The Application Process

Applications for graduate study are submitted to the University's Graduate Admissions Processing. Please note that applicants to the Setnor School of Music have additional, program-specific requirements that must be submitted separately to the college's Office of Graduate Student Affairs (see Step 8 below).

The Setnor School of Music reviews applications individually and then conveys its admission recommendations to the Graduate School.

To apply, you must complete the following steps. We have also created a printable checklist (PDF) for your convenience.

  • Step 1: Fill out and submit an application to Graduate Admissions Processing.
    We strongly encourage students to apply online. Alternatively, you may obtain the printed application through the Graduate School web site (please select VPA from the section "Download PDF Applications") or by contacting the college's Office of Recruitment and Admissions at 315-443-2769 or by filling out our Information Request. For deadline information, see Step 8.

  • Step 2: Include the application fee.
    All applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of $75. Application fee waivers are generally not available. If you submit your application by mail, include a check or money order payable to Syracuse University with your application or pay by Mastercard or Visa online. Do not send cash.

    Step 3: Submit a personal statement of purpose to Graduate Admissions Processing.
    Describe in approximately 500 words your main academic interests, why you wish to study for the degree you have chosen, why you wish to study at Syracuse University, how you expect to finance your studies, and your plans for the future after you receive your degree.

  • Step 4: Submit academic credentials to Graduate Admissions Processing.
    Two copies of all previous postsecondary education are required. Request that the institutions you have attended send the records to you in sealed envelopes, signed or stamped across the seal. You should then forward them in one package with the rest of the hard copy portions of your application to Graduate Admissions Processing. If you have not yet earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree, your admission will be conditional upon your submission of the record showing that the degree has been awarded.

  • Step 5: Submit three letters of recommendation to Graduate Admissions Processing.
    Recommenders may submit their recommendations online as part of the online application process; this is the preferred method of submission. If you are using the printed application, confidential letters of recommendation should be sent to you in sealed envelopes on which the recommender has signed across the seal. You should then forward them in the same envelope with other hard copy portions of your application to Graduate Admissions Processing. You should print the recommendation forms from the online version.

  • Step 6: Submit standardized test scores if required.
    The music education programs are the only graduate programs in the Setnor School of Music that require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). All students whose native language is not English are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), unless you attended a four-year program at an English-speaking undergraduate institution.. Only scores sent to SU by the testing agency will be accepted. Be aware that exam scores are not generally available until four to six weeks after the exam is administered. It is your responsibility to ensure that scores reach SU by applicable deadlines. All scores for GRE and TOEFL are reported to a central location at SU. Note to international applicants: waivers may be considered for applicants who have graduated from a four-year program at an English-speaking undergraduate institution. E-mail Harriett Conti at hmconti@syr.edu for a request for waiver.

  • Step 7: Complete financial documents.
    If you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident and you wish to apply for need-based aid, you should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1. You do not need to wait for an admission decision before filing. You can get a FAFSA from the U.S. Department of Education by calling 800-433-3243. For more information about need-based aid, refer to our financial information page or the University's Office of Financial Aid. International students must show sufficient funding for at least the first year of graduate study in order to have a student visa authorized. Admitted international applicants receiving full support (full tuition and full stipend) from SU meet this qualification. Refer to the Graduate School for more information.

  • Step 8: Complete the following audition/interview requirements and submit them to/arrange them with the College of Visual and Performing Arts by the deadlines listed.
    Applicants to programs in the Setnor School of Music have special requirements such as auditions, interviews, and compositions in addition to the Graduate School application and its related materials. Visit Audition/Interview Requirements for details and deadlines. When these requirements cannot be met, entrance at the undergraduate or graduate level on a non-matriculated basis may lead to later admission into the program. With the exception of standardized test scores (see Step 6), written audition/interview materials required (compositions) should be sent to Office of Graduate Student Affairs, College of Visual and Performing Arts, 202 Crouse College, Syracuse NY 13244-1010 USA. Do not send these materials to Graduate Admissions Processing. Your Graduate School application and other related materials described above (academic credentials, letters of recommendation, etc.) should be submitted to Graduate Admissions Processing by the same deadline.