M.M. in Composition

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

1. Academic Qualifications:

• A completed bachelor's degree: Prospective postgraduate students must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Typically, this should be a four-year undergraduate degree.

• Minimum GPA: Rider University often requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent. 

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): An overall band score of 6.0 or higher is commonly required, with no individual band score below 5.5.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT: A minimum total score of 79 is required.

• DET (Duolingo English Test): Rider University accept a DET score of 100 or higher as evidence of English proficiency.

• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A PTE score of 53 or higher is accepted.

Rider University offers various scholarship opportunities to international students to help alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education in the United States. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, leadership qualities, and other criteria. 

1. Global Leaders Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is designed for international undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. It covers a significant portion of tuition costs.

2. Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship: International transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society may be eligible for this scholarship. It recognizes academic excellence and provides financial assistance.

3. Presidential Scholarships: Rider University awards Presidential Scholarships to top-performing international undergraduate students. These scholarships are highly competitive and provide substantial financial support.

4. Dean's Scholarship: Dean's Scholarships are available to international undergraduate students who have a strong academic record. The scholarship amount varies based on academic qualifications.

5. International Achievement Award: This scholarship acknowledges the accomplishments of international undergraduate students. It is based on a combination of academic achievement and extracurricular involvement.

6. Graduate Assistantships: Rider University offers graduate assistantships to international students pursuing master's degrees. These assistantships provide tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for work on campus.

7. Talent Scholarships: Rider provides talent-based scholarships for students with exceptional abilities in areas such as the arts, music, and athletics. International students with exceptional talents can apply for these scholarships.

8. Honors Program Scholarships: Students accepted into Rider's Honors Program may be eligible for additional scholarships, which recognize outstanding academic achievement and commitment to intellectual growth.

9. Corporate and Foundation Scholarships: Rider University has partnerships with various corporations and foundations that offer scholarships to international students. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria.

10. Study Abroad Scholarships: Rider encourages international students to participate in study abroad programs. Scholarships are available to support students who wish to study in another country as part of their academic experience.

It's important for international students to review the specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each scholarship.

Rider University offers a prestigious Master of Music (M.M.) in Composition program. Graduates of Rider University's M.M. program in Composition are poised for a multitude of rewarding career opportunities in the field of music composition and related areas. 

1. Composer: Many graduates aspire to become professional composers, creating original compositions for various mediums, including orchestras, chamber ensembles, film, television, and multimedia projects.

2. Film Composer: Film composition is a popular career path. Graduates can work as film composers, crafting evocative scores for movies, documentaries, and television series.

3. Television and Media Composer: Graduates can specialize in composing music for television commercials, video games, online content, and multimedia projects.

4. Orchestral Composer: Some graduates focus on composing classical orchestral music, which may be performed by symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, or contemporary music ensembles.

5. Choral Composer: Graduates interested in choral music can compose pieces for choirs, ranging from small vocal ensembles to large-scale choral works.

6. Songwriter: Songwriting is a viable career option. Graduates can write songs for recording artists, bands, or solo performers in various music genres.

7. Music Educator: Some graduates may pursue careers as music educators, teaching composition at the K-12 level or in higher education institutions.

8. Arranger: Arrangers adapt existing music into new arrangements or orchestrations. This role is common in the fields of film scoring, live performance, and recording.

9. Music Producer: Graduates can become music producers, overseeing the recording, mixing, and production of music albums for artists and bands.

10. Sound Designer: Sound designers create audio experiences for various applications, including video games, virtual reality, and interactive installations.

11. Music Director: Graduates can work as music directors for theaters, overseeing the musical aspects of theatrical productions, including selecting and arranging music.

12. Music Editor: Music editors work in the film and television industry, selecting and editing music to fit the visual and narrative elements of a project.

13. Composer for Dance: Some graduates compose music for dance performances, collaborating with choreographers to create original dance compositions.

14. Music Publisher: Graduates may work in music publishing, promoting and distributing compositions to artists, performers, and media producers.

15. Conductor: Those with a strong background in composition may pursue careers as conductors, leading orchestras, choirs, or chamber ensembles in the performance of their compositions.

16. Music Critic/Reviewer: Graduates with a passion for writing may become music critics or reviewers, contributing to publications and online platforms.

17. Music Supervisor: Music supervisors curate and select music for use in films, television shows, commercials, and other media projects.

18. Arts Administrator: Arts administration roles involve managing music organizations, such as orchestras, festivals, and music education institutions.

19. Music Researcher: For those interested in academia, careers in music research involve conducting scholarly research in music theory, history, or composition.

20. Music Technology Specialist: Graduates with expertise in music technology can work as specialists, focusing on sound design, audio engineering, and electronic music production.