Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are Graduate Assistantships available?

A. Yes; the School of Music offers graduate assistantships in a number of areas on a competitive basis. [more info]

Q. Do prospective composition majors and conducting majors need to audition?

A. No; composition and conducting applicants are not required to audition on an instrument. [audition requirements]

Q. I did not fully finish my Undergraduate Degree. Can I still apply for the Graduate program?

A. No; all applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with at least 36 credit hours in music.

Q. I did not receive an undergraduate degree in Music Education. Can I pursue a Masters degree in Music Education at Ithaca College?

A. No; Applicants must hold an initial or provisional teaching certificate, normally earned through an undergraduate music education degree.

Q. What TOEFL scores does Ithaca College require?

A. The Test of English as a First Language is required of nonnative speakers. Our minimum score is 550 on the paper test, 213 on the computerized test, and 80 on the iBT version. The graduate chair may waive this requirement if there is evidence of English language competence (for example, successful completion of intensive English training or graduation from an English-speaking college). [more info]

Q. Does the School of Music require GRE scores?

A. No; The Graduate Record Examination is only required for applicants to programs in speech-language pathology, teaching students with speech and language disabilities, sport management, and exercise and sport sciences.

Q. Can I transfer credits from another graduate program to Ithaca College?

A. Yes; courses submitted for transfer credit must be appropriate and applicable to the student’s degree or teacher certification program, and a grade of B or better must have been earned. Transferable credits must have been earned not more than three years before matriculation, and no more than 6 credits may be transferred and applied toward an advanced degree. Grades acquired in transferred courses are not applicable to the graduate cumulative average. Students who have matriculated and who wish to earn graduate credit elsewhere for transfer to Ithaca College should obtain approval in writing from the major adviser and the dean of graduate and professional studies before registering for a course intended for transfer.

Fifteen credits earned at institutions that have established formal affiliation programs in specific majors may be applied toward degree requirements. Students must submit a written request for transfer credit to the Division of Graduate and Professional Studies. The request must be supported by an official transcript sent directly to Ithaca College from the institutions at which the credit was obtained.