Prospective Students - Graduate

The University

Wright State University, one of Ohio's thirteen state-assisted universities, became accredited and independent in 1967. The university offers forty master's programs, two research doctoral programs, and two professional doctoral programs. Although Wright State has a rural-suburban setting, downtown Dayton is only twenty minutes away by car or campus bus. Ballets, concerts, lectures, and other cultural activities are available throughout the year. In addition, the university and the Department of Music sponsor performances by students, faculty, and visiting artists. Art exhibits and theatre productions are also offered regularly in the modern Creative Arts Center.

The Department

The Department of Music is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and has fourteen full-time faculty and twenty-one part-time music associates. Together with the Department of Art and Theatre Arts, the Department of Music is housed in the modern surroundings of the Creative Arts Center. Facilities include the 400-seat Concert Hall, the more intimate Recital Hall, studios, offices, and practice rooms; the music library is located next door to the Creative Arts Center in the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library.

Dr. Hank Dahlman is the Director of Graduate Studies (Music) and the advisor for the graduate program in Music. He can be reached at (937)775-3721 or via email at hank.dahlman@wright.edu.

Graduate Degrees Offered by the Department of Music

• Master of Music in Music Education
• Master of Music in Performance
  • Choral Conducting Emphasis
  • Instrumental Conducting Emphasis
  • Instrumental Performance Emphasis
  • Piano Performance Emphasis
  • Vocal Performance Emphasis
• Master of Humanities, Emphasis in Music

Links for Graduate Students:

• Graduate Programs of Study in the Department of Music
• Graduate Music Programs in the Online Graduate Catalog
• Graduate Teaching Assistantships
• Apply to the School of Graduate Studies Online
• Apply to the Department of Music Online
• Audition Repertoire Card - for Performance Majors
• Graduate Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Admission

Admission to a Department of Music Graduate Program requires two applications. First, apply to the School of Graduate Studies (SoGS). This can be done at their website (www.wright.edu/sogs) , or get a paper application by dropping by the office at E344 Student Union or calling (937)775-2976. All that needed is your official transcripts and the application with fee. 

In addition to meeting the requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, an applicant for admission to the Graduate Studies in Music program present an undergraduate major in music from an accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate course work in music. The applicant will take placement examinations in music history, and a proficiency examination in music theory, the results of which will be used in planning the student's program. Students who wish to study performance for graduate credit must audition for faculty in their areas of performance. GRE is not required in the Department of Music. 

Approximately a month after you apply for regular admission you will find out your status.  Students may be admitted “provisionally” if their file is mostly complete (for instance, if we’re waiting for a transcript), on a case-by-case basis.  Student with GPA’s lower than 3.0 may be admitted “conditionally” for the first 12 credits, when their file is reviewed for a WSU graduate cum GPA of 3.0.  “Non-degree-seeking” students may take graduate credits in some courses, but are not working for a degree.  It is preferred that students who want to be in a degree program not apply for “non-degree-seeking” status.

Financial Aid

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) are available in the Department of Music. GTAs provide a yearly stipend plus waiver of tuition, the general fee, and waiver of nonresident fees for four consecutive quarters. Assistantships may be renewed for a second year.

Graduate Tuition Scholarships (GTS) are one-quarter awards (renewable up to 6 regular and 2 summer quarters) that pay for tuition ONLY.  Fees are not paid, and no stipend is awarded. To apply, students should address a letter or email to the Director of Graduate Studies in Music expressing interest.  A limited number of GTS awards are available each year. Students on a GTS must take at least 12 credits per regular quarter (FWS) and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

The Office of Financial Aid, 937/775-2321, has information available concerning grants, loans, and student employment.