Music Technology and Computation

Fall Term

Master’s of Science (SM)

*Applications for Fall 2027 are for current MIT undergraduates only.

Master’s of Applied Science (MASc)

• music information retrieval
• artificial intelligence
• machine learning, generative algorithms
• interaction and performance systems
• digital instrument design
• conceptual and perceptual modeling of music
• acoustics
• audio signal processing
• software development for creative expression and music applications

Required for SM applicants:

• Unofficial transcript(s)
• ELP Test scores – international applicants only
• Online application
  • Coursework plan showing which courses you have taken/will take to complete your degree requirements
  • Description of your experience as a musician
    • All music classes taken and extra-curricular musical activities
  • Description of your research and (if applicable) teaching experience
• Resume/CV
• ELP Test scores – international applicants only
• Funding plan
• Research Statement (1 page)
• Two letters of recommendation

Required for MASc applicants:

• Unofficial transcript(s)
• Online application
  • A description of your experience as a musician, including all music classes taken and extracurricular musical activities
  • Coding test within the application
  • List 2-3 ideas you have for an independent project that you think you would want to work on for your capstone project
• Statement of objectives
• ELP Test scores – international applicants only
• Resume/CV
• Portfolio of two projects
• Two letters of recommendation
  • Recommendation letters should be from faculty or supervisors, someone who can attest to your technical and/or musical abilities.

Optional for all applicants:

• Statement describing any additional information or extenuating circumstances
• GRE scores

The Master of Science (SM) does not require standardized tests from applicants. This includes the GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL.

For all MAsc applicants:

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – optional

• General test is optional
• Institute code: 3514
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 5 years old

For international MAsc applicants:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Minimum score required: 7
• Electronic scores send to: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Graduate
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 2 years old

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• Minimum score required: 100 (iBT) or 5 (iBT26)
• Institute code: 3514
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 2 years old

Duolingo English Test (DET)

• Minimum score required: 135
• Electronic scores send to: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Graduate Admissions
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 2 years old

Department ELP Test Waiver Policy

Music Technology and Computation typically follows the Office of Graduate Education’s ELP Test Requirement and Exemption policies. However, we understand that there may be some exceptional circumstances. In these cases, a waiver may be granted by the program on a case-by-case basis. All waiver decisions are at the discretion of the program.

Note: All academic history and unofficial transcripts should be submitted in the Academic History section of your application prior to requesting a waiver. While not required, documentation to support your request is encouraged.

The last day to request an ELP test waiver is December 14, 2026.

Review the Graduate Admissions test scores policy here.

Test Score Verification

All test scores shared with MIT must be verified by the testing agency in order to be reviewed. If you do not see your score verification status change upon submission, you may request assistance with test score verification in your application status portal. While valid scores must be submitted by the application deadline, all test scores must be verified by April 30, 2027.

Official Transcripts:

Official transcripts are required if admitted to MTC. International transcripts must be in English and certified.

Funding:

One semester of fellowship funding is automatically awarded to all admitted students to the SM and MASc programs.

Other funding options are listed below:

• OGE lists a few external fellowships (MIT administered, Federal, Featured External, Other External)
• MIT’s Morningside Academy for Design (MAD) offers some design fellowships
• TAships and RAships may be available