Master of Arts in Music Technology (M.A.)

The mission of the Master of Arts in Music Technology is to provide students with training in commercial applications, music technology in media, and the professional, entrepreneurial skills required of a contemporary music technology professional. This degree will provide a specialized study in music technology while allowing the inclusion of students with diverse undergraduate backgrounds. The program is grounded in an academically collaborative and diverse environment and culminates in a capstone project, which is the creation of a professional portfolio item suitable for entry into the market. 

Objectives of the program

The Master of Arts in Music Technology will:

1. Provide students with the necessary skills and professional experience to succeed in a number of contemporary fields specific to Music.
2. Provide students training in recording engineering.
3. Provide students training in live sound design. 
4. Provide students training in applications, programming, and composing for media.
5. Teach the skills necessary for graduates to emerge as technologically literate artists and entrepreneurs. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who earn a M.A. in Music Technology will:

1. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct commercial recording processes and applications. 
2. Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and processes necessary for the application of music in media such as film, television, gaming and social media.
3. Demonstrate the knowledge and entrepreneurial skills necessary for the multifaceted musical environment of the 21st century.
4. Demonstrate how to conceive, synthesize, and execute a capstone project yielding an industry product suitable for a professional portfolio.

Graduate Applications

Applications for graduate study should be directed to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Admission Requirements

Candidates seeking admission to the M.A. in Music Technology will be required to submit the following materials: 

1. A completed graduate application and payment of application fee.
2. Official transcripts from each school or college previously attended.  The minimum requirement for admission is a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or its equivalent at a foreign institution based on a four-year degree.  Transcripts should show a minimum overall graduating GPA of 3.0 and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in any graduate work already completed.  All applicants must pass an entrance exam demonstrating musical proficiency (see requirements below*).
3. Applicants must submit a “Statement of Interest” (500 words) articulating musical background, career goals, and aspirations. 
4. If a non-native speaker of English, provide official results from tests taken within the last three (3) years or one of the following acceptable means of documenting English language proficiency consistent with success in graduate programs (Note that higher scores may be required of some graduate programs so applicants are urged to consult their desired program to identify whether a higher score is required:
   1. A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based (PBT) or 79 on the internet (iBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL);
   2. A minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam;
   3. Certificate of Completion of level 112 of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) from an ELS Language Center;
   4. Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic with a score of 59;
   5. Cambridge CAE (Certificate of Advanced English ) with a minimum level of C1;
   6. Cambridge CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) with a minimum level of C1;
   7. MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) with a score of 77:
   8. TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) with a score of 745:
   9. Bachelor’s degree earned from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher education within the last three years.
5. Two letters of recommendation from persons who are familiar with the applicant’s academic ability and potential for successful completion of master’s studies. 
         AND (if available), you may 
   • Submit a professional portfolio that contains at least 2 of the following: 
   • An engineered live audio recording 
   • An engineered studio audio recording 
   • A mixed and/or mastered audio recording (live or studio) 
   • An audio recording featuring sequencing or programming 
   • A complete sequenced or programmed recording 
   • A Video featuring original composed music synced to visuals 

      Submissions can be in the form of public links (Soundcloud, YouTube, etc) or Cloud Storage Links (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.) 

*All incoming students will be required to take a musicianship entrance exam, covering basic elements of music reading and aural skills. Students failing to pass the entrance exam will be required to take MUS 570 and MUS 571, which will not count as credit towards the degree. 

Entrance Exam Topics include: 

• Recognition of basic written music elements, such as meter, clef, and pitch. 
• Accurately identifying written short musical passages with their corresponding musical performances. 
• Identifying basic musical elements through listening, such as: pulse, meter, form, triadic functions, and simple modulations.

Completed applications will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee. 

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in Music Technology requires:

1. Successful completion of an approved program of study with a minimum of 30 graduate hours;
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) on all course work; and
3. Completion of all requirements for the degree during a six-year period.

Transfer Credits

With approval from the Graduate Director, a maximum of six (6) transfer credit hours may be applied to a student’s program of study. All transfer credit course work must have be completed with a minimum grade of B.