Frequently Asked Questions for
Prospective Graduate Students
- Master of Music (Music Education)
- Master of Music (Performance)
- Master of Humanities (emphasis in Music)
How do students apply to the program?
They can go to the Graduate School website (www.wright.edu/graduate-school/) and apply right online, or get a paper application from the SoGS office, Student Union E344.
We only need official transcripts and an application with fee. GRE is not required, nor an applied audition, unless they are applying for applied study or the MM in Performance.
Applied auditions for graduate students may be arranged at the discretion of the appropriate board.
Written recommendations are only required if the student is applying for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA). They may be required by the appropriate applied study area.
Students with an undergrad (or grad) 3.0 from an accredited music school are pretty much automatically admitted into the program once their file is complete, and has been reviewed by both SoGS and the Department of Music (DoM).
How long does it take to be admitted?
Usually about a month for regular admission. 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 [SEMESTERS], 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.
How do students apply for a GTA?
They should first apply to the program for admittance (see above). Then, they should submit a DoM GTA application (download from the DoM grad website or obtained from the DoM office), and submit to the DoM before March 1. GTA applicants should also submit 3 letters of professional recommendation.
What does a GTA cover?
Tuition and a stipend ($7,500-plus per year). Students must enroll for a minimum of 8 grad hours in music per regular quarter [SEMESTERS] (FWS). Following the first year, students may opt for summer tuition, too. Health care may be obtained from WSU at additional cost to the student. Other related fees, such as applied lesson fees and parking are not covered.
GTA’s are one-year, renewable for up to a second year. For the stipend, the are expected to work for the DoM about 20 hours per week, average. Other employment may be approved, but the DoM duties must come first.
What is a Graduate Tuition Scholarship (GTS?)
A one-semester award (renewable up to 4 regular and 2 summer semesters) that pays for tuition (ONLY). Fees are not paid, and no stipend is paid.
To apply, students need to 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 [SEMESTERS] (FWS) to stay qualified. They must have a 3.0 cum GPA coming in with a music degree from an accredited music school, and maintain at least a 3.0 cum here.
Who advises students?
Dr. Christopher Chaffee, Director of Graduate Studies in Music
What should students do if they have questions about any of this, or about other things having to do with the grad program, programs of study, comprehensive exams, theses, projects or recitals, or applying for graduation?
Contact Dr. Christopher Chaffee at (937-775-2132 or christopher.chaffee@wright.edu)