该课程的学生编写各种传统声学乐器的作品，从独奏作品到大型管弦乐队的作品，以及各种电子资源，都在作曲老师的指导下不断努力完善自己的作曲声音。该计划提供了许多用于进阶学习的课程，最近提供的课程包括以计算机符号，Max / MSP / Jitter，艺术歌曲创作，Schenkerian理论为主题的研讨会，以及由古典传统之外的音乐为基础的创作（包括摇滚，爵士乐，和非西方传统）。该课程的学生为BCCM交响乐团，BCCM交响乐团，克罗诺斯四重奏，摩擦弦乐四重奏以及许多其他常驻和客座合奏团编写了作品，供阅读和研讨会使用
The Theory and Composition area at California State University, Long Beach is a comprehensive and progressive program that prepares students for successful careers in concert, media (film, television, animation or video game), dance, theater andor experimental music. The curriculum provides the necessary techniques, materials, practices and technological experiences for students to envision and pursue their own careers. Students demonstrate determination, curiosity, and a strong work ethic; while the area is guided by a faculty with diverse and extensive artistic and pedagogical experience. Private, one-on-one, studio instruction by our composition faculty and a recital project distinguishes our program. Students have the opportunity to receive additional feedback in composition class and the Composition Colloquium, the weekly idea emporium required to all composition major students. In addition, students have an array of courses to choose from: media scoring to songwriting, interactive media to sound design, from arranging to jazz theory, and from business of music to conducting. The university environment provides the ideal platform for collaborations with other programs: animation, dance, art, theater, design, engineering, science, and math.