DMA Music at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Entry requirements

Graduate Studies requirements for all programmes: online application, unofficial transcripts (all college-level records for international applicants), and verification of English proficiency if the applicant's native language is not English. Programme-specific: Refer to the Music Graduate Application Guide for the most complete information about Music requirements. Minimum English proficiency: Paper TOEFL 600, Internet TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.0. Academics: Minimum MM GPA 3.25 Personal Statement: (500-700 words; Times, 12-point font; Word, rtf or pdf format; double-spaced.) Statement should be written by the applicant describing his/her future goals and how the D.M.A. can help attain those goals. Writing Sample: (Times, 12-point font; Word, rtf or pdf format; double-spaced.) This writing example should be of one of two kinds. A. It may be an academic term paper of yours, complete with citations and bibliography. B. Alternatively, you may submit an essay written specifically for this application, for which you select two compositions performed, conducted or originally composed from a recent Master's or Doctoral recital that represent different historical periods or contrasting styles/genres. In this newly written essay you should discuss the characteristics of style and form in each composition, and discuss each composer's contribution to THIS PARTICULAR GENRE OF MUSIC (i.e., discuss additional compositions, historical and/or theoretical significance of contribution, or compare/contrast your composition to well-known compositions of a similar genre or style). Deadlines: For all graduate degrees, please apply by December 1 for the following Fall term (e.g. Dec. 1, 2025, for the Fall 2026 term). Auditions to accompany your application should be completed or submitted by 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.