The master of fine arts in electronic music and recording media keeps Mills at the forefront of new music. Directed by a core faculty of distinguished composers, including John Bischoff, Chris Brown, James Fei, Maggi Payne, and Technical Director Les Stuck, this program welcomes composers who are working in electronic music and recording media.

This innovative interdisciplinary program (based in the Mills internationally acclaimed Center for Contemporary Music) focuses on electronic and computer music, the recording arts, and experimental media. It offers courses in recording and mixing, digital and analog synthesis, music software design and programming, interactive music composition, video, and live electronic music performance. The program encourages interdisciplinary and collaborative works across disciplines, including dance, art, computer science, poetry, and literature. MFA students also have access to the facilities and curriculum of the Intermedia Arts Program, which provides links for students and faculty from all the fine arts disciplines, as well as providing an undergraduate major.

The Music Department has also recently established an endowed residency in honor of the electronic music composer/performer David Tudor. Paul DeMarinis initiated this residency in 2000–01, followed by Maryanne Amacher in 2001–02, Steina Vasulka in 2002–03, Trimpin in 2003–04, Ron Kuivila in 2004–05, Jon Rose in 2005–06, and Laetitia Sonami in 2007–08.

The Center for Contemporary Music CCM also presents Songlines, a series of symposia on sound, nature, and new music technologies that brings together in an informal setting guest composers, performing artists, and researchers.

See KQED television's feature on CCM.