B.M. in Music Composition

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $70

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% 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 79 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 56 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 105.

Washington State University (WSU) offers several scholarships and financial aid opportunities to international students to help them fund their education. 

International Academic Awards: WSU provides merit-based scholarships for undergraduate international students based on their academic achievements. These awards can cover a significant portion of tuition costs and are renewable based on continued academic excellence.

International Student Academic Awards: These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate international students. They are based on academic achievement and can help reduce the overall cost of education.

International Freshman Honors Award: This scholarship is designed for high-achieving first-year international students. It covers a substantial portion of non-resident tuition costs.

Cultural Achievement Awards: These awards recognize the contributions of international students to cultural diversity at WSU. They are based on achievements and involvement in cultural and international programs.

Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments within WSU offer scholarships and assistantship opportunities specific to their fields of study. International students can inquire within their respective departments for available awards.

Private Scholarships: WSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by private organizations, foundations, or government agencies.

Athletic Scholarships: For international students with exceptional athletic talents, WSU offers athletic scholarships in various sports.

External Scholarships: WSU also assists international students in finding external scholarships that match their qualifications and academic goals.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from Washington State University (WSU) have a range of career opportunities in the music and entertainment industries. The program’s focus on composition, theory, and performance equips students with the skills needed for various roles within and outside the traditional music industry.

Music Composer: Music composers create original musical scores for various media, including films, television shows, video games, and theatrical productions. They work to develop melodies, harmonies, and arrangements that fit the intended emotional and narrative tone of a project. Composers often work freelance or collaborate with other media professionals.

Arranger: Arrangers adapt and modify existing music to suit different ensembles, styles, or performances. They create new arrangements of music for orchestras, choirs, bands, or other musical groups, ensuring that the music is tailored to the specific capabilities and characteristics of the performers.

Music Producer: Music producers oversee the recording, mixing, and mastering of music tracks. They work with artists to shape the sound of a recording, manage studio sessions, and ensure the final product meets artistic and commercial goals. Producers often have a deep understanding of composition and music theory, which helps in making creative decisions during production.

Orchestrator: Orchestrators take a composer’s written music and arrange it for orchestras or other large ensembles. They determine how different instruments will play specific parts of the composition and ensure that the arrangement highlights the strengths of each instrument and the ensemble as a whole.

Music Educator: Music educators teach music composition, theory, and performance at various educational levels, including schools, colleges, and universities. They may also offer private lessons and workshops, helping students develop their own compositional skills and musical understanding.

Film and TV Score Composer: Specialists in this field create musical scores for movies and television shows. They work closely with directors and producers to ensure that the music enhances the visual and emotional aspects of the production. This role often involves collaborating with other musicians and sound engineers.

Video Game Composer: Video game composers create dynamic and immersive music for video games. They work to design soundtracks that enhance the gaming experience, often composing adaptive or interactive music that responds to gameplay elements and player actions.

Music Editor: Music editors work on editing and arranging music tracks for various media. They ensure that music is seamlessly integrated into films, television shows, and other projects, making adjustments to timing, structure, and instrumentation as needed.

Freelance Composer: Freelance composers work independently, taking on various projects such as creating music for independent films, commercials, and multimedia presentations. They manage their own business affairs, including client relations and project deadlines.

Music Critic/Journalist: Music critics and journalists write reviews, articles, and features about music compositions, performances, and trends. They often work for publications, websites, or media outlets, providing insights and analysis on new and existing music.