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.)
  • 2025 Application Link (Fall II 2025)
  • 2026 Application Link (Spring 2026 and future semesters)
• 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 attended. (Electronic transcripts are preferred, must be sent to cfaapply@bu.edu.)
• 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.
• Please download an admissions worksheet to help keep track of your application pieces.
  • MM Admissions Worksheet 2025
  • MM Admissions Worksheet 2026

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.

• 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.)
  • 2025 Application Link (Fall II 2025)
  • 2026 Application Link (Spring 2026 and future semesters)
• 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 attended. (Electronic transcripts are preferred, must be sent to cfaapply@bu.edu.)
• 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.
• Please download an admissions worksheet to help keep track of your application pieces.
  • CAGS Admissions Worksheet 2025
  • CAGS Admissions Worksheet 2026

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.

The next possible semester to be considered for is Fall 2026, that application opened on September 1, 2025 for an early January 2026 submission deadline.

• Completed application for 2026 graduate admission (Application will open September 1, 2025) 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 Research 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 a doctoral program. (Submitted electronically by referee.)
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. (Upload unofficial) * If you are accepted and choose to enroll, BU will require Official Final Transcripts from all institutions attended. (Mail Hardcopy/official e-transcripts to cfaapply@bu.edu)
• Curriculum vitae. (Upload)
• Personal statement (1–2 pages) describing your purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU. (Upload)
• Statement of Research Interest: Please write a statement about your research interests. What experiences led you to your research ambitions? Why is there a need for further research in this area? How do you anticipate your research fitting in within the field of music education and beyond? Concisely state your past work in your intended field of study and in related fields. Briefly indicate your career objectives as it relates to your research area. 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:
  
  • 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 upon the music education profession.
• Please click here for English proficiency requirements.
• Please download a 2026 DMA Admissions Worksheet (please note: the DMA application goes live September 1, 2025) to help keep track of your application pieces.

• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music or Music Education from regionally accredited institutions
• At least 3 years of music teaching experience at the primary, secondary, or university level
• Leadership through activities such as designing curriculum, mentoring new teachers, serving on executive boards of professional organizations, and publishing 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.

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.