Overview

The Sonic Arts M.F.A. at The City University of New York provides a comprehensive environment for electroacoustic composers, sound designers, and electronic music artists to refine their creative practice. This 60-credit Master of Fine Arts degree is structured to support the production of both artistic and commercial works within the medium of sound. Students benefit from a flexible curriculum that balances technical proficiency with historical and theoretical understanding.

Why Sonic Arts at The City University of New York?

The programme is situated within the School of Visual, Media and Performing Arts, offering students access to an internationally acclaimed faculty. Participants receive weekly private composition lessons for four semesters, ensuring personalised mentorship throughout their studies. The university's location allows students to engage with the vibrant cultural and artistic energy of New York City, providing a unique backdrop for creative development and professional networking.

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 is designed to be flexible, allowing students to choose modules in consultation with the programme director to suit their artistic goals. A placement assessment is conducted upon entry to ensure students possess the necessary digital media and music skills. All candidates must complete a significant capstone project involving original research or creative work.

Modules may include:

Sonic Arts Capstone Seminar
Sonic Arts Capstone
Instrument Building
Interactivity
Sound Design
Electroacoustic Composition
Electronic Music Composition
Digital Media Skills

Careers with Sonic Arts

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths within the arts and the commercial media industry. The programme provides an academic route for artists working in digital media to transition into high-level professional roles. Alumni have secured positions at various institutions and organisations, including the University of Central Oklahoma, the University of Hartford, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Support for career development is available through dedicated centres that provide access to job fairs and internship databases.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

To obtain additional information about the program, we kindly suggest that you visit the programme website, where you can find further details and relevant resources.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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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

Music Musicology View 292 other Masters in Musicology 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 to 1,000 words, typed, double-spaced, explaining your prior experience, artistic vision, career goals, and the technologies of your practice.

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

A creative portfolio of three to six completed works. Works may contain sound recordings, scores, video, and/or other documentation, plus artist’s notes on each work. If a work was produced collaboratively, please tell your role in its creation. 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 Sonic Arts.

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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