Ball State University's graduate programs in music are open to students who present evidence of their ability to sustain a program of study at an advanced level. The requirements and procedures outlined here are for students seeking admission to the doctor of arts in music degree program. General Requirements
Doctoral applicants must hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited school, and the cumulative grade point average on the master's degree must be not less than 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Students interested in music education as their area of primary emphasis must have had at least three years of successful teaching experience.

If the proposed area of primary study is performance (including conducting), an on-campus audition is required. If the proposed primary area is in an academic discipline, then tapes, scores, research projects, course papers, publications, reviews, etc., are required as appropriate. Recent scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test and letters of professional reference also are required.

All applicants must demonstrate an aptitude for and interest in teaching, as well as superior achievement in music performance, composition, or research.

Application Process
Prospective doctoral students must apply to and meet the admission requirements of both the Graduate School and the School of Music. Learn more about doctoral application materials.

Non-U.S. residents must apply for admission through Ball State's Center for International Programs. International students must meet all of the university's regular admission requirements. All credentials from foreign secondary schools, colleges, universities, and their equivalents are evaluated by the Center for International Programs. Phone: (765) 285-5422.

Ball State's Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy is available online. 

Interviews
All doctoral applicants will be invited to the School of Music for an interview with faculty members from the proposed major area of study (usually scheduled on the sam e day as the audition/testing). Applicants must be interviewed prior to admission to the program and the awarding of a doctoral assistantship. Contact Linda Pohly, coordinator of graduate programs in music to discuss dates for the interview/audition/testing.

Transfer Credits
Academic credits may be transferred, if approved, for graduate-level courses taken at accredited institutions. A maximum of 42 graduate credits can be transferred from other schools. Each request for transfer credit is considered individually on its own merits.

More Information
To receive a full set of application materials, contact Linda Pohly, coordinator of graduate programs in music. For complete information on program requirements, please consult the Music Graduate Handbook and the Ball State University Graduate Catalog.