B.A. in Music Composition

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).

International Student Scholarships: UMBC offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students to support their educational expenses. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both. They are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria. 

UMBC Merit Scholarships: UMBC offers merit-based scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate international students. These scholarships are awarded to students with exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, and community involvement. The selection process for these scholarships is competitive, and students are typically considered based on their application materials, including academic transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

Departmental Scholarships: Various departments and academic programs at UMBC may offer scholarships specifically for international students within their respective fields. These scholarships may be discipline-specific and target students who demonstrate exceptional abilities and potential in a particular area of study. International students are advised to inquire with their intended department or program about any available scholarships or funding opportunities.

External Scholarships: International students studying at UMBC may also be eligible for external scholarships provided by organizations, foundations, and government agencies. These scholarships can be based on various criteria such as academic excellence, leadership, community service, or specific fields of study. Students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities in their home countries or through international scholarship databases.

Fulbright Scholarships: UMBC participates in the Fulbright Program, which offers scholarships to international students from over 160 countries. The Fulbright scholarships support graduate study, research, and teaching assistantships at UMBC. Eligibility criteria and application processes for Fulbright scholarships may vary depending on the student's home country. Interested international students can contact the Fulbright Commission or Embassy in their home country for more information.

Global Ambassador Scholarships: UMBC's Global Ambassador Scholarships are designed for international students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding on campus. These scholarships provide financial support and an opportunity for international students to engage in outreach activities, cultural programs, and campus initiatives that promote global perspectives and intercultural exchange.

International Education Foundation (IEF) Scholarships: The International Education Foundation offers scholarships to international students studying at UMBC. These scholarships are aimed at supporting students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to community service. The IEF scholarships are awarded based on a competitive application process, and students are required to submit an essay and letters of recommendation.

It is important for international students to carefully review the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documents for each scholarship opportunity.

Graduating with a B.A. in Music Composition from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) opens doors to diverse and creative career opportunities in the music industry and related fields.

Composer: Graduates can pursue careers as composers, creating original music for various mediums such as film, television, video games, theater, and multimedia productions. They collaborate with directors, producers, and artists to capture the emotional essence and narrative of visual projects through music.

Film Scorer: With skills in composing music that enhances visual storytelling, graduates can work as film scorers. They synchronize music with on-screen action, dialogue, and mood, creating memorable soundtracks that elevate cinematic experiences and evoke audience emotions.

Orchestrator/Arranger: Graduates with expertise in orchestration and arranging can work in music publishing, arranging existing compositions for different ensembles, or orchestrating music for live performances, recordings, and special events.

Music Producer: Some graduates become music producers, overseeing the recording, mixing, and production of musical tracks for artists, bands, or multimedia projects. They collaborate with musicians, sound engineers, and record labels to achieve high-quality sound productions.

Sound Designer: Graduates interested in sound production and audio engineering can work as sound designers. They create sound effects, ambient sounds, and audio atmospheres for films, video games, virtual reality experiences, and interactive media projects.

Music Educator: With a passion for teaching and music education, graduates can become music educators in schools, community music programs, or private studios. They teach music theory, composition techniques, and performance skills to students of all ages and skill levels.

Music Director/Conductor: Graduates with strong leadership and conducting skills can pursue roles as music directors or conductors. They lead orchestras, choirs, bands, or musical theater productions, interpreting musical scores and guiding performances to achieve artistic excellence.

Arts Administrator: Some graduates work in arts administration, managing music organizations, concert venues, or performing arts centers. They oversee programming, budgeting, fundraising, and community outreach initiatives that support the promotion and preservation of music composition.

Music Critic/Journalist: Graduates with strong writing and analytical skills can work as music critics or journalists. They write reviews, articles, and features on music performances, compositions, and industry trends for newspapers, magazines, online publications, and blogs.

Freelance Composer/Artist: Many graduates choose to work independently as freelance composers or artists, creating original compositions for commissioned projects, live performances, installations, and collaborative ventures across various artistic disciplines.