Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree is designed for graduate students who desire advanced professional study in composition, conducting, or performance within the context of a major research university.

Curriculum

Requirements

The requirements for the D.M.A. degrees vary by emphasis, but D.M.A. students generally complete the following:

• Two years of pre-candidacy coursework
• Qualifying examinations
• A dissertation that can be organized around three post-candidacy recitals, a major research paper, or an individually-designed project

Areas of Study

The D.M.A. program offers various areas of study, including:

• Composition
• Conducting
• Performance

Program Structure

The program is structured to provide students with advanced professional study in their chosen area of emphasis, culminating in a dissertation project that can take a performative or academic approach.