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For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

Applications to the Ph.D. in Music Theory-Composition are not being accepted at this time.

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé
• Goal Statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• Substantial term paper on a theoretical topic or a master's thesis in music theory written in English
• Minimum three scores of original compositions demonstrating a variety of genres (chamber, orchestral, piano, choral, etc.)
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 50 PTE score
  • Minimum 100 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Compile a body of completed compositions.
2. Demonstrate and apply compositional techniques for creation of new works, including musical style and structure.
3. Analyze music from a wide range of styles and style periods and communicate results in written and oral formats.
4. Recognize, identify and analyze representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
5. Communicate knowledge of composition, theory and other aspects of music in classroom and private teaching.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Electives must have been approved in student's prospectus.

²

Each doctoral candidate, upon admission to candidacy, must register for MUS 88199 for a total of 30 credit hours. It is expected that a doctoral candidate will continuously register for Dissertation I, and thereafter MUS 88299, each semester, until all requirements for the degree have been met. All students writing a dissertation must pass a dissertation defense. Dissertation defense may be attempted two times.

Graduation Requirements

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Applications to the Ph.D. in Music Theory-Composition are not being accepted at this time.

National Association of Schools of Music