Overview

The Music Composition programme at the University of Dayton provides students with a comprehensive foundation in creative musical expression and professional technical training. This degree is designed to help aspiring composers transform original musical ideas into dynamic performances and published works through a rigorous academic framework. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances traditional theory with contemporary music technology.

Why Music Composition at University of Dayton?

Students at this institution receive exceptional personal attention through weekly one-on-one lessons with expert faculty starting in their first year. The university is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, ensuring high educational standards. A significant highlight of the experience is the opportunity to hear original works performed live by various campus instrumental and vocal ensembles. Additionally, every major completes a capstone recital, providing a professional platform to showcase their artistic growth.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 51910 per year
National fee: USD 51910 per year
Local fee: USD 51910 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical creative application. Modules may include:

Theory of Music
Aural Skills
Composition
World Musics and Faith Traditions
Sound Production
Music History in the West
Ethics and American Popular Music
Designing Sound
Conducting

Careers with Music Composition

Graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences are prepared for diverse professional paths within the music industry and beyond. The programme develops essential transferable skills, including disciplined creativity, complex problem-solving, and collaborative teamwork. While many pursue roles as professional composers, arrangers, or editors, the rigorous training also supports careers in media production, arts administration, and music technology. The university reports a high success rate for graduates, who benefit from dedicated career services and a strong reputation among employers for being ready to contribute immediately to the professional world.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Composition

Keyboard Competency

Choral Conducting

Symphonic Wind Ensemble

World Musics and Faith Traditions

Theory of Music

Aural Skills

Advanced Orchestration

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dayton, United States

Disciplines

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

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

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

Application, including the essay. Student may apply through the University of Dayton Application, the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Regardless of which application you submit, there is no application fee.
Letter of recommendation (optional).
Official secondary transcripts (in language of original issue).
Proof of English Proficiency
Financial documentation. F-1 and J-1 students must provide a letter of financial support and a bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover the first year of study.

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

51910 USD / year

≈ 51910 USD / year
Out-of-State

51910 USD / year

≈ 51910 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

51910 USD / year

≈ 51910 USD / year

Living costs

Dayton

United States

880 - 1352 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

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

Dayton

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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