Change of Program Guidelines
Graduate Student Change of Program Guidance
(Effective Fall 2024)
School of Music graduate students who wish to change from their current program to a different program (for example, from the Master of Music to the Performance Diploma) must apply to do so according to standard CFA admissions procedures. Please read the following guidance on eligibility, procedures, and required materials.
Timeline and Eligibility
- School of Music graduate students applying to change to a new program must do so within 12 months (one calendar year) to the day of matriculation into their original program.
- New programs will begin at the start of the following academic year (fall term only; new graduate programs cannot begin in spring term).
- After registering for classes for a third semester in their original program, students are not eligible to apply to a new program. In that case, the student must complete the current program and then, if desired, apply using the CFA Graduate Application for Admission to the new program.
Credits
- Completed School of Music credits will be assessed for transfer to the new program, by the Chair of Graduate Studies.
International Students
- Please note that while a change in program will not invalidate your student visa, it will require you to apply for a new I-20.
- Students whose first language is not English are required to submit a satisfactory English Proficiency score in accordance with the CFA English Proficiency Requirements: English Proficiency Requirements | College of Fine Arts (bu.edu). Current DMA or MM students applying to the Performance Diploma are exempt from this requirement.
Procedure
- Contact the Director of Admissions to express interest in applying for a new program.
- All applied students wishing to change their program must formally apply for, and audition for, the new program. The Director of Admissions will coordinate an application, audition, and prescreening/fee waivers with the student. This will include the submission of the CFA Graduate Application, as well as the Acceptd applied portal.
- As part of the CFA Graduate Application, all applicants are asked to provide a Personal Statement. For students applying to change into a new program, please use this Personal Statement to provide a 1-2 page ‘Statement of Intent’ that describes why you wish to change to a new program in the School of Music. In your statement, please address your present academic progress, reasons for applying for a different program, and goals for your new program.
- Prescreening waivers for the Acceptd portal will be provided by the Director of Admissions for students applying for the Performance Diploma or Master of Music. Students applying for the Doctor of Musical Arts or Artist Diploma will be required to submit prescreening.
- The student will receive the final admission decision regarding their application to the new program, as well as financial aid information, during the standard admission timeline (early-to-mid March). Note: Merit aid will be contingent on the audition as well as the estimated CFA scholarship budget for the coming academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does changing my program affect my financial aid? Financial aid information will be issued during the standard admission timeline (early-to-mid March). Merit aid (commonly referred to as “Scholarship”) will be contingent on the audition, as well as the estimated CFA scholarship budget for the coming academic year. We are unable to guarantee the same award from the prior program.
- What if I change my mind about changing to a new program? At any point in this application process prior to registration – including after receiving an offer of admission – the student may withdraw their request to change to a new program, and remain in their current program, without penalty.
More Questions?
Please write to Director of Admissions, Zach Schwartz