Overview

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.

Key facts

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
Composition

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

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

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 1017 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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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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4.9/5 student rating

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 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

33382 USD / year

≈ 33382 USD / year
Out-of-State

33382 USD / year

≈ 33382 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

33382 USD / year

≈ 33382 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

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 Composition.

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

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

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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