Application Process

1. Read through the Admissions Information page.
2. The application deadline for Fall 2027 admissions for the MA or PhD in Music (Critical  Music Studies) is December 15, 2026.
3. Complete the application  found here:https://graduateadmissions.stonybrook.edu/apply/ 
4. Please note that the Critical Music Studies program may email you to request an interview (to be held on Zoom in mid-January), in order to learn more about your interests and potential in the program. 

REQUIRED MATERIALS FOR APPLICATION

• M.A. in Music (Critical Music Studies)

  1)    Application – submitted through the Graduate School application system (Slate) (link on this page, above).

  2)    Application Fee – paid via the application.

  3)    Statement of Purpose - uploaded to the application.  Please indicate what you hope to accomplish from your graduate studies in Stony Brook's Music Department, what your career goals are, and what music or musicians have influenced your path as a musician. Please note: All written work submitted to support your application must be your own. In particular, the use of generative AI to generate entire sentences and paragraphs is not permitted and may be disqualifying.

  4)    Resume/CV - suploaded to the application.

  5)    Three (3) Letters of Recommendation – recommenders submit through the application system.

  6)    Transcripts – official transcripts from institutions where a degree was received. For coursework relevant to the proposed course of study taken outside of a degree, unofficial transcripts will suffice.  Details on the submission process can be found here (see Transcripts: Requirements and Submission).

  7)    2-3 Academic Papers –  uploaded to the application.  These should be original papers in music research, analysis or criticism in the range of 2500-5000 words.  In addition to these, you may send papers on other subjects if you think that they support some aspect of your application for admission.  Please limit your papers to those that exemplify your best work.  Please note: All written work submitted to support your application must be your own. In particular, the use of generative AI to generate entire sentences and paragraphs is not permitted and may be disqualifying.

  8)    GRE Scores - GRE scores are NOT required.

  9)    TOEFL/IELTS Scores (if applicable):  Please see  "TOEFL-IELTS Requirements" on our Admissions Information page for details.

• Ph.D. in Music (Critical Music Studies)

  1)    Application – submitted through the Graduate School application system (Slate) (links on this page, above).

  2)    Application Fee – paid via the application.

  3)    Statement of Purpose - uploaded to the application. Please indicate what you hope to accomplish from your graduate studies in Stony Brook's Music Department, what your career goals are, and what music or musicians have influenced your path as a musician. Please note: All written work submitted to support your application must be your own. In particular, the use of generative AI to generate entire sentences and paragraphs is not permitted and may be disqualifying.

  4)    Resume/CV - uploaded to the application.

  5)    Three (3) Letters of Recommendation – recommenders submit through the application system.

  6)    Transcripts – official transcripts from institutions where a degree was received. For coursework relevant to the proposed course of study taken outside of a degree, unofficial transcripts will suffice.  Details on the submission process can be found here (see Transcripts: Requirements and Submission).

  7)    2-3 Academic Papers – uploaded to the application.  These should be original papers in music research, analysis or criticism in the range of 2500-5000 words.  In addition to these, you may send papers on other subjects if you think that they support some aspect of your application for admission.  Please limit your papers to those that exemplify your best work.  Please note: All written work submitted to support your application must be your own. In particular, the use of generative AI to generate entire sentences and paragraphs is not permitted and may be disqualifying.

  8)    GRE Scores - GRE scores are NOT required.

  9)    TOEFL Scores (if applicable):  Please see  "TOEFL-IELTS Requirements" on our Admissions Information page for details.