Graduate Admissions Overview

Thank you for your interest in graduate music study at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music! If, after reading the information below, you have questions about our application processes, please contact the graduate office at MusicGrad@uga.edu or (706) 542-2743.

Applicants to all graduate degree programs in music must hold a baccalaureate degree in music from an institution accredited by the proper regional accrediting association, or, in the judgment of the School of Music Faculty, have equivalent competencies. Applicants should have attained a grade point average of 3.0 or better for all undergraduate work and achieved satisfactory scores on the degree-appropriate entrance examinations.

Applicants to doctoral degree programs in music must hold a master's degree in music from an institution accredited by the proper regional accrediting association, or, in the judgment of the School of Music Faculty, have equivalent competencies.

Your admissions application is reviewed jointly by the Graduate School and the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. The guidelines below indicate which materials get sent to each institution.

Note: The GRE is not required for admission into graduate music programs.

Three steps to apply

Students whose application process includes an audition or pre-screening are encouraged to review their area's schedule and other details before applying.

Click each step to expand.

Step 1: Apply to UGA's Graduate School using the online application.

All graduate students wishing to enroll in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music must apply for admission to the University of Georgia Graduate School via the UGA Application. The admission process to the University is separate from the School of Music admission process, and you will need the number assigned to you by UGA to complete your online School of Music application.

A completed application to the UGA Graduate School includes the following:

The application fee. Domestic applicants = $75. International applicants = $100. Additional fees are due if applying for more than one degree. Former UGA graduate students returning within four terms of their last registration will pay a reduced rate of $25 for the application fee. Visit this link to learn about the UGA Graduate School application fee waiver policy: https://grad.uga.edu/admissions/application-fee/
One transcript from each institution of higher education attended, except the University of Georgia. Electronic submission is preferred, but transcripts can also be sent in sealed envelopes. Unofficial transcripts can be used in the application, but official transcripts will be required prior to matriculation.
Georgia residency application (if applicable).
Additional materials required of international applicants, including information about English language proficiency.

Important Note: Unless you are applying for the MMEd program, please do not request letters of recommendation through the application to the UGA Graduate School.

Step 2: Apply to the Hugh Hodgson School of Music.

Please note that you must apply for and be accepted to both The University of Georgia and The Hugh Hodgson School of Music. (Note: MMEd applicants will only need to apply to the University of Georgia, and do not need to apply using the separate HHSOM application.)

Your Hodgson School application will include:

Your statement of purpose, CV, and brief reflective essay.
Any prescreening materials required by your program, as found here.
Any supplemental materials required by your program, as found here.
The assistantship application (optional). If you wish to upload a supplemental statement regarding assistantship qualifications, you can do so. Please be sure that relevant experiences are included in your CV. If you are applying for an instructional assistantship, at least one letter of recommendation should refer to your abilities in the instructional area. An interview may be required for instructional assistantships.
Three letters of recommendation.
Your UGA ID number (a 9-digit number beginning 81). This can be found on the Graduate School's Student Portal after your application to UGA has been processed. This process could take up to 5 business days.
A $20 fee -- the link to pay the fee is on the application itself.

Step 3: Schedule an audition, if necessary.

Audition repertoire may be found here. If your program has a pre-screening process which you have already completed, you will need to wait for an invitation to audition.

You will find information about additional application materials by clicking the relevant degree heading here. Also, be sure to check for pre-screening information in your relevant area below.

It is strongly recommended that you contact your recruiting professor (the faculty member with whom you hope to study or the area chair for your intended major) directly once you have submitted both applications.

Fall 2025 Admissions:

If your program requires a pre-screening, or if you'd like to be considered for assistantship, please submit your application by the Priority deadline of December 1, 2024.

Other semesters:

Applications for matriculation in the spring semester are due by the previous October 15 (international applicants) or November 15 (domestic applicants). Assistantships are considered on an annual cycle and are therefore generally not available for students matriculating in the spring or summer.

The Online M.M.Ed. begins in the summer only. The domestic priority deadline and international deadline for the Online M.M.Ed. program is February 15. Applications submitted by the priority deadline will be reviewed by early March. The final domestic Online M.M.Ed. deadline is May 1st. (Note - MMEd applicants will only need to apply to the University of Georgia, and do not need to apply using the separate HHSOM application.)

Visiting Campus

If you'd like to visit campus, please try and schedule a meeting with your prospective primary professor(s) in your area of interest.

For general visit information, please click here.

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