Composition, D.M.A.

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Doctor of Musical Arts

The Doctor of Musical Arts degree program is designed to develop the complete musician, emphasizing both the highest level of musicianship and practical scholarly insight. Each curriculum is intended to prepare the respective candidate for a career at the most advanced level of performance, teaching, or composition.

Completion of the D.M.A. usually takes a minimum of two full years beyond the master’s degree. The first year should be spent in residence, implying full-time status with a minimum course load of 9 credits per semester. One summer session prior to residence is permitted. Doctor of Musical Arts programs must be completed within seven years from the date of matriculation.

The D.M.A. consists of an area of concentration and an elective minor area.

Total credits for degree: 54–66

Major Area (36 credits)

COM/TH - Courses in music composition, music theory 18 credit(s) ¹
COM 562 - Music Technology II 3 credit(s)
TE 660 - Dissertation 2–6 credit(s) (6 credits required)
TE 661 - Dissertation 2–6 credit(s) (6 credits required)

Choose one course from the following in consultation with an advisor

COM 561 - Music Technology I 3 credit(s)
COM 563 - Music Technology III 3 credit(s)
COM 566 - Introduction to Computer Music 3 credit(s)
COM 667 - Computer Music Seminar 3 credit(s)
COM 668 - Scoring for Film, TV, and Video 3 credit(s)

Other Studies (12 credits)

HLM 615 - Pro-seminar in Music History 3 credit(s) ²
HLM - Music history electives chosen in consultation with an advisor 9 credit(s)

Electives

Minor area or electives with permission of advisor 6-18 credit(s)

Note(s):

¹TH 611 , TH 612 , TH 613 , TH 614 - Graduate Ear Training Review Requirement (must be taken first if required per placement exam).

²HLM 611 , HLM 612 , HLM 613 - Graduate Music History Review: Romantic and Early 20th-Century Music (must be taken first if required per placement exam)

HLM 611 , HLM 612 , and HLM 613 , and TH 611 , TH 612 , TH 613 , and TH 614 do not fulfill requirements in music history or music theory.