Overview

Key facts

Collaborations with accomplished musicians and artists complement a strong curriculum in music theory, musicology, and performance. The Boston University School of Music and the Department of Composition and Theory are embedded in the vital international music scene through the multifaceted Center for New Music.

General Degree Requirements

The MM in Composition is granted upon successful completion of a program of study and terminal projects appropriate to the student’s field of specialization. Students must complete a minimum of 36 semester credits with grades no lower than B- in graduate-level coursework. Students must take at least 6 credits combined in music theory and musicology. Approved music elective courses may include MET, MH, MP, and MT courses numbered 500 or higher. PDP courses (e.g., tennis, dancing, or yoga) do not count as approved music electives for graduate students. Students in all Master of Music programs must pass comprehensive examinations in their area. These examinations are normally given in the fourth or final semester of study. All degree requirements must be completed within five years of the date of matriculation.

Students in Master of Music programs who are interested in pursuing a double major should speak with the chairs of both intended areas of study and then consult with the Director of Graduate Studies to work out details of the combined programs. A petition to the Graduate Studies committee is required for approval.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music Research Techniques

Graduate Composition

Advanced Orchestration

Advanced Tonal Analysis

Advanced Post-Tonal Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2024-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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Duolingo English Test

120

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 1089 other Masters in Music in United States

Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Schedule an IELTS test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Boston University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts.

Non-refundable application fee of $95.

Upload transcripts from all colleges and universities to your application. Please do not send transcripts to us.

Two (2) letters of recommendation

Personal statement uploaded in the application indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, including career objectives.

Current résumé uploaded in the application.

A prescreening portfolio must be submitted online by December 1

Applicants who pass the prescreening must complete an interview with members of our Composition and Theory faculty.

A performance audition is not required for admission to graduate programs in composition.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

29984 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 29984 USD per year during 24 months.
National

29984 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 29984 USD per year during 24 months.
In-State

29984 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 29984 USD per year during 24 months.

Living costs for Boston

1560 - 3239 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Composition.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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