MM in Music - Composition

Entry Requirements for International Students

Application Fees : US$ 90

For international students seeking postgraduate programs at the University of Arizona, certain entry requirements must be met. 

1. Academic Requirements: International students applying for postgraduate programs at UA are required to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 70% or above. This academic benchmark demonstrates a solid foundation and academic capability, ensuring students are prepared for the rigor of graduate studies.

2. English Language Proficiency: UA accepts several standardized English language tests as evidence of language proficiency, including:

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall band score of 7 is required to meet the language requirement.
      
   • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 80 on the internet-base test (iBT) is necessary to fulfill the English language requirement.
      
   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): An overall score of 68 or higher is required.
      
3. Audition Required

The University of Arizona offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students to support their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize and reward outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and diverse backgrounds. 

1. Global Wildcat Scholarship: The Global Wildcat Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship available to incoming international undergraduate students. It provides partial tuition waivers for up to four years of study. Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community.

2. International Tuition Awards: The International Tuition Awards are merit-based scholarships offered to international undergraduate and graduate students. These awards provide partial tuition waivers and are renewable for multiple years. Eligibility is based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and potential to contribute to the university community.

3. International Student Tuition Discount: The University of Arizona offers a tuition discount to international students from select countries. The discount reduces the out-of-state tuition rate to a more affordable level, making it more accessible for international students to pursue their education at the university.

4. Graduate College Fellowships: The Graduate College at the University of Arizona offers several fellowship programs for international graduate students. These fellowships provide financial support for tuition and living expenses. The eligibility criteria and award amounts vary depending on the specific fellowship program.

5. College-Specific Scholarships: Various colleges and departments within the University of Arizona offer scholarships specifically tailored to international students in their respective fields of study. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, research interests, or professional goals. Students can inquire with their specific college or department for available scholarship opportunities.

6. External Scholarships: The University of Arizona encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities. There are numerous scholarships provided by organizations, governments, and foundations that international students can apply for. The university's scholarship office can provide guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for external scholarships.

It is important for international students to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary. 

Graduates of the MM in Music - Composition program from the University of Arizona have various career opportunities in the field of composition and music. 

1. Composer: Graduates can pursue careers as composers, creating original compositions for various contexts such as concert music, film, television, video games, dance, and theater. They may work on commissioned projects, collaborate with performers, or submit their works to competitions and festivals. Graduates develop their unique musical voice and contribute to the contemporary music landscape.

2. Film and Media Composer: Graduates with a focus on film scoring or media composition can pursue careers in the film and media industry. They can compose music for movies, TV shows, documentaries, commercials, and video games. Film and media composers work closely with directors, producers, and sound engineers to create evocative and memorable soundtracks that enhance the visual storytelling.

3. Arranger/Orchestrator: Graduates with strong arranging and orchestration skills can pursue careers as arrangers or orchestrators. They collaborate with other composers, conductors, and performers to adapt existing musical works or compositions for different ensembles or genres. Arrangers and orchestrators play a crucial role in shaping and enhancing the musical arrangements for various productions.

4. Music Educator: Graduates can pursue careers as music educators, teaching composition and music theory at the university level or in private music institutions. They can also work as composition instructors in community music programs or mentor emerging composers. Music educators inspire and guide the next generation of composers, fostering creativity and artistic development.

5. Music Producer: Graduates with knowledge of music production techniques and technology can pursue careers as music producers. They work in recording studios or as freelance producers, collaborating with artists to bring their musical visions to life. Music producers oversee the technical and creative aspects of music production, ensuring the quality and artistic integrity of the final recordings.

6. Music Entrepreneur: Graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset can establish their own music production companies, publishing firms, or composition studios. They can develop a portfolio of works, promote their compositions, and collaborate with artists and organizations to create opportunities for their music to be performed, recorded, or published.

The MM in Music - Composition program at the University of Arizona equips students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and artistic vision to pursue successful careers as composers. Graduates have the opportunity to work in various professional contexts, including composition, film scoring, arranging, music education, production, and entrepreneurship. They contribute to the rich and diverse world of contemporary music with their unique creative voices.