Program Overview
The Music Composition at Illinois State University is a Master programme in Arts & Design 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 arts & design. 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 Music Composition 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
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: USD 808 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 389 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
- Location: Normal, United States, United States
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Music Composition programme are prepared for diverse careers in arts & design:
- Creative Director
- Graphic / UX Designer
- Art Director
- Curator
- Visual Artist
- Media Producer
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Counterpoint
- Orchestration
- Current Analytical Techniques
- Music Since 1950
- Music Research: Sources And Methods
- Composition
- Musical Genres
- Music And Societies
- Musical Styles Of The Renaissance Period
- Musical Styles Of The Baroque Period
- Musical Styles Of The Classical Period
- Musical Styles Of The Romantic Period
- Musical Styles Of The Twentieth Century
- Opera Practicum
- Ensembles: Jazz
- Ensembles: Guitar
- Madrigal Singers
- Wind Symphony
- Symphonic Winds
- Symphonic Band
- Symphony Orchestra: Strings
- Concert Choir
- Women\x92s Choir
- Civic Choir
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need the following GPA score:
Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to 2.8 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).
Admission Requirements
A student applying to a master\'s program must:- have earned a four-year bachelor\'s degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
- have a minimum 2.8 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work
- present official transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned.
- International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.
Additional Program Admission Requirements
A student applying to this program must:
- Undergraduate degree in music, or the equivalent for international students.
- School of Music application (included within the university application).
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8 for the last 60 hours of undergraduate enrollment.
- Three current letters of recommendation
- A live or recorded performance audition on the applicant\xc2\x92s primary applied instrument. Suggested repertoire may be found here.
- The GRE is not required.
- Two examples of recent musical compositions in PDF and MP3 formats
- One example of analytical writing on a musical work.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 808 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 389 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 808 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 389 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Illinois 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 Illinois State University
Illinois State University
Normal, United States
Illinois State University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields....
University Profile- Application Deadline 2001-05-18
- Start Date 2018-08-21
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
- Credits 9