Overview

Students of the Sacred Music program offered by Boston University are prepared for leadership roles in communities of faith and as performers, scholars, and teachers using the incomparable resources of the College of Fine Arts–School of Music and School of Theology. For example, Boston University houses the American Guild of Organists’s organ library and one of the finest hymnological collections in North America.

The Master of Sacred Music degree is offered jointly through the School of Theology and the School of Music and administered by the School of Theology. Since the MSM is essential for employment as a church musician, the program is offered with two concentrations: organ and choral conducting.

Key facts

The Master of Sacred Music consists of a series of required courses in three categories: theology, music, and the ministry of music. The successful completion of these courses and a final project is required for the degree. Proficiency in music theory, history, keyboard proficiency, and choral conducting is required. MSM students must pass diagnostic examinations in these areas upon entrance into the program. The examination schedule will be provided by the School of Theology Admissions office in the summer, but typically takes place a few days before the start of classes each fall. All MSM students are advised by the Director of the Sacred Music Program and the head of the applied music field in which they entered. A plan of study is prepared in the first semester, in consultation with both advisors. It is revised, as needed, during the duration of the program.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Christian Traditions

Christianity Engaging Modernity

Hebrew Bible

New Testament

Christian Worship

Music Ministry: Methods and Materials

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

45 SCH

48 (choral conducting) or 45 (organ) semester credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies Music Liberal Arts View 752 other Masters in Theology and Religious Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Online application

$95 non-refundable application fee, submitted online

Digital copy (PDF preferred) of unofficial transcripts from all academic institutions where the applicant received previous academic credit

3 Letters of reference

Personal statement

CV or Resume

Application essay

International applicants to all School of Theology degree programs must include additional items as part of their visa application with the United States government.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

66670 USD / year

≈ 66670 USD / year
Out-of-State

66670 USD / year

≈ 66670 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

66670 USD / year

≈ 66670 USD / year

Living costs

Boston

United States

1560 - 3239 USD / month

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

Financing

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Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Sacred Music.

Available Scholarships

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On this page

About

Overview

Key facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Boston

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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