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Master of Fine Arts - Music Scoring and Composition

Academy of Art University

San Francisco campus — San Francisco, California, United States

Study Level
Postgraduate · Master's Degree
Duration
To be confirmed
Study Mode
To be confirmed
Next Intake
February 2027
Tuition Fee
USD 37,908
Application Fee
USD 50
Scholarships Available
None listed
Post-Study Work Information
Optional Practical Training (OPT): Verify before applying
Application Status
Open — confirm with Eagle Link (Not confirmed)

Program information is subject to institution confirmation. Fees, deadlines, intakes and entry requirements may change.

Overview

The MFA in Music Scoring & Composition is designed to provide the highest level of training in music composition and scoring for film, television, games and other visual media. Balancing musicianship training with contemporary production skills to reflect a changing music industry, students will learn music theory, composition, harmony, orchestration, and arranging, focusing on creating emotion through music in synchronization with visual media. Students will use the latest computer based production workflows, digital audio workstations and virtual instrument libraries. The focus is on composition using virtual instruments, resulting in a thesis project and portfolio in the final year. Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria: MFA Thesis Project Plan an original portfolio of work worthy of the MFA degree Complete an original MFA thesis which represents an advanced level of achievement in the field of music creation for visual media Listening Skills and Critical Thinking Think critically and demonstrate flexibility in creating or editing music for client needs Music Composition Orchestrate and arrange music at a professional level Write or edit music for different visual environments (such as film, television, animation, games, multimedia, and commercials) at a professional level Create music which supports or heightens the emotional impacts of visual images (or visual material) Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the language of music: harmony, melody, and rhythm Production Skills and Technical Knowledge Demonstrate expert-level proficiency with software related to contemporary music production techniques Professional Readiness Present a comprehensive demo reel / portfolio demonstrating professional-level achievement Collaborate effectively with a creative team on a given project, such as a film, television show, animation, game, multimedia project, or commercial *Note App Fee Waiver in effect for ApplyBoard to reduce the application fee to $50*
Faculty / school
—
Field of study
—
Credential
Master's Degree
Relationship
Available Through Eagle Link

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

English-language requirements

English-language requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

Fees & Costs

Tuition fee
USD 37,908
Application fee
USD 50
Deposit required
Not listed
Estimated other compulsory fees
Not listed — confirm with Eagle Link.

Institution fees are paid according to the institution's instructions. Any Eagle Link service fee is shown on an Eagle Link invoice before payment. See our Payments Policy.

Scholarships

No scholarship is currently listed for this program. Explore scholarships and funding.

Scholarships are competitive and may change, close or be withdrawn. Eagle Link does not guarantee that any student will receive a scholarship.

Intakes & Deadlines

Upcoming intakes
February 2027, February 2028, February 2029
Application deadline
Confirm with Eagle Link
Application status
Confirm with Eagle Link
Intake availability
Not confirmed

Campus & Location

San Francisco campus

San Francisco, California, United States

79 New Montgomery St.

San Francisco campus campus, photo 1 San Francisco campus campus, photo 2 San Francisco campus campus, photo 3 San Francisco campus campus, photo 4 San Francisco campus campus, photo 5 San Francisco campus campus, photo 6

Post-Study Work / Immigration Information

Please confirm current eligibility with Eagle Link before applying.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Verify before applying

OPT and STEM OPT eligibility depend on maintaining F-1 status and on the program. A program counts as STEM only when its CIP code is on the official STEM list — not because its name sounds technical.

Official source

Eagle Link does not guarantee visa approval and does not make immigration decisions.

About the Institution

Since 1929, artists and designers have called Academy of Art University their home. Founded in San Francisco and family owned, it is one of the largest private, accredited art and design schools in the nation. Academy of Art University is first and foremost a professional school - a specialized place that helps students master their craft as they prepare for professional roles as artists and designers. The hands-on, no-nonsense curriculum is taught by some of the finest minds working in today’s creative and innovative industries. They will help students develop their talent and acquire skills...

View Academy of Art University

Program information last verified 8 October 2026.

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