Overview

The Composition programme at the University of North Texas offers a comprehensive graduate experience within one of the most respected music schools in the United States. This Master of Arts degree integrates traditional acoustic methods with cutting-edge music technology to prepare students for diverse professional careers.

As one of the largest and most diverse departments of its kind, the division supports approximately 70 students guided by expert faculty. The curriculum is designed to provide artistic flexibility while maintaining high academic standards. Students benefit from a rigorous environment that encourages the development of a unique personal compositional voice.

Why Composition at the University of North Texas?

The institution is home to world-class facilities, including seven performance halls, over 300 practice rooms, and specialised computer laboratories. Students have regular opportunities to hear their original works performed by large ensembles, such as the UNT Symphony Orchestra and the Nova Ensemble.

The university maintains strong professional links through institutional memberships with the American Composers Forum and the Society of Composers, Inc. These connections provide students with access to a vast national network of professional composers and industry specialists. The Composers Forum student organisation further assists in coordinating public performances both on and off campus.

Faculty members are internationally distinguished for their work in acoustic and intermedia composition, frequently receiving prestigious grants and commissions. The college serves as a cultural hub for the region, hosting more than 1,000 concerts annually. This vibrant atmosphere ensures that students are constantly exposed to new music and guest residencies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 16404 per year
National fee: USD 16404 per year
Local fee: USD 8700 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

World Music Analysis
Music Cultures of the World
Orchestration
Computer Music
Contemporary Music
Analytical Techniques for Popular Music

Careers with Composition

Graduates from this programme have achieved significant success on both national and international stages. Many alumni secure prestigious positions as university professors, sharing their expertise with the next generation of musicians. The diverse training provided ensures that students are well-equipped for various roles within the modern music industry.

Common career paths for graduates include working as commercial and media composers, where they create scores for film, television, and digital platforms. Others find success as professional arrangers or transition into leadership roles as arts administrators. The programme also develops transferable skills in data analysis, public event management, and journal editing.

Programme Structure

Courses Overview:

There are many performance opportunities available at UNT for composition students. These include the Spectrum concert series that features new instrumental works, vocal works and works utilizing new technologies by faculty and student composers.

There are also regular opportunities for students to have new works read by large ensembles, including the UNT Symphony Orchestra and Nova Ensemble.

The Composers Forum student organization brings new student works to the public's attention, coordinating performances of UNT composers' works on and off campus. The weekly Music Now forum encourages the exchange of ideas and information about the creation, performance and understanding of recent music.

The division has access to a national network of professional composers through the Society of Composers, Inc. and an institutional membership to the American Composers Forum.
Electives

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Denton, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 1020 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Current résumé or curriculum vitae
Personal statement that addresses compositional aesthetics and influences, long-range professional goals and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree at UNT
Recordings of three representative works
Scores of three representative works
Three letters of recommendation
Transcripts
Writing sample

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

16404 USD / year

≈ 16404 USD / year
Out-of-State

16404 USD / year

≈ 16404 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8700 USD / year

≈ 8700 USD / year

Living costs

Denton

United States

1036 - 1920 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 Composition.

Available Scholarships

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Composition

About

On this page

About

Overview

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

Denton

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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