Music Composition, DMA

The Doctor of Musical Arts program in music with a concentration in music composition is a comprehensive professional degree program for outstanding students of acoustic, electronic and multimedia composition. Students develop their own compositional voices and focus on their area of interest, regardless of style or aesthetics, while gaining extensive knowledge through coursework and private lessons with faculty.

Program Description

Develop advanced skills in traditional and contemporary techniques, and collaborate with music scholars, theorists, performers, educators and composers to create a well-rounded foundation for your professional career.

At a Glance

College/school: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
Location: Tempe
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

90 credit hours, a foreign language exam, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

The credit requirements for the degree are distributed as follows:

major area (composition, music technology, electives) (36 credit hours)
music theory and music history (30 credit hours)
research (12 credit hours)
dissertation (12 credit hours)

The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.

Additional Curriculum Requirements

Completion of diagnostic exams in musicology and music theory is required of all new graduate music students before enrollment in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre.

Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement. Once admitted to the program, a student is required to be enrolled continuously, excluding summer sessions, until all requirements for the degree have been fulfilled. In general, the student should expect to spend at least the equivalent of three academic years in the program beyond the master's degree. A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.

Admission Requirements

General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants must have earned a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an institution in another country that is officially recognized by that country.
Applicants must have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of a bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

graduate admission application and application fee
School of Music, Dance and Theatre application, including a resume and personal statement
official transcripts
prescreening portfolio
three letters of recommendation
proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

Fall:
- Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 12/01, Type: Final
Spring:
- Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 10/01, Type: Final

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

Compose original works, applying theoretical understanding of musical techniques.
Create a significant original work that integrates and synthesizes various principles of composition.
Interpret specific musical products within the context of a specific theoretical, historical, or cultural tradition.

Career Opportunities

The School of Music, Dance and Theatre graduate programs inspire and empower students to become creative leaders who transform society through music.

Musicians with expertise in performing, composing, teaching and conducting research, and in arts advocacy, are in high demand across many sectors and industries, including performing arts organizations, educational institutions, entertainment companies, health and wellness industries, and community arts organizations. Skills such as creativity, collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as the focused discipline needed for success as a musician, are all highly valued by a wide variety of companies and professions.

Career examples include:

arts administrator
community arts advocate
composer for film, video games or television
performing musician
public or community school teacher
university professor

Program Details

Degree awarded: DMA Music (Music Composition)
Program description: The Doctor of Musical Arts program in music with a concentration in music composition is a comprehensive professional degree program for outstanding students of acoustic, electronic and multimedia composition.
Composers' performance opportunities: readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Student interaction with faculty: Students have extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Collaborations: Collaborations with music scholars, theorists, performers, educators and other composers provide students with a broad and well-rounded foundation for advanced careers in music and teaching at the university level.
Additional information: Additional information on requirements for this degree is available on the curriculum check sheet at the bottom of the school's degree page.
Application process: After complete application materials have been received, including recommendation letters, transcripts and English proficiency, and review of prescreening materials, an applicant may be invited for an interview. Information about the interview can be found on the school's admission website.
English proficiency requirements: An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. The School of Music, Dance and Theatre does not offer conditional admission under any circumstances. To meet English proficiency requirements, students should have a TOEFL iBT (taken in a testing center) score of at least 80; an IELTS overall band score of at least 6.5; or a Pearson Test of English score of at least 60.
WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program) eligibility: Students from western states who select this major may be eligible for a reduced nonresident tuition rate of 150 percent of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program Web site.
Accreditation: All ASU graduate and undergraduate academic programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Many programs also have additional accreditation through specialized accrediting agencies.
Faculty excellence: Read more about faculty excellence.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields, including music composition, music performance, music education, and music therapy.
Program reputation: The program has a strong reputation, with a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of fields.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields, including music composition, music performance, music education, and music therapy.
Program reputation: The program has a strong reputation, with a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of fields.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields, including music composition, music performance, music education, and music therapy.
Program reputation: The program has a strong reputation, with a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of fields.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields, including music composition, music performance, music education, and music therapy.
Program reputation: The program has a strong reputation, with a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of fields.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields, including music composition, music performance, music education, and music therapy.
Program reputation: The program has a strong reputation, with a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of fields.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields, including music composition, music performance, music education, and music therapy.
Program reputation: The program has a strong reputation, with a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of fields.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields, including music composition, music performance, music education, and music therapy.
Program reputation: The program has a strong reputation, with a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of fields.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields, including music composition, music performance, music education, and music therapy.
Program reputation: The program has a strong reputation, with a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of fields.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields, including music composition, music performance, music education, and music therapy.
Program reputation: The program has a strong reputation, with a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of fields.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields, including music composition, music performance, music education, and music therapy.
Program reputation: The program has a strong reputation, with a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of fields.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields, including music composition, music performance, music education, and music therapy.
Program reputation: The program has a strong reputation, with a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of fields.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields, including music composition, music performance, music education, and music therapy.
Program reputation: The program has a strong reputation, with a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of fields.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields, including music composition, music performance, music education, and music therapy.
Program reputation: The program has a strong reputation, with a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of fields.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields, including music composition, music performance, music education, and music therapy.
Program reputation: The program has a strong reputation, with a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to work in a variety of fields.
Program accreditation: The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Program length: The program typically takes three years to complete beyond the master's degree.
Residency requirements: A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU. At least 54 credit hours must be completed in residence at ASU.
Transfer credits: Thirty credit hours from a master's degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hour degree requirement.
Dissertation requirements: The music composition concentration requires the creation of a significant original work of music (considered to be a dissertation) and either two article-length research papers or a substantial paper.
Comprehensive exams: A written comprehensive exam and an oral comprehensive exam are required.
Foreign language exam: A foreign language exam is required.
Prospectus: A prospectus is required.
Research areas: The program focuses on music composition, music technology, and music theory.
Performance opportunities: Composers' performance opportunities include readings by the ASU Symphony Orchestra and visiting ensembles; yearlong residencies with the Wind Ensembles and the Philharmonia; commissions for the PRISMS contemporary music festival; and collaborations with student performers, animators, filmmakers and dancers.
Faculty expertise: The faculty has expertise in music composition, music theory, and music technology.
Student support: The program provides students with extensive interaction with faculty and opportunities to develop advanced skills in compositional techniques from a wide variety of styles and traditions, with emphasis on fostering students' personal approach to composition.
Career support: The program provides students with career support, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
Alumni network: The program has a strong alumni network

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Music Composition, DMA

Program Overview