Graduate Programs

Applicants for graduate study who are admitted on the basis of having presented acceptable credentials and results of entrance testing are classified into one of five categories: graduate standing, conditional, special and non-degree, provisional, or transient. Criteria for each classification are as follows:

1. Graduate Standing
   • This classification is given to: (1) students holding the Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) or Bachelor of Music Education (B.Mus.Ed.) degree from Howard University or from a similarly accredited institution, who have maintained an average no lower than B in the major area of undergraduate concentration, and whose entrance examinations reveal no deficiencies; and (2) holders of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a major in music, provided that they have met undergraduate requirements equivalent to the course offerings in the Department of Music at Howard University, and who have maintained an average no lower than B in the major area of their undergraduate concentration.
2. Conditional
   • This classification is for students who either: hold a baccalaureate degree from a non-accredited institution; have a cumulative average lower than 2.9; have prerequisite work to be completed; or are insufficiently prepared in professional studies. Students so classified must be reclassified in Graduate Standing by the beginning of the second semester of residence.
3. Special and Non-degree
   • This classification is for music students who hold a baccalaureate degree and who desire to pursue elective or certification requirements. It is also for other students who are not seeking a master's degree in music but who desire postgraduate study in this area. The latter students must meet general admission requirements and must maintain the same academic standards as regular graduate students. The non-degree student who subsequently wishes to become a degree candidate will receive credit for work already completed as determined by the Committee on Graduate Studies in Music.
4. Provisional
   • Applicants who request admission during their final undergraduate year may be accepted on a provisional basis, pending subsequent filing of a supplementary transcript showing that the undergraduate degree was in fact granted. Admissions clearance must be made at least one month in advance of the semester in which registration is requested.
5. Transient
   • Students actively pursuing work at other institutions, including consortium colleges or universities, who wish to earn credits for transfer to that institution will not be required to submit official transcripts but must present two copies of a statement verifying that they are in good standing at that institution and that they have the approval of its dean and registrar to seek transfer credit.

For further graduate classification and examination information, please contact Dr. Chris Royal, Coordinator.