MA Music at University of California, Santa Cruz

Programme overview

The Music MA offers emphases in composition, musicology/ethnomusicology, or performance practice and integrates studies in performance, composition/analysis and research. Students follow a two-year course of study with a faculty advisor, ending in a final project that combines composition, thesis or essay with a public performance or lecture recital.

Faculty: Arts Division | Department: Music | Duration: 2 years; minimum 60 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Cruz, CA, United States

What you will study

Core courses cover research methods, the history of music theory from the Greeks through Rameau, tonal and posttonal analysis and a current issues colloquium, plus the performance practice series (Middle Ages to the 20th century) and ethnomusicology. A reading knowledge of one language other than English is required; composition and musicology emphases complete a Plan I thesis, performance practice usually a Plan II capstone with a recital.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UC Santa Cruz graduate admission: bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited university awarded before the entry quarter, a B average or better in the last two years of undergraduate coursework, and demonstrated English proficiency. Applicants whose first language is not English: TOEFL iBT minimum 83 (4.0 on the 2026 scale) or IELTS Academic overall 7; waiver may be requested by applicants with a four-year bachelor's degree from an English-speaking institution. GRE General and Subject tests not required. Transcripts and three letters of recommendation (up to five accepted). Music MA materials: statement of purpose, personal history statement, writing sample (term paper or senior thesis), resume, composition scores (composition emphasis only), and recordings (composition or performance practice emphasis only). Application deadline: December 9. Application fee $135 domestic, $155 international.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,722 a year (2026-27). California resident graduate tuition; excludes Student Services Fee, campus fees and health insurance Source

International applicants: USD 15,102 a year (2026-27). Nonresident Supplemental Tuition, charged in addition to the 13,722 tuition for non-California residents and international students Source

Duration: 2 years; minimum 60 credits

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities