PhD Integrated Composition, Improvisation, and Technology at University of California, Irvine

Programme overview

The Ph.D. program in Integrated Composition, Improvisation, and Technology (ICIT) is taught by a core faculty whose work embraces diverse forms of music making, challenging conventional distinctions between classical composition, computer music, improvisation, and jazz. Students will receive close personal attention from faculty, and are encouraged to work on interdisciplinary projects. Applicants should possess an undergraduate degree in music or an equivalent level of training and should demonstrate potential for creative and innovative work integrating a wide range of contemporary music and ideas.

Faculty: Claire Trevor School of the Arts | Duration: three quarters (one year) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Irvine, CA, United States

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

In addition to meeting all general requirements for admission to graduate study, applicants should normally hold a B.A. in Music or a B.Mus. A master's degree is not required, but students with prior graduate study may request course requirement waivers as detailed below under Course Requirements. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in vocal or instrumental performance commensurate with at least two years of individual undergraduate instruction, including exposure to improvisation and non-notated music. The online application must be submitted and all supporting materials must be received by December 1. Supporting materials must include the following: Composition portfolio, Academic writing sample, three letters of recommendation, and Performance audition (video).

Domestic applicants: USD 13,722 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition (resident rate) from the standard Graduate/Credential Student Fees schedule for state-supported graduate degree programmes; the page does not list programmes by name, so this is the standard graduate band. Tuition line only; excludes Stud Source

Graduate applications are submitted online through the UCI graduate application portal; the non-refundable application fee is $135 for U.S. citizens and lawful U.S. permanent residents and $155 for all other applicants. Deadlines are set by each programme. GRE is required by some programmes only; TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency is required of graduate applicants unless waived.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.uci.edu/admissions/

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