BA Music Composition (College of Creative Studies) at University of California, Santa Barbara

Programme overview

As a Music Composition major in the College of Creative Studies, you’ll be guided in developing a unique composing voice and have the opportunity to explore areas related to personal interests and goals while building a strong foundation in composition techniques. Classes offered within the College include individual instruction in composition and small seminar courses created by faculty in response to student needs, student interest, and their own research and creative work. In addition to composition lessons, the core curriculum includes classes in music theory and analysis, counterpoint, music history, contemporary techniques, and orchestration.

Faculty: College of Creative Studies | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Barbara, CA, United States

What you will study

During your studies, you’ll be encouraged to interact and collaborate with artists, actors, dancers, and filmmakers across our campus; participate in a variety of ensembles; seek out classes to enrich your understanding of other art forms; study abroad; and participate in courses in Music Technology offered not just by CCS, but by the Music Department and Media Arts and Technology program as well.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to UCSB is to the university and a college (College of Letters and Science, College of Engineering, College of Creative Studies), not to the individual major; applicants must meet the University of California subject requirements for first-year or transfer applicants and apply through the UC Application. Selective-major and second-choice-major rules are described by UCSB Undergraduate Admissions.

Entry term: fall. First-year and transfer applicants apply for fall 2027 through the UC Application.

First-year and transfer applications for fall 2027: UC Application filing period October 1 - November 30, 2026 (opens August 1). Application fee: $80 per campus for U.S. residents, $95 per campus for international students. Transfer applicants also submit the UCSB TAG Application September 1-30. First-year decisions mid-March; transfer decisions mid-April; Statement of Intent to Register May 1 (first-year) and June 1 (transfer).

SAT and ACT scores are not used in admission selection or scholarships; submission is optional and may be used for course placement. Students applying to College of Creative Studies majors submit a supplemental application; Dance and Music B.M. applicants complete an audition.

Graduate applicants apply through the UCSB online graduate application; the deadline is set by each department. Application fee: $135 for US citizens and permanent residents, $155 for all others, payable by credit card, check or money order. GRE required only by some programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.sa.ucsb.edu/

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