Overview

The Music programme at Northern Illinois University provides a comprehensive graduate experience designed to foster artistic excellence and intellectual growth. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that balances practical performance skills with deep academic inquiry to prepare for diverse roles in the global arts sector.

This degree functions as a bridge between intensive conservatory training and the expansive resources of a large-scale university. The curriculum is designed to be versatile, allowing students to focus on traditional Western music, jazz, contemporary styles, or various world music traditions. This breadth ensures that graduates are well-rounded professionals capable of adapting to the evolving demands of the music industry.

Why Music at Northern Illinois University?

The School of Music at Northern Illinois University is distinguished by its ability to offer the focused intensity of a conservatory alongside the extensive facilities of a major institution. Students have access to diverse programming, including specialised ensembles for steelpan, jazz, and world music, which are unique to the region. The university provides a strong practical foundation, ensuring that artistic development is matched by professional readiness.

Facilities include dedicated recording arts technology and various performance venues that host a busy calendar of concerts and recitals. The institution also maintains strong links with the wider arts community, providing students with numerous performance opportunities. Furthermore, the faculty are committed to inclusive excellence, ensuring a broad cultural perspective is integrated into all scholarly and creative activities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 775 per credit
National fee: USD 388 per credit
Local fee: USD 388 per credit

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

Syllabus

The Master of Music consists of 13 semester hours of core requirements and 19 semester hours within a chosen area of expertise. Modules may include:

Music Education
Music Performance
Composition
World Music
Jazz Studies
Recording Arts
Media Technologies
Conducting

Careers with Music

Graduates from this programme often pursue successful careers in performance, education, and arts administration. The diverse training prepares students for roles in professional orchestras, private studios, and higher education institutions. Alumni have secured positions with prestigious organisations and schools across the country.

Common career paths for graduates include:

Band Director
Ensemble Member
Executive Director
Faculty Member
Piano Instructor

Former students have found employment with notable employers such as the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, Berklee College of Music, and the American Music Institute. The programme's focus on both practical and theoretical mastery ensures that alumni are competitive candidates for leadership roles within the music industry and community arts organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

String Ensemble
Woodwind Ensemble
Brass Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Guitar Ensemble
Keyboard Ensemble

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-07-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-10 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Music View 1018 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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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.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent recognition.

Achieved a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent.

If you received a three-year degree awarded through the Bologna process in Europe or a three-year Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration awarded in India, you are eligible to apply (provided you are seeking admission to the MBA or OMIS program).

Transcripts

Letters of recommendation.

Statement of purpose.

Test scores (if required).

Resume or curriculum vitae (optional)

Additional materials required by your program.

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

25440 USD / year

≈ 25440 USD / year
Out-of-State

12704 USD / year

≈ 12704 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12704 USD / year

≈ 12704 USD / year

Additional Details

National and International: 878.99 per credit Local: 509.75 per credit

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 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 Music.

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

DeKalb

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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