1. For general information about the application process and fees, please see the prospective student page of the Graduate College website. Then, submit the online graduate application.
When completing the online application, the MAJOR CODE for the degree to which you are applying is selected first, then the DEGREE. The MAJOR CODES for graduate music degrees are as follows:
MUSIC: Music Theory, Music History and Theory, Musicology
COMPOSITION-THEORY: Composition and Theory
CONDUCTING: Band/Wind Ensemble, Choral, Orchestral
PERFORMANCE: Orchestral instruments, voice, M.M. piano
PEDAGOGY and PERFORMANCE: Voice, M.M. piano
PIANO PERFORMANCE: D.M.A. in piano performance
MUSIC EDUCATION: Instructional I Certification, M.M.E., Ph.D.
2. Submit supporting application materials such as official transcripts (and official translations if original is not in English), *GRE score, and **TOEFL score to:
School of Music
Graduate Admissions
The Pennsylvania State University
233 Music Building
University Park, PA 16802-1901
Additional application materials such as statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and graduate assistantship application, etc. are to be uploaded to the online admission application. Application and admission requirements for the various graduate programs may be found by clicking on the links found on the left-side menu.
3. If applying to one of the performance degrees, please access the appropriate audition requirements page for the requested performance area. Then, contact the faculty member directly to schedule an audition. If the faculty member wishes you to audition on one of the published Saturday audition dates, please also complete the online scheduling form.
*GRE score is only required for admission to the Master of Arts degree in Music (with tracks in Musicology, Music Theory, and Music Theory and History).
**TOEFL score - The language of instruction at Penn State is English. International applicants must take and request the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to submit official scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) to Penn State, with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, which requires an institutional test of English proficiency upon first enrollment and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5.
International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement who have received a baccalaureate or a masters degree from a college/university/institution in any of the following: Australia, Belize, British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United States and Wales. The School of Music requires international music education degree applicants (non-native English speakers) to submit an official TOEFL or IELTS score regardless of their academic background.
Information about the TOEFL can be obtained by writing to the Educational Testing Service, Box 6155, Princeton, NJ 08541-6155 or visiting www.toefl.org. Local administration at University Park campus of the TOEFL is handled by the IECP. Information about the IELTS can be obtained by contacting IELTS International, 100 East Corson Street, Suite 200, Pasadena, CA 91103 or visiting www.ielts.org.
International applicants are strongly urged to visit the website of the University Office of Global Programs. This site contains the most up-to-date information including an overview, visa application, financial guarantee requirements, and information needed before and after arriving at Penn State.
Application Deadlines:
U.S. Citizens:
Fall semester admission: applications received by February 15, with audition and/or interview requirements completed by March 15, will be given full consideration for admission and graduate assistantships. Please note that many areas (voice) complete auditions by the end of February.
Spring semester admission: applications received by September 30, with audition and/or interview requirements completed by October 31, will be given full consideration for admission.
In order to be nominated by the School of Music for a University Graduate Fellowship, completed applications must be received by January 10 with audition completed by January 31.
Late applications may be considered, as space is available.
International Citizens:
Due to stricter controls on visas issued to foreign visitors/students to the United States, the deadlines for international applications must be closely followed.
Fall semester admission: applications received by January 31, with audition and/or interview requirements completed by March 1, will be given full consideration for admission and graduate assistantships. Please note that many areas (voice) complete auditions by the end of February.
Spring semester admission: applications received by August 15, with audition and/or interview requirements completed by September 15, will be given full consideration for admission.
In order to be nominated by the School of Music for a University Graduate Fellowship, completed applications must be received by January 10 with audition completed by January 31.
For more information regarding graduate admission and audition procedures, please contact:
Ms. Lisa Stamm, Administrative Support Assistant
School of Music Graduate Admissions
The Pennsylvania State University
233 Music Building
University Park, PA 16802-1901
814-865-1052
Music-gr-adm@psu.edu