Western Carolina University

To be admitted to Western Carolina University as a graduate student, you must:

• Submit the WCU Graduate School Application
• Have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with an average grade of B or higher in the last 60 semester hours of the undergraduate program. 
• Send an offficial transcript of all prior college work to the Graduate School; no decisions regarding admission can be made without an official transcript.
• Submit an official record of scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (minumum score of 800 for music programs).
• Have three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar enough with your work to be able to assess your potential for further graduate study.  Use the electronic forms available through the Graduate School Application (above) or use this recommendation form (PDF) is available from the Graduate School. 

You must also be admitted to the School of Music. To be fully admitted to the School of Music into a graduate music program, you must also:

• Submit the School of Music Graduate Application form (PDF) indicating your intended degree (M.M., M.A.Ed., or M.A.T.). and your performing area.
• Have a bachelors degree in music or equivalent.  M.A.Ed. candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in Music Education. 
• Take the Music Diagnostic Examinations
• Perform a live audition before a panel of music faculty (M.M. degree only)
• Demonstrate music learning leadership skills (Music Education candidates only). 
  • Submit a DVD of a live conducting event (performance, class, or rehearsal), a recent performance on your instrument or voice, or a live audition

Graduate Programs in Music Education (M.A.Ed. or M.A.T.)

All applicants for the M.A.Ed. or the M.A.T. must also satisfy the admissions requirements for the College of Education and Applied Professions.  This includes an interview with a committee of representative faculty from School of Music, the College of Education and Allied Professions, and the Music Graduate Program Coordinator.  This interview may include demonstration of musical ability, such as conducting skills, appropriate to the degree being sought.  All candidates for the M.A.Ed. and the M.A.T. must have proof of piano proficiency.  If elective study on an instrument is desired, you may audition for admission into an applied studio, subject to available space. 

Inquiries concerning specific aspects of the music program should be directed to:

Mary Kay Bauer
Coordinator of Graduate Studies
School of Music
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Email: mkbauer@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828-227-3275
FAX: 828-227-7162