BA Music Composition at University of California, Los Angeles

Programme overview

BA Music Composition is an undergraduate major offered by Music Performance, Education, and Composition in the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA.

Faculty: Herb Alpert School of Music | Department: Music Performance, Education, and Composition | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Preparation for the Major: Complete six courses, 12 units of instrumental studio, 6 units of composition studio, and 12 units of large conducted ensembles as follows. The Major: Complete 12 required courses, 10 units of advanced composition studio, 4 units of electives, and a capstone course as follows.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applies to students entering the major (college-level admission to UCLA is separate): Admission: For new and change-of-major applicants, students must submit a portfolio of compositions prior to the required audition and interview with the composition faculty.

Fall quarter only; UCLA does not offer early action or early decision.

Transfer students are admitted for fall quarter only.

Most graduate departments and schools have deadlines in November and early December for the following fall term.

Fall 2027 first-year and transfer: UC application opens August 1, accepts submissions October 1-November 30 (deadline November 30) via the UC application. First-year decisions late March; transfer decisions late April. UCLA is test-free and does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarships. Application fees can be waived for up to four campuses for eligible students.

Transfer applicants must submit the Transfer Academic Update by the January 31 priority deadline; Statement of Intent to Register due June 1. First-year Statement of Intent to Register due May 1.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.ucla.edu/apply

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