Overview

The Music, Science, and Technology programme at Stanford University offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of sound, acoustics, and digital media. This Master of Arts degree is specifically designed for candidates who hold an undergraduate degree in engineering, science, music, or the arts, providing a rigorous academic environment for technical and creative exploration.

Students engage with a curriculum that bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and artistic expression. The programme is hosted within a world-class research environment, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to lead in fields such as audio engineering, software development, and digital arts. This two-year course of study focuses on the successful completion of specific coursework and research milestones.

Why Music, Science, and Technology at Stanford University?

Stanford University provides an unparalleled environment for this field of study, primarily through the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics. This multidisciplinary facility attracts scholars from diverse departments, including Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Psychology. Such a collaborative ecosystem allows students to engage in high-level research that transcends traditional academic boundaries.

The facilities available to students are among the most advanced in the world. From the CCRMA Stage to the specialized research laboratories in the Braun Music Center, the infrastructure supports a wide range of experimental projects. These resources enable students to work on cutting-edge developments in human-computer interaction and music-related signal processing.

Furthermore, the institutional strengths of the School of Humanities and Sciences provide a robust framework for academic excellence. The programme's distinctive teaching features include a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application. This ensures that every student can tailor their research to specific interests within the vast landscape of music technology.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 21180 per semester
National fee: USD 21180 per semester
Local fee: USD 13240 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and aesthetic aspects of sound. Modules may include:

Music Perception
Music-Related Signal Processing
Human-Computer Interaction
Synthesis
Inter-media
Computer-Based Music Theory
Acoustics

Careers with Music, Science, and Technology

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse professional paths within the global music and technology industries. The rigorous training in signal processing and human-computer interaction makes alumni highly sought after by leading technology firms and research institutions. Many progress into roles focused on audio software development, hardware design, and acoustic consultancy.

The interdisciplinary nature of the degree also opens doors in the creative sectors, including film scoring, sound design for gaming, and digital media production. By combining technical proficiency with musical insight, graduates are uniquely positioned to innovate in the evolving landscape of sonic arts. The programme's strong reputation ensures that its alumni are well-represented in both commercial and academic spheres.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

CCRMA Colloquium

Fundamentals of Computer-Generated Sound

Psychophysics and Music Cognition

Intermedia Workshop

Music, Computing, Design I: Art of Design for Computer Music

Audio Signal Processing Part I: Spectrum Analysis

Audio Signal Processing Part II: Digital Filters

Music, Mind, and Human Behavior

Indian Classical Music

Opera

Interactive Introduction to North American Taiko

Insiders Guide to Music Production: The Modern Applications of Digital Audio

Art is My Occupation: Professional Development in Music

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-10 00:00:00

More details

Application components are due by the second Tuesday in December

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

45 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Stanford, United States

Disciplines

Electronics & Embedded Technology Music Sound Engineering View 34 other Masters in Sound Engineering in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association.
Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. See minimum level of study required of International applicants.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English.
International students enrolled must be able to read English with ease, understand rapid idiomatic English as used in lectures and group discussions.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year
Out-of-State

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year

Additional Details

per quarter

Living costs

Stanford

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Music, Science, and Technology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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