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Jazz Studies logo
Michigan State University logo

Jazz Studies

Michigan State University
Information last verified July 2026
Tuition USD 1,428 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 1,428 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
Degree Master of Music
Duration 24 months
Delivery On-campus
Location East Lansing, United States
Language English

Program Overview

The Jazz Studies at Michigan State University is a Master of Music programme in Humanities over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.

Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.

Graduates of the Jazz Studies programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United States and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.

Key Program Features

  1. Duration: 24 months
  2. Language of instruction: English
  3. Study mode: On-campus
  4. English requirement: IELTS 6.5
  5. Tuition: USD 1,428 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 1,428 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
  6. Location: East Lansing, United States, United States

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Jazz Studies programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:

  1. Researcher / Academic
  2. Cultural Programme Manager
  3. Editor / Writer
  4. Translator / Interpreter
  5. Museum Curator
  6. Communications Specialist

Program Curriculum

Course Structure

  1. Jazz Arranging and Composition
  2. Jazz Pedagogy
  3. Advanced Jazz Improvisation
  4. Graduate Jazz History
  5. Advanced Jazz Styles and Analysis
  6. Special Topics
  7. Graduate Recital Performance

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

You need the following GPA score:

Required score: 3.5

Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.5 on a US 4.0 grading scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on a 4.0 scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).

Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).

  • a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies, music performance, or music education from a recognized educational institution.
  • presented a live performance audition that demonstrates technical and improvisational skill equivalent to the level of Music 304 Advanced Jazz Musicianship IV.
  • demonstrated proficiency in the knowledge of jazz theory and jazz piano proficiency by passing the Jazz Musicianship Proficiency Examination with a grade of 3.5 or better.

For an applicant who has a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University, the live performance audition may be waived at the discretion of the faculty in the jazz studies area.

English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Tuition & Financial Information

Tuition Fee

USD 1,428 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 1,428 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students

Tuition fees: USD 1,428 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 1,428 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students

IELTS requirement: 6.5

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Contact Michigan State University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.

About Michigan State University

Michigan State University logo

Michigan State University

East Lansing, United States

public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, United States

University Profile
  • Start Date Jan, 2027
  • Language English
  • Duration 24 months