Graduate Artistic & Academic Preparation
There are many paths that prospective students travel to gain the skills needed to be competitive for admission. The best way to learn if you are a great fit for U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) is to apply!
Artistic Background
Admission to SMTD is highly selective. Most students who receive an offer of admission have extensive backgrounds in their intended areas of study and have taken full advantage of the training opportunities available to them. These can include: private lessons, youth orchestras, bands, and/or choirs, regional or national arts competitions, community and professional theatre or dance companies, and state solo & ensemble competitions.
Special note: Courses taken pass/fail due to the Covid-19 pandemic in your prior degree program will not be counted negatively in our evaluations of academic preparedness.
Master of Music (MM) degrees:
The prerequisite is a bachelor’s degree with a major in music from an accredited institution. If you do not fulfill this requirement, you should apply as a transfer student at the undergraduate level. We expect that you have achieved an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (where A=4.0), or a grade point average of at least 3.2 for the final two years of undergraduate study.
Specialist in Music (SM) degrees:
The prerequisite is a master of music degree from an accredited institution. We expect that you have achieved an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (where A=4.0), or a grade point average of at least 3.2 for the final two years of undergraduate study, and at least a graduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (where A=4.0).
Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degrees:
These degree programs programs are administered jointly by SMTD and the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. Please check your individual degree program of interest for specific prerequisites. Doctoral applicants must have achieved an average of at least 3.0 in their masters studies.
International Student Requirements
Please check the International Admissions page for further information on specific requirements for international students.