School of Music Online Admissions

• Completed application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts. (Please follow instructions within the online application for submitting materials electronically by upload or mailing hardcopy.)
  • Graduate Application Link
• Non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Two (2) current recommendations from immediate supervisors, music teachers, mentors, and/or undergraduate faculty addressing your leadership abilities in music education and potential for success in graduate studies. (Submitted electronically by referee.)
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma or certificate.
  • (Electronic transcripts are preferred, e-transcripts from National Student Clearing House and Parchment should be sent to “Boston University Graduate Programs,” all other e-transcript servicers should send directly to cfaapply@bu.edu, we will accept hard copy transcripts only if electronic are unavailable)
• Personal statement (1–2 pages) describing your purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU. (Upload)
• Current Resume. (Upload)
• An example of scholarly writing such as a research paper used for undergraduate work. (Upload)
• Please click here for English proficiency requirements.

Non-Licensure Program: This program is designed for applicants who already possess a teaching license or simply want to learn more about music education, but do not desire licensure to teach in American primary and secondary schools.

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in Music or Music Education from a regionally accredited college or university
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Current or recent classroom teaching experience
• Complete application requirements

An admitted student may petition to transfer up to 8 graduate credits (taken within the last 5 years) from a regionally accredited college or university. Faculty review the petition, transcripts, and syllabi to determine if the coursework is equivalent to courses offered at BU. Transfer credit analysis is done for students only after they are admitted. Official Transcripts are required for transfer credit review if not submitted at the time of admission.

• Completed application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts. (Please follow instructions within the online application for submitting materials electronically by upload or mailing hardcopy.)
  • Graduate Application Link
• Non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Two (2) current recommendations from immediate supervisors, music teachers, mentors, and/or undergraduate faculty addressing your leadership abilities in music education and potential for success in graduate studies. (Submitted electronically by referee.)
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma or certificate.
  • (Electronic transcripts are preferred, e-transcripts from National Student Clearing House and Parchment should be sent to “Boston University Graduate Programs,” all other e-transcript servicers should send directly to cfaapply@bu.edu, we will accept hard copy transcripts only if electronic are unavailable)
• Personal statement (1–2 pages) describing your purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU. (Upload)
• Current Resume. (Upload) 
• An example of scholarly writing such as a research paper used for undergraduate work. (Upload)
• Applicants must hold a Master of Music in Music Education or equivalent.
• Please click here for English proficiency requirements.

Important note: The CAGS is not a pathway to the Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education at Boston University. It is a terminal certificate from our institution.

• Completion of a master’s degree in Music Education or equivalent
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Current or recent classroom music teaching experience
• Complete application requirements

An admitted student may petition to transfer up to 8 graduate credits (taken within the last 5 years) from a regionally accredited college or university. Faculty review the petition, transcripts, and syllabi to determine if the coursework is equivalent to courses offered at BU. Transfer credit analysis is done for students only after they are admitted. Official Transcripts are required for transfer credit review if not submitted at the time of admission.

The next possible semester to be considered for is Fall 2027, that opened September 1, 2026, for a January 13, 2027 submission deadline.

• Completed application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts. (Please follow instructions within the online application for submitting materials electronically by upload or mailing hardcopy.) It’s highly recommended that applicants include a header on each uploaded document with their name and document type (ex. Statement of Project Topic Interest or Writing Sample)
• Non-refundable application fee of $95.
• Two (2) current recommendations from immediate supervisors, music teachers, mentors, and/or undergraduate faculty addressing your leadership abilities in music education and potential for success in collaborating with relevant educational stakeholders to complete a project dissertation. (Submitted electronically by referee.)
• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you’ve earned a degree, diploma or certificate. (Upload unofficial)
  • * If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will require Official Final Transcripts from your undergraduate and masters degree granting institutions. (e-transcripts from National Student Clearing House and Parchment should be sent to “Boston University Graduate Programs,” all other e-transcript servicers should send directly to cfaapply@bu.edu, we will accept hard copy transcripts only if electronic are unavailable)
• Curriculum vitae. (Upload)
• Personal statement (1–2 pages) describing your purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives including why you think a practice focused degree is most suitable, and particular interest in BU. (Upload)
• Statement of Project Interest: a statement that describes the overall topic and at least one possible idea you have for a potential project that you would do in conjunction with your community.
  • Examples include:
    • Create a school district-wide curriculum project (e.g., restructuring, program evaluation)
    • Author a method book series
    • Develop professional education modules for a school or university music department, non-profit or community music organization
    • Organize a regional, national, or international music educational opportunity for youth and/or adults such as a travel experience, workshop series, or leadership program
    • Create an online professional development module for teachers
    • Propose a book for music educators
    • Create a professional learning community
    • Complete an action research project
    • Create a project unique to the needs of your teaching context in partnership with local educational stakeholders

Include the experiences or current challenges that have led you to want to complete a project in this topic area. Explain why you think there is a need for this project and what problems it might solve or issues it might address. Describe how you anticipate your project might inform thinking and practice in the field of music education and beyond. Concisely state your past work in your intended area of study and in related fields. Briefly indicate your career objectives as they relate to your research area, including how completing this project and degree might better position you for leadership in your community, region, or the larger field. The statement should be between 1,000-1,500 words and should include references to scholarly literature. (Upload)

• Writing Sample: Please upload a scholarly paper you have authored, choosing one of the two following options (Upload):
  
  • A paper you wrote as a part of your previous master’s degree coursework OR
  • A scholarly paper of approximately 1,000-1,500 words in which you discuss a research article that has influenced your thinking about music teaching and learning. Cite other scholarly literature to make arguments regarding the potential impact of this research in terms of informing or shaping your potential project dissertation topic.
• Please click here for English proficiency requirements.

• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music or Music Education from regionally accredited institutions. At least one degree should be in music education.
• At least 5 years of music teaching experience at the primary, secondary, or university level in private, public or community contexts.
• Leadership through activities such as designing curriculum, mentoring new teachers, serving on executive boards of professional organizations, and publishing professional articles.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Complete application requirements

An admitted student may petition to transfer up to 16 graduate credits (taken within the last 5 years) from a regionally accredited college or university. Faculty review the petition, transcripts, and syllabi to determine if the coursework is equivalent to courses offered at BU. Transfer credit analysis is done for students only after they are admitted. Official Transcripts are required for transfer credit review if not submitted at the time of admission.

If admitted to the Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education online program, a non-refundable deposit of $400 will be required to secure your spot. This deposit will be applied to your tuition in the first semester of your program. If this payment will be a financial hardship, please contact cfaapply@bu.edu to petition for assistance.