About Master’s Program,
Often recognized for its national leadership and innovative programming at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, Ball State’s School of Music can make you real-world ready for a wide range of careers.
The Ball State School of Music offers two master’s degrees: the Master of Music (MM) and the Master of Arts (MA).
Master of Music
If you are looking for a comprehensive exploration of performance, music education, conducting, theory, composition, or research, our two-year Master of Music degree offers a diverse range of programs tailored to match specific interests. Learn more.
Master of Music: Music Education Concentration (Online)
In addition to our on-campus version, the School of Music offers a fully online Master of Music: Music Education Concentration option that’s designed for working teachers. Learn more.
Master of Arts
The Master of Arts degree cultivates a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of music, encompassing various aspects such as music performance, theory, education, and music history/musicology. This program ensures a balanced and robust foundation of knowledge in the field of music. Learn more.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
DEGREE
To be eligible for admission in the Ball State Graduate School, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution recognized by an USDE accrediting association. Some doctoral and specialist degree programs (but not all) require a master’s degree from an institution recognized by an USDE accrediting association.
GPA
To be eligible for regular admission for a licensure, graduate certificate, or master’s degree program, you must meet one of the criteria below:
- earned a minimum of a 2.75 GPA from your undergraduate degree-granting institution
- Applicants whose GPA falls below the 2.75 minimum may also be eligible for probationary admission. Probationary admission requires the approval of the program director and dean of the Graduate School. Programs may also choose to not allow probationary admissions in their programs. Please connect with the graduate advisorfor your program of interest to discuss eligibility.
- earned at least 9 graduate credit hours with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
- have a conferred master’s or doctoral degree from an institution recognized by an USDE accrediting association
Master’s Funding Coverage,
The School of Music offers a number of assistantships to students, with both full-and half-time positions available. Duties include:
- teaching and coaching
- performance
- administrative or research work that supplements the work of the faculty
Awards come with a stipend and remission of most of the cost of tuition.
Students should complete their application by February 15 to be considered for an assistantship, although February 1 is preferred for timely consideration.
For further information, see the Graduate Music Handbook.
For many, the decision to attend graduate school is a big one. More than the tuition costs and time, pursuing a higher degree is an investment in your career and future.
The Graduate School at Ball State makes funding graduate education a possibility through a variety of options.
Graduate Assistantships
Being a graduate assistant (GA) allows you to gain meaningful professional experience while pursuing your master’s or doctoral degree — all while reducing your total cost at Ball State.
Application Requirement,
To complete your application, you will need to upload the following required materials to your Cardinal Landing Portal:
- Supplemental form: you will need to complete the supplemental form as part of your online application. You can access supplemental form(s) within your Applicant Status Portal. On the supplemental form, you will be asked to provide more information about your music interest and academic/career goals.
- Interview
- Letter of intent:introduce yourself, your interests, and motivations; summarize your undergraduate career; discuss your recent and current activities; and elaborate on your academic interests.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Audition/Portfolio: Applicants must complete an audition in order to be accepted into the School of Music. You may audition in-person or upload your recorded audition as a “portfolio” to your application. To schedule an in-person audition, please email gradmusic@bsu.edu. Auditions are reviewed by the applied performance or conducting instructor of your desired area of study. Recorded auditions (those that are submitted as a “portfolio”) must include all required audition materials and performancesto receive review.
- Resume or curriculum vitae (most recent)
- Transcript/credential evaluation from your highest earned degree:learn more about our transcript/credential evaluation requirements.
Application Deadline,
Feb 15, 2025
Application Fee,
Application fee $60
