PhD Music at University of California, Santa Barbara

Programme overview

The composition program at UC Santa Barbara is recognized internationally for its innovation, fine instruction, and performance resources in contemporary art music. The PhD program places particular emphasis on instrumental composition, electronic and computer music, and visual music. It aims to educate high-level professionals with the capacity to pursue successful careers as composers, researchers, and teachers.

Faculty: College of Letters and Science | Department: Department of Music | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Barbara, CA, United States

What you will study

Emphases offered: Composition, Ethnomusicology, Musicology, Theory.

Career pathways

Graduate and professional pathways include Music industry and recording studios; Academia; Film industry; Media Arts Technology; Computer Science and Programming. Top employers include Recording studios, Colleges and universities.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level graduate application (applies to all UCSB graduate programmes): online application through the Graduate Division with transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, statement of purpose, personal history statement, résumé/CV, three letters of recommendation, TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test scores where applicable, and GRE scores only if the programme requires them; deadlines and any programme-specific requirements are set by the department.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,722 a year (2026-27). Resident (California) graduate tuition for the year (4,574 per quarter x 3 quarters as listed in the yearly column), stated for UCSB graduate students generally; excludes Student Service Fee, campus-based fees, tech fee and student health insurance. Nonre Source

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://www.graddiv.ucsb.edu/admissions

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