Overview

Immersive. Progressive. Inspirational. Fostering the creative voices and careers of the next generation of composers.

Key Features

The aim of the Music Composition program at University of Houston is to maximize our resources to produce alumni who are at the forefront of the ever-changing contemporary music scene.

Under the guidance of our award-winning faculty, composition students develop a diverse portfolio of original concert music, establish important career relationships, gain fluency in contemporary repertoire and techniques, and engage with the diverse and vibrant Houston arts community.

Composers interested in pursuing collaborative work with artists from other disciplines may seek opportunities through the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts, a unique resource dedicated to the support and creation of interdisciplinary arts.

Annually, the composition division awards the best undergraduate and graduate student works through the Louisa Stude Sarofim Composition Competition, which is adjudicated by a panel of professional composers outside the school.

Winners receive a cash prize and are commissioned to compose a new work for AURA, the Moores School of Music contemporary chamber ensemble. Additionally, graduate compositions majors are consistently tapped for teaching assistantships in Music Theory.

The composition graduates have consistently garnered admission to high-level graduate programs, enjoy flourishing careers in academia and the arts, and have been awarded national and international awards and commissions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Group Piano

Aural Skills

Music Theory

Techniques of Music Since 1900

Music and Culture

History of Music

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-03 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Houston, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 312 other Bachelors in Music Composition in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You'll apply as an international freshman student if you plan to attend the University of Houston:

with citizenship from a country outside the U.S.

have no college coursework (or have less than 15 credit hours from an accredited university).

have an equivalent GPA 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale).

meet English Language Requirements.

Pay the $90 application fee.

Submit official high school/secondary school transcripts, mark sheets, external exam results and certificates for years 9-12 (or equivalent years). Academic records must be submitted in the original language and include a certified literal English translation.

Admitted students are notified by email and provided instructions to receive an I-20.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

28066 USD / year

≈ 28066 USD / year
Out-of-State

28066 USD / year

≈ 28066 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11972 USD / year

≈ 11972 USD / year

Living costs

Houston

United States

1067 - 1950 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music Composition.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Features

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Houston

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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