Admissions: Composition & Theory (MM)

Admission to the master’s program is determined through a holistic admission process.

Composition applicants must submit an academic portfolio via UF’s SlideRoom portal by December 15.
We will notify applicants of results in mid-January; and invite those with positive results to complete a remotely-conducted interview.

Theory applications are paused and not accepted for Fall 2027 admission review. Please check back for a future year.

STEP 1: Review Admissions Requirements

Applicants generally have a baccalaureate degree in music, or a closely related area, from an accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from an international institution. Students whose undergraduate degree is in another discipline must demonstrate a level of achievement fully acceptable for masters level work in this discipline. Applicants normally have completed at least 16 credits in music theory and 6 credits in music history. A candidate deficient in certain undergraduate areas must remove the deficiencies by successfully completing appropriate courses. If remedial work is needed, the residency (usually 4 terms of full-time study) may be longer. A portfolio review is required for all students.

The GRE is not required for admission.

STEP 2: Submit an Academic Portfolio and/or Writing Sample

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING:

December 15

Composition

An academic portfolio for the program in Composition should be submitted via UF’s SlideRoom portal in order to complete the graduate application. 
There is a $10 submission fee that you pay online after you set up and review your portfolio. 

• This academic portfolio must include a minimum of three compositions, with recordings.

Please see SlideRoom for additional instruction for submitting work. For technical assistance, contact support@slideroom.com

Music Theory

We will not review applications for Fall 2027 Admission. Please check back for a future year.
Applicants for the master’s program in Theory complete the UF graduate application. There is no prescreening or SlideRoom portfolio submission required.

You must upload a music theory paper (PDF is preferred) directly to the University of Florida graduate application. You may submit more than one.

Optional items are a music history paper (in lieu of a suitable theory paper) and counterpoint projects (or other model compositions).

We can add any papers to your overall application if unable to submit with the UF graduate application. Please email to graduate@arts.ufl.edu

STEP 3: Apply to the University of Florida

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT GENERAL UF APPLICATION:

December 15

Complete the University of Florida’s online graduate application.

International applicants: please review UF Admissions Information for International Students and the details provided in the International Applicants section below.

The application includes the following six sections:

1. Statement of purpose – to share your objectives in pursuing a graduate degree, your area of specialization, interest in studying with faculty at the University of Florida, and your long-term goals.
    
2. Letters of recommendation – THREE (3) required letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals who can speak to your ability to be successful in a graduate program.
   • You will enter your recommenders’ email addresses in the application.
   • Be sure to allow time for them to receive and submit their letters electronically.
   • You will not be able to add recommenders once you have submitted your application. Please have their information and email addresses ready before you finalize.
     
3. Résumé or curriculum vitae – must include all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about any ongoing international affiliations and research funding. (Required by Florida Statute)
   
4. GPA – use the calculator provided to enter grades as they appear on your transcript from your upper-division courses (junior/senior years). Follow all directions carefully and do not leave this section blank. Only international and non-letter grade degrees should use “non-traditional” for GPA.
    
5. Unofficial transcripts – for the purposes of initial review upload unofficial, scanned copies of transcripts (screenshots of grades are not accepted); official transcripts are required separately for applicants who receive an offer of admissions.
    
6. Academic writing sample – an academic paper (midterm, final, honor’s paper, or thesis), a published article, or a paper presented at a conference.
   *If you are unable to upload your academic writing sample to your online application, send as a PDF attachment to graduate@arts.ufl.edu.
    

Application Fee
A non-refundable $30 application fee is required.
The Office of Admissions does not offer fee waivers.

Once your application is complete, please email graduate@arts.ufl.edu to let us know—and reach out if you have any questions!

STEP 4: Request Official Transcripts

While not required for the initial admissions review, official transcripts are required for applicants who receive an offer of admissions from each postsecondary institution attended.

If you attended UF as your postsecondary institution, you do not have to order a transcript from the Office of the University Registrar.

Transcripts should be sent directly from your previous institution to the University of Florida Office of Admissions:

Office of Admissions
S201 Criser Hall
P.O. Box 114000
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611-4000

UF also accepts electronic transcripts through FASTER, Parchment, National Student Clearing House, ScribbleSoft, e-Scrip Safe, Credential Solutions, SCOIR or Transcripts Plus.The email address for electronic transcripts is te@admissions.ufl.edu

All academic credentials become property of the university. They will not be returned to you or forwarded to a third party. For diplomas and academic credentials that are only issued once, please send an attested or certified copy of the original.

Additional Admissions Information: International Students

• A credential evaluation is optional for college coursework outside of the U.S.
• Upload unofficial transcripts and degree certificates/diplomas from every institution listed in your application’s educational history.
• Documents may be uploaded directly to the application or via your Check Status page.
• Submit scanned copies of the official paper versions issued by your previous or current institutions.
• Screenshots of grades will not be accepted.
• If your transcripts or degree documents are not issued in English, include a certified, literal, line-for-line English translation. Acceptable translations must be issued by your institution or a professional translation service.

The GRE is not required.

English Language Proficiency

The University of Florida requires proficiency in spoken and written English to ensure international students can participate fully in academic and campus life. Students from non-English-speaking countries who have not completed at least one year of study at a U.S. college or university must submit scores from one of the following:

• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System): minimum score of 6.5 
• TOEFL (iBT & Home Edition): minimum overall score of 4.5
• TOEFL Subscores: 4.0 in all subsections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing)

UF’s TOEFL school code is 5812.

Please make sure to submit your IELTS or TOEFL score by the application deadline as these are required by the Graduate School for admission.

English Proficiency Exemptions

You may be exempt from submitting English proficiency scores if:

• You have completed one academic year in a degree-seeking program at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or in a country where English is the official language.
• You hold an earned associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a recognized institution in the U.S. or a country where English is the official language.

See the list of countries exempt from English proficiency requirements.

English Language Support

• You may be required to take additional courses if the UF Graduate School or your academic department determines your English proficiency needs support.

• UF’s English Language Institute (ELI) offers:
  • Academic Writing support
  • International Teaching Assistant Support (SPEAK and EAP 5836)
  • Intensive non-degree programs for improving speaking, reading and writing
  • Housing assistance and academic advising

Additional Links:

UF Admissions Information for International Students

UF International Student Services

Overview of the I-20 process

Assistantships are salaried positions that require a time commitment ranging from 10 to 20 hours per week performing duties related to teaching, assisting with teaching, grading/reading online student work, performing in ensembles, technical/studio/lab assistance, and research.

Assistantships constitute the majority of the school’s financial aid funds.

Graduate assistants are evaluated each year and re-appointment is based on the faculty evaluation of performance and the student’s satisfactory progress in the degree program. Most assistantships are extended for the standard duration of the student’s program, as offered in the admission award.

Benefits

In addition to receiving a stipend, students holding at least quarter-time graduate assistantship (10 hours weekly) are eligible for:

• Tuition waivers covering the minimum credits required for full-time enrollment:
  • 9 credits in fall and spring
  • 3 credits for summer A or B, or 6 credits for summer C (if appointed in summer)
• GatorGrad Care student health insurance for $18/month
• Graduate assistants receive paid personal and family leave, and retain health insurance coverage during approved research leave. More information is available via UF HR Benefits.

Tuition waivers do not cover university or course fees, which may include:

• University registration fees: approx. $850–$950 per semester
• Course fees: approx. $45–$75 per graduate course 

These fees are deferred until mid-semester, allowing time to plan and budget. Payment is required by the deferment deadline to avoid a $100 late fee or cancellation of registration.

Applications for graduate assistantships and/or fellowships are not required. Indicate your interest and describe your qualifications directly on the online application in your statement of purpose. Resumes are required for all applicants and used to determine fit between available assistantship assignments and student’s experience, skills and talents.

Notice of Awards

Graduate assistantships are determined during the faculty admissions review process. Our goal is to include any funding offer in your official admission letter. However, in some cases, funding decisions may be delayed or you may be placed on a waitlist. If this occurs, it will be clearly noted in your admission letter.

Note: Due to limited funding, not all qualified applicants receive an assistantship. If you accept admission without a funding award, it is unlikely that you will receive one later. You may, however, express continued interest to be considered during the next review cycle.

Graduate Assistantship Stipends, paid over the fall + spring semesters for 9 month annual appointments are:

• Master’s: 10 hours weekly (.25 FTE) = $10,300, which is paid as $528.21 bi-weekly from mid-August to mid-May
• Master’s: 13 hours weekly (.33 FTE) = $13,596, which is paid as $697.23 bi-weekly from mid-August to mid-May

Financial Aid (NOT referring to Assistantships & Fellowships)

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application is available to complete annually on October 1st. Although students must be accepted for enrollment before they are considered for financial aid, we encourage you to submit your FAFSA early—even before your admission decision—to avoid delays. For possible scholarship opportunities, students should apply well before the December 15 priority deadline to ensure that the federal processor has time to evaluate and send your information to the UF financial aid office. Applications for federal loans may still be submitted after this date and are accepted throughout the year.

 Learn more about financial aid at UF

Financial aid is available for U.S. students only. International students may view resources provided by the UF International Center.