GRADUATE ASSESSMENT TEST
Four (4) weeks before the first semester of study, each incoming graduate student must have completed the Graduate Assessment Tests (GAT). These tests assess two main areas: Music History and Music Theory. They are administered online through the University’s learning management system, D2L, and can be taken anytime once access is granted by the graduate coordinator.
A minimum score of 70% on the required Music History Assessment Test waives the MHL 501 course requirement. Students scoring below 70% on the Music History Assessment Test are required to take MHL 501 (Style, Form, & Genre) before enrolling in other Music History course(s).
A minimum score of 70% on the required Music Theory Assessment Test waives the MTC 501 course requirement. Students scoring below 70% on the Music Theory Assessment Test are required to take MTC 501 (Music Theory Essentials) before enrolling in other Music Theory courses.
Students who do not complete the required Graduate Assessment Tests by the specified date are required to take MHL 501 and MTC 501.
REGISTER FOR THE ASSESSMENT TEST
The Wells School of Music Graduate Assessment Tests in Music Theory and/or History are administered online and require the Google Chrome web browser.
To register for the exam, contact the Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Jonathan Fowler.
PART I - MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE
This GAT is a ninety-minute exam that will ascertain your readiness to pursue the required graduate credits in music history and literature. For more information and suggestions for preparation, please view the GAT Guidelines .
PART 2 - MUSIC THEORY
This GAT is a ninety-minute exam that will ascertain your readiness to pursue the required graduate credits in music theory and composition. For more information and suggestions for preparation, please view the GAT Guidelines .
Assessment test results
Based upon the results of the examination and other admissions criteria (including, but not limited to, auditions, samples of written work, and interviews), the Wells School of Music will recommend one of the following actions:
- Admission: Full Matriculation
- Admission: Provisional Status - review courses required (MHL 501*, MTC 501**)
- Admission: Provisional Status - music history review required (MHL 501)
- Admission: Provisional Status - music theory review required (MTC 501)
- Admission: Denied
*MHL 501 - Style, Form, Genre as a review Music History course
**MTC 501 - Music Theory Essentials as a review Music Theory course
SATISFYING REMEDIAL REQUIREMENTS
Each applicant will be notified of the need for review courses as identified through this exam.
Students identified as needing review coursework must register for and complete such course(s) during the first semester in which the course(s) is/are offered following the examination. Failure to take the required review course(s) during the first potential semester offered may result in delaying degree completion.
Students identified as needing review coursework and attending summer sessions only must register for and complete such course(s) during the first summer session in which the course(s) is/are offered following the examination. Failure to take the required review course(s) during the first potential summer semester offered may result in delaying degree completion.
Students identified as needing review coursework must register for and complete the required course(s) prior to registering for any other course in the department in which review is required.
Review course credits will not be counted toward the total number of credit hours required by the student's degree curriculum. Review courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.
Students identified as needing review coursework who do not register for and complete the required course(s) within the time frame detailed above will not be allowed to register for further graduate study in music until review courses are taken.