Important Dates
To add a music degree or transfer from another UIUC college/department to the School of Music, please be aware of the deadlines below:
- SPRING 2026 term: Apply by November 1; Audition/Interview during the Fall 2025 semester.
- FALL 2026 term: Apply by March 1; Audition/Interview during the Spring 2026 semester.
All final paperwork must be completed no later than the 10th day of the term that you wish to add the degree. Late applications for internal transfers are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. For late-application approval, please contact Thereza Lituma, at lituma2@illinois.edu.
Verify that you meet the minimum requirements to transfer to a music degree
- Minimum GPA of 2.00 (3.00 for Music Education, 3.5 for Computer Science + Music)
- For consideration to Computer Science + Music only: A Minimum grade of B+ in CS 124, CS 128, CS 173 and CS 225.
- Students will need a minimum of three years to complete degree requirements after transfer. It is recommended that students apply no later than their sophomore year.
- Students may be required to complete a talent review as part of the admissions process. Learn more about program specific requirements.
Step Two: Prepare The Program Specific Requirements for Your Major
Students may be required to complete a talent review as part of the admissions process. General Overview of our Music Application Requirements by Degree.
As an internal transfer applicant to the UIUC School of Music, it’s important to choose the degree that best aligns with your goals. The School offers several undergraduate degrees: BA, BMUS, BMA, BME, and BS in Music. Please note that our Musicology and Music Composition programs offer curricula in both the BA and BMUS degrees. Curriculum details and complete music application material requirements can be found by program:
BA: Bachelor of Arts in Music
No audition, portfolio/additional essays may be required. Click on program for more information.
- BA – Music Technology Concentration
- BA – Music Composition Option
- BA – Musicology Option
- BA – Music + Option
BMUS: Bachelor of Music
Auditions are required for all BMUS degrees (see Audition Dates and Requirements); Music Composition applicants must submit a composition portfolio, Musicology and Open Studies applicants may have an additional essay requirement. Click on program for more information.
- BMUS – Instrumental Music
- BMUS – Jazz Performance
- BMUS – Voice
- BMUS – Music Composition
- BMUS – Musicology
- BMUS – Open Studies
BMA: Bachelor of Musical Arts
Audition required for BMA degree. Click on program for more information.
BME: Bachelor of Music Education
Audition required for BME degree (see Audition Dates and Requirements); A follow-up interview with Music Education faculty will be scheduled separately from your audition. Click on program for more information.
- BME – Music Education: Choral Concentration
- BME – Music Education: General Music Concentration
- BME – Music Education: Instrumental Music Concentration
- BME – Music Education: Music Technology Concentration
BS: Bachelor of Science in Music
No audition is required for the BS degree; however, a CS + Music portfolio and additional essays are required, with interviews by invitation only.
Click here to start your intercollegiate transfer music application.
Step Four: Complete Your Music Talent Requirement
Click here to upload any additional materials.
Music Admissions will follow up to confirm your live on-campus audition, as requested on your music supplement form.