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23 Best Music & Performing Arts Master's Universities in the United States 2026

26 universities in the United States offer Music & Performing Arts master’s study in 2026, with 31 programmes in total. It is for applicants comparing where to pursue advanced study in performance, composition, and related areas.

Ranked by our transparent composite score, with QS rankings, tuition fees and entry requirements.

23 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
2
PU Park University logo

Park University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
3
TU Tiffin University logo

Tiffin University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
6
CU Chapman University logo

Chapman University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
8
KS Kent State University logo

Kent State University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
9
NS Norfolk State University logo

Norfolk State University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
11
OU Ohio University logo

Ohio University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
12
OC Oklahoma City University logo

Oklahoma City University

United States · Public University

★ 27 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
Founded

Frequently asked questions

Which are the best universities worldwide for Master's Music & Performing Arts?

Based on our composite ranking, the top choices include Claremont Graduate University, Park University, Tiffin University. See the full ranked list above with QS positions, tuition fees and entry requirements.

How much does a Master's in Music & Performing Arts cost abroad?

Tuition varies by university and is indicative on each profile — public universities are generally the most affordable, while private and international branch campuses charge more. Scholarships can reduce costs significantly.

Can international students study Music & Performing Arts abroad?

Yes. Most programmes are taught in English and open to international students, who apply for a student visa through the immigration authority after accepting an offer.

How are these universities ranked?

We use a transparent composite score combining QS World/Asia positions, your destination country’s star rating, academic breadth, internationalisation and student support — never paid placement. See our ranking methodology for the exact weights.

Studying Music & Performing Arts at Master's level abroad

your destination country is a popular, affordable destination for Music & Performing Arts at Master's level, with provincially accredited programmes taught in English at both public and private universities, plus international branch campuses. The universities above are ordered by our composite ranking score, which combines QS World and QS Americas positions, your destination country’s star rating, academic breadth, internationalisation and student support — with no paid placement.

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A master’s degree in Music & Performing Arts is for applicants who want study beyond a bachelor’s degree and are aiming for advanced professional or academic training. It suits students who already have a clear focus and want to develop higher-level work before entering performance, teaching, or further study.

The institutions in this group are public universities, and they differ in setting as well as in how transparent they are about cost. Some are in large-city locations, others are in smaller college settings, and published fee information is available only where the university provides it; applicants should not assume a cost from the degree type alone.

Before applying, confirm the exact programme title, entry requirements, tuition, and any audition or portfolio expectations. Also verify whether the course is full-time or part-time, which campus offers it, and whether international applicants have any additional conditions.