Overview

The Media Scoring M.F.A. at The City University of New York provides students with an immersive environment to master the art of composing music for visual narratives. This advanced programme bridges the gap between musical creativity and technical production, ensuring graduates are prepared for the evolving demands of the entertainment industry. Students learn to weave music through narrative structures, working from the perspective of a storyteller to enhance emotional impact.

Why Media Scoring at The City University of New York?

Students benefit from a unique collaboration with the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema, allowing for direct engagement with visual media projects. The programme is situated within the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City, offering access to expert faculty from the Conservatory of Music. Facilities and mentorship opportunities enable students to work one-on-one with industry professionals, developing skills in recording, music supervision, and the business aspects of the media industry.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 855 per credit
National fee: USD 855 per credit
Local fee: USD 470 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 60 credits, including core music courses, graduate cinema modules, and specialized electives. Students must also complete a two-part capstone seminar involving a substantial creative or research project. Modules may include:

Media Scoring
Orchestration
Conducting
Music Editing
Sound Design
Music Business
Recording
Music Supervision
Media Scoring Capstone Seminar

Careers with Media Scoring

Graduates are equipped for high-level roles within the film, television, and gaming sectors. The programme prepares individuals for professional paths as music editors, orchestrators, session conductors, and composers for commercial applications. Through dedicated career support, students have gained access to opportunities at prominent organisations such as Disney+, Viacom, BMI Music, and Soundcat Productions. The focus on both artistic vision and technical proficiency ensures readiness for the competitive global media market.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Areas of study include music composition, conducting, orchestration, music supervision, music business, music editing, sound design, and recording.

Media scoring students take classes at Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema and collaborate directly on visual media projects as part of their curriculum.

Students have the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty as well as in small group classes, developing the knowledge and skills to master the scoring process as it exists today.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-10 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies View 211 other Masters in Film Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

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

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree outside the United States need to submit a course-by-course international transcript evaluation.

Statement of purpose of approximately 500 words, typed, double-spaced, explaining your experience, artistic vision, and career goals.

Two letters of recommendation from former instructors, employers, or other people familiar with you and your work.

A creative portfolio of two to three completed works containing one or more of the following: scores, sound recordings, video files with soundtracks, documentation of works and performances, and artist’s notes on each work. The portfolio must be uploaded through SlideRoom.

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

25650 USD / year

≈ 25650 USD / year
Out-of-State

25650 USD / year

≈ 25650 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14100 USD / year

≈ 14100 USD / year

Additional Details

Residents: $5,545 per semester

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

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.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Media Scoring.

Available Scholarships

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

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

Additional Details

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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