Tuition per credit hour
In-state: $432.
Out-of-state: $1,250. New England residents may qualify for tuition break. See details and other costs
Credit hours
30 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours. Browse course list
Financial aid
Over 150 graduate assistantships available with stipend & tuition assistance, plus scholarship & fellowship opportunities. Explore aid
Admissions
No application fee. No GRE required. Apply for fall, spring, or summer term. View application process & deadlines
Program Highlights
Faculty of distinguished performers
The Osher School of Music offers a personalized and opportunity-based approach to educating musicians, featuring a faculty of distinguished performers (nationally and internationally), teachers, scholars, and mentors with experience in all styles of music.
Program requirements
Our composition graduate program includes a two-year residency where you’ll focus on chamber music, bibliography and research, music theory, history, and applied music ideas. You’ll culminate your studies with a recital of original music for a variety of instrumentation composed during your residency.
Professional preparation
Upon graduation, you’ll join an alumni network of successful composers, performers, conductors, and music educators who hold positions in music leadership across the U.S. and internationally.
Graduate student support
Our Office of Graduate Studies connects you with opportunities for professional development, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. They also foster our graduate student community through Peer Mentorship and the Graduate Student Board.
Our performance season
Attend and engage in our Faculty Concert Series; the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra; Scholarship Gala; Chamber Singers; University Chorale; Concert Band; our annual musical; opera; ensembles of jazz, vocal jazz, winds, and composers; as well as student recitals, masterclasses and performances by internationally known guest musicians.
Scholarship opportunities
Scholarships offer financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. We encourage students in graduate degree programs to apply for scholarship opportunities.
Do you live in New England?
You may be eligible for a special reduced tuition rate, as part of the New England Regional Student Program (RSP).
Connect with us
Our monthly Graduate Information Sessions are an excellent way to learn more about the benefits of our program, as well as our admissions and financial process.

Admission information: Masters of Music in Composition
Application deadlines
We accept applications on a rolling basis and review them continuously.
Application deadline | Fall term start | Spring term start | Summer term start |
---|---|---|---|
Final | August 1 | December 15 | April 15 |
International applicants | June 1 | October 15 | Not available |