How to Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Please check through our list of FAQ's before contacting the Admissions Office.

Does the Yale School of Music offer spring admission?

No. All students must begin school in the fall semester.

Does the Yale School of Music offer a bachelor’s degree?

No. We are a graduate school and do not offer a bachelor’s degree. However, the Yale Department of Music offers a non-performance bachelor’s degree in the study of music history and theory.

Do I have to get my master’s at Yale in order to apply to the DMA program?

No. Yale’s doctoral program consists of two degrees: the Master of Musical Arts (MMA) and the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA). Both of these degrees must be completed at Yale. The MMA is a post-master’s program, so all students in the MMA have already gotten a master’s degree (MM, MA, etc.), either from Yale or another institution. If you are interested in Yale’s DMA program and you have completed or are currently in the process of completing a master’s degree, you should apply to Yale’s MMA program.

Can I pursue degrees in two different disciplines at the same time?

No. You may apply to two different programs if you wish (for example, viola and orchestral conducting), but if you are admitted to both programs, you must choose only one.

Does Yale offer music history and music theory degrees?

Yes, but not through the School of Music. The Department of Music at Yale’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers these degrees. The School of Music only offers performance degrees.