Department of Music
Music and UNR

Department of Music

Church Fine Arts / 226

University of Nevada, Reno

Reno, NV 89557-0049

Phone: (775) 784-6145
Fax: (775) 784-6896

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Music Home > Programs of Study > Admissions

Admissions Information

The study of music at UNR is an exciting prospect for high-achieving students. We are glad you are interested. This page will direct you to the information you need to set the admissions process in motion. You'll find briefs on entrance requirements, financial aid, scholarships, and on how the Department of Music evaluates applicants. If you have any questions specific to the Department of Music admissions process, don't hesitate to call the Department office at 775-784-6145, or stop by. We're open Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. You can also email our Administrative Assistant, Cynthia Prescott with all your Department of Music questions. If she doesn't immediately have the answer, she'll find the person who does.

Graduate Admission to the Department of Music

Graduate students have their own specific steps to follow for admission into the graduate program. The process is two-fold with requirements to be met from both the Graduate School and the Department of Music.

Undergraduate Admissions Process - General First Steps

For general admissions information, the University Web site has several pages that can be helpful in understanding the admissions process at UNR:

  • UNR Admissions Home Page
    • This page offers a university-wide introduction to the admissions process with information on how to plan for college, how to set up a campus tour, and more. You can begin your investigation according to what type of student your are or intend to be (first year, returning, transfer, graduate, veteran, international, etc.)
  • Applying to University of Nevada, Reno
    • This page introduces the application process itself. You will find information about incoming Freshman requirements, minimum GPA requirements, transfer requirements, etc.
  • Apply Right Now Online
    • You can begin the application process right on line. Simply open an account. Once created, your account can be used to save and re-edit all of your applications on the ApplyWeb system, as well as submit your applications to the admissions department.
  • Costs, Scholarships & Financial Aid
    • This page offers general information on how to estimate the cost of going to UNR, initial steps for applying for financial aid and university scholarships, external scholarships, scholarships for Nevada high school graduates, student loans, the Pack Advantage, and more. There is also Scholarship and Financial Aid specific to the Department of Music.
  • Records and Registration
    • This is an information and resources gateway for students. Find information about procedures for finding an academic advisor, official dates and holidays, application and registration deadlines. You can also access current class schedules, the general course catalog, residency policies, and more.

Undergraduate Admission to the Department of Music

Acceptance into the University is the first step. The next step is to be accepted into the music program of your choice. Students planning to pursue a Bachelor of Music or Master of Music degree must audition.

Admission to the College of Education

Music Education Majors

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in music education will receive their degree from the College of Liberal Arts; however, they must also meet certain requirements of the College of Education to qualify for student teaching and state certification. Students must apply for admission to the College of Education to register for courses required for the degree.

 Following are the criteria for admission into the College of Education:

  •  Completion of at least 30 credits of university level courses including the core requirements in English, Math, and Science.
  • Students must have taken and achieved passing scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) or the California Basic Skills Test (CBEST). The PPST exam may be taken through PRAXIS, Educational Testing Service (609-771-7395), or locally at the Sylvan Learning Center, 940 W. Moana Lane, Reno (call 775- 829-2700 for an appointment).
  • Completion of EDU 202 (grade of C or better); or, if this course has not yet been completed, students currently enrolled in EDU 202 may submit an application.
  • An overall GPA of 2.50 is required for admission to the College of Education, and a 2.33 GPA in English 101 and 102 is required.
  • Two letters of recommendation and a short essay are also needed to complete the process of admission to the College of Education.

For more information:

Student Teaching Requirements

  • Present negative TB test (this may be skin or chest X-ray) immediately prior to student teaching. Consult Student Health Service, personal physician, or Public Health Service.
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 2.75 in professional education courses and a cumulative GPA of 2.50 in all courses.
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 2.50 or higher in music courses.
  • Apply for student teaching by September 15 for Spring semester student teaching, and by February 15 for Fall semester student teaching. Forms are available from Director of Field Experiences, College of Education.
  • All course work should be completed prior to student teaching, including the Senior Recital, MUS 498. In addition, students WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO APPLY TO STUDENT TEACH if they have not completed the Piano Proficiency Exam.
  • It is recommended that all students obtain a Substitute License after attaining junior status, and prior to applying for student teaching. Applications are available from College of Education, Director of Field Experiences.

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