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Undergraduate Admissions

Updated September 6, 2023

Sections on this page:
Application Process
International Student Applications

In order to be considered for admission, prospective students must submit their Cal State Apply application and requisite fee during the following dates:

  • October 1-November 30 for admission to the next Fall
  • August 1-August 31 for admission to the next Spring

Some undergraduate applicants may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Please visit the fee waiver site for more information.

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Bachelor of Music Application Process


Bachelor of Music, Option in Performance

Follow these steps to apply to the B.M. degree program with an option in Performance:

  1. Review prospective undergraduate student audition requirements
  1. Apply to the university using the Cal State Apply website
  1. Schedule an audition
  • Note: schedule your audition even if you have not been accepted to the university yet. Audition slots fill up quickly
  1. (Optional) Schedule an introductory private lesson with the Area Director of your instrument:

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Bachelor of Music, Option in Composition

Follow these steps to apply to the B.M. degree program with an option in Composition:

  1. Prepare a portfolio of your creative work
  • All compositions should be accompanied by recordings
  • It is preferred that one of the compositions be recorded live by a musician; however, electronic versions are acceptable
  • Composition applicants should also include a complete list of works including title, duration, instrumentation, and performances for each piece

Additional Portfolio Requirements:


First time, first-year applicants

Your portfolio should contain two to three recent original compositions. At least one of the compositions should be notated. The notation could be by hand or using a notation software. Other compositions could be realized by means of a digital audio workstation (DAW).

If your portfolio is not ready at this time, we will send you reminders before the deadline.

Transfer applicants

The portfolio should contain three to five recent original notated works that show your awareness of 20th-21st century practices in composition. At least one of the compositions should be notated. The notation could be by hand or using a notation software. Other compositions could be realized by means of a digital audio workstation (DAW).

If your portfolio is not ready at this time, we will send you reminders before the deadline.


  1. Apply to the university using the Cal State Apply website
  • Specify your option as: Composition
  1. Submit your portfolio using the Prospective Student Application Form.
  • Portfolio submissions are due by January 22, 2024.
  • Note: submit your portfolio even if you have not been accepted to the university yet.


  • Application Form


    (form opens in a new window)

  1. Schedule an in-person interview.
  • After your portfolio is reviewed, you may be contacted to schedule an in-person interview as the next step in the acceptance process. Interviews typically take place on the same day as auditions.

The Music Education Major

Students wishing to become teachers in K-12 public schools should audition and interview as Music Education majors.

Students who wish to be studio teachers or who plan to go directly to graduate school after their undergraduate studies would be better served with a performance degree.

Follow these steps to apply to the Bachelor of Music—Music Education, Option in Instrumental Music or the Bachelor of Music—Music Education, Option in Choral-Vocal Music degree program:

  1. Review prospective undergraduate student audition requirements
  • To be considered for Instrumental Music Education you must pass a performance audition on your instrument
  • To be considered for Choral Music Education you must pass a performance audition on voice or keyboard
  • Direct all performance audition-related questions to the area director of your specific instrument or voice. Do not contact the area director(s) of Music Education for questions about your audition
  1. Apply to the university using the Cal State Apply website
  1. Schedule a performance audition
  • Note: schedule your audition even if you have not been accepted to the university yet. Audition slots fill up quickly
  • When filling out the Prospective Student Audition Form, check the major and option box marked "B.M. Music Education—Choral/Vocal Option" or "B.M. Music Education—Instrumental Option"
  1. Schedule a Music Education Interview
  • Only after you complete the prospective student audition form will you be provided a link to schedule a Music Education interview

*All Music Education interviews will be held in person.

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Bachelor of Arts Application Process


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