In order to be considered for admission to the Mary Pappert School of Music, graduate applicants must have completed an adequate undergraduate preparation in music, normally, a bachelor's degree in music from an institution of recognized standing, a college-level conservatory diploma, or its foreign equivalent. The minimum overall quality point average must be 2.5 and at least 3.0 in music courses (A=4.0).
A one-page essay must be submitted along with the application that clearly states the applicant's intentions in pursuing graduate studies at Duquesne University and the Mary Pappert School of Music.

Three letters of recommendation are required from professionals in the field who can attest to the applicant's qualifications.


Each student applying for admissions to the Graduate Division must request an official transcript from each institution attended, including any attended during summer sessions, regardless of whether credit or degree was received. Please ask the registrar of each college or university to send official transcripts to the Director of Music Admissions.


At the Mary Pappert School of Music, the minimum TOEFL score for admission into the Master of Music degree program is 79 (on the internet-based test) with a minimum sub-score of 17 in each section.