letters from top-tier doctoral programs, we are extremely proud of what our students accomplish.