Applying for Graduate Study in Music
In our graduate program, you can further your study by working closely with leading performance and academic faculty in an environment that emphasizes personal attention. We offer MM and MA degrees in many areas of study, as well as an Artist Diploma certificate. To begin your graduate study, you must be both admitted to University and accepted by the School of Music. A complete application requires four things:
Online university application
To start the process, first file an application through Cal State Apply
.
Once the School of Music has received your application, you may then get a series of emails from us. One will ask what instrument (including voice) you intend to study. Others will provide information about auditions and any pre-screening requirements.
Transcripts and TOEFL
Have an official transcript from each university, college, and/or community college you have attended sent directly to:
CSU Fullerton
Admissions and Records
P.O. Box 6900
Fullerton, CA 92834-6900
If your native language is not English and you have not completed a bachelor’s degree at an English-speaking institution, also have your TOEFL score of 550/80 or higher for the MM/MA or 500/61 or higher for the Artist Diploma sent to the address above. Note that foreign language transcripts must be accompanied by certified English translations.
You cannot be admitted to CSUF without these documents. Sending them by February 1 (to begin study in fall) will expedite the admissions process and I-20 preparation.
Please note that GRE scores are not needed and that CSUF alumni do not need to send CSUF transcripts.
Supporting materials
All required supporting materials must be submitted online through Cal State Apply
. These required materials include unofficial transcripts, personal statement, names and email addresses of referees, and, depending on the desired degree program, performance links, compositions, or research papers. For your application to be reviewed all materials must be submitted.
Graduate (MM/MA) Degrees
Dr. John Koegel
Graduate Program Adviser
CSU Fullerton
School of Music
P.O. Box 6850
Fullerton, CA 92834-6850
Artist Diploma
Dr. Ernest Salem
Artist Diploma Adviser
CSU Fullerton
School of Music
P.O. Box 6850
Fullerton, CA 92834-6850
Audition
If required for your degree, sign up
for a live performance audition.
Carefully review the requirements for your intended area of study (listed below).
AREAS OF STUDY
Many areas have unique entrance requirements. Carefully review the requirements for your intended area of study.
MM in Performance:
Brass
Choral Conducting
Collaborative Piano
Guitar
Jazz
Orchestral Conducting
Organ
Percussion
Piano
Strings
MM in Performance (continued):
Voice
Wind Band Conducting
Woodwinds
MM in Theory/Composition
MA in Music
Music Education
Music History
Piano Pedagogy
Financial questions?
Studying at CSUF is very affordable, and we offer a robust set of financial aid options for U.S. citizens, including grants, scholarships, and loans. Make sure that you complete the FAFSA
, preferably by February, to have access to the widest array of financial aid options. If you are not a U.S. citizen, the graduate adviser, artist diploma adviser, and other music faculty can provide information about relevant options, including Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). If you have questions about what scholarships or other financial assistance may be offered specifically through the School of Music, contact the division coordinator for your area of study.
Deadlines
If you intend to audition during the main February audition period to begin classes the next fall semester, you should submit your online university application and other required materials by the end of January to ensure the most complete consideration. If no deadline is listed for your intended area of study, applicants may be considered on a rolling basis. However, in such cases, online university applications must be submitted at Cal State Apply
by the beginning of July for Fall admission and by the beginning of December for Spring admission. If you have missed this deadline, please contact the Graduate Program adviser or Artist Diploma adviser listed above to learn about other options for beginning your graduate study at CSUF soon.
