Public school7.8K

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

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Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Theatre

Music education

Music performance

Composition & music studies

Quick links

BM Composition

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Training

Bachelor of Music in Composition for students with strong musicianship and creative potential

Builds compositional technique, theory, and knowledge of significant composers and their methods

Applied study on a primary instrument alongside composition coursework

Performance & Ensembles

Original works performed by the Department of Music's choirs, bands, orchestras, and chamber ensembles

Jazz composition and arranging opportunities through the nationally recognized jazz program

Facilities

Highly skilled faculty committed to student progress

Small studio sizes with direct mentoring and personalized feedback

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.20

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

54%

Enrollment

7.8K

Earnings

$62K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,964

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$29,289

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$29,910

Before aid

Average net price

$18,476

After aid

Cost Attendance · cwu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 30, 11:09 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Bachelor of Music in Composition for students with strong musicianship and creative potential

Builds compositional technique, theory, and knowledge of significant composers and their methods

Applied study on a primary instrument alongside composition coursework

Performance & Ensembles

Original works performed by the Department of Music's choirs, bands, orchestras, and chamber ensembles

Jazz composition and arranging opportunities through the nationally recognized jazz program

Facilities

Highly skilled faculty committed to student progress

Small studio sizes with direct mentoring and personalized feedback

Program Highlights

Training

Bachelor of Music in Composition for students with strong musicianship and creative potential

Builds compositional technique, theory, and knowledge of significant composers and their methods

Applied study on a primary instrument alongside composition coursework

Performance & Ensembles

Original works performed by the Department of Music's choirs, bands, orchestras, and chamber ensembles

Jazz composition and arranging opportunities through the nationally recognized jazz program

Facilities

Highly skilled faculty committed to student progress

Small studio sizes with direct mentoring and personalized feedback

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

First-year applicants

Winter Quarter 2027 First-Year Priority Application DateNov 1, 2026

Transfer applicants

Winter Quarter 2027 Transfer Priority Application DateNov 1, 2026

Undergraduate Admissions · cwu.edu Transfer · cwu.edu

Program AppApplication

Dates

Dates TBA

Order

The university application must be submitted before the audition.

Cwu Composition · cwu.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Take MUS 120 Introduction to Composition during spring quarter of the first year

Students remain in BA Music until they receive permission to declare BM Composition

The program does not have a separate undergraduate Acceptd application

Eligibility

Transfer students may bypass MUS 120 with permission after submitting two or three contrasting compositions and completing a sufficient primary-instrument audition

The degree normally takes transfer students three years

Transfer Pathway

Transfer composition applicants may bypass MUS 120 with permission based on two or three contrasting compositions plus a sufficient primary-instrument audition. CWU states the degree normally takes transfer students three years.

Cwu Composition · cwu.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

Incoming first-year students audition on a primary instrument for admission to CWU Music and begin in BA Music

The BM Composition degree cannot be declared until the end of spring quarter in the first year

Formal declaration requires successful music-theory progress and permission from the composition advisor

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Merit and talent awards available based on audition performance

Audition before March 1 for full scholarship consideration

CWU admission application should be complete by January 1 for merit and talent award consideration

Department awards over $250,000 in scholarships and waivers each year

Submit FAFSA application for financial aid eligibility

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.20

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

54%

Enrollment

7.8K

Earnings

$62K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,964

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$29,289

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$29,910

Before aid

Average net price

$18,476

After aid

Cost Attendance · cwu.edu College Scorecard

Training

Bachelor of Music in Composition for students with strong musicianship and creative potential

Builds compositional technique, theory, and knowledge of significant composers and their methods

Applied study on a primary instrument alongside composition coursework

Performance & Ensembles

Original works performed by the Department of Music's choirs, bands, orchestras, and chamber ensembles

Jazz composition and arranging opportunities through the nationally recognized jazz program

Facilities

Highly skilled faculty committed to student progress

Small studio sizes with direct mentoring and personalized feedback

Updated Aug 30, 11:09 PM