Music Composition
About the Program
Create with Purpose and Passion
The Music Composition Certificate at Columbus State University gives you hands-on training in composing original music for live performance and digital platforms. Whether you're interested in acoustic or electro-acoustic music, this certificate helps you grow your creative voice while learning techniques in theory, orchestration, and digital production.
Customize Your Degree
Acoustic (Track)
Focuses on traditional composition skills including counterpoint, instrumentation, and transcription. You will take private lessons and participate in a required recital of original works.
Electro-Acoustic (Track)
Designed for students interested in electronic or computer-based music. Courses include Electronic Music, Digital Signal Processing, and applied composition using digital tools.
Just the Facts
Total Credit Hours:
13 Hours
Delivery Format:
On Campus
Completion Time:
2 years
Required:
Final recital
Academic Unit:
Schwob School of Music
Additional Resources
Program Highlights
Your Academic Experience
- Open to all Schwob School of Music majors—no prior composition experience required
- Choose between Acoustic or Electro-Acoustic tracks based on your interests
- Study one-on-one with faculty in applied composition lessons for at least three semesters
- Showcase your work in a 30-minute recital of original compositions
- Gain skills in orchestration, form, phrasing, notation, and contemporary techniques
- Electro-Acoustic students learn to compose with software and digital audio tools
What Can You Do With This Degree?
Explore job trends, average salaries, and growing opportunities so you can see how your degree connects to meaningful career pathways and the future of your field.
Admission Requirements
Your Pathway to CSU
Program-Specific Admission Requirements
Students must be enrolled in a degree program within the Schwob School of Music to pursue this certificate. No prior experience in composition is required.
View RequirementsInstitutional Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet our institutional admissions requirements to be accepted into Columbus State University.
