07.03.08 PhD – Major in Composition
Prerequisites: Prerequisites for the PhD in Composition include a master’s degree in composition or a related field. Before entrance, the composition department reviews the submitted materials consisting of compositions and recordings, transcripts, letters of reference, scholarly writings (masters-level papers), and GRE scores.
Upon entry to the program, students take placement exams in music theory and history. If remediation is required, the appropriate courses are taken, but their credit does not count towards the degree. The same is true of any English-language instruction and/or instruction in bibliography that is needed.
Residency: At least one year of full-time study is required. See section 05.01 (Residency) for more information.
For students entering with a bachelor’s degree:
| Requirement | Credits |
| CMP 401, 402, 501, 502, 503, 504 (Advanced Composition I-VI) | 18 |
| CMP 491/492 (Composition Symposium) | 2 |
| CMP 412/413 (Compositional Practice ca. 1925-1955 and Compositional Practice ca. 1955-1980) | 6 |
| CMP 421-422 (Advanced Computer Music Techniques I-II) | 6 |
|
Doctoral Seminars
|
12 |
|
Music Theory
|
6-8 |
| CMP 595 (PhD Dissertation Project) – see below | 18 |
| Electives | 20-22 |
| ESM 460 (Comprehensive Review/Capstone Project) | – |
| Remedial courses – Please refer to 05.03 Orientation, Placement Examinations, and Remediation. | – |
| Total Credits | 90 |
Comprehensive Exam
A comprehensive exam is required. See section 06.03.07 (Comprehensive Examination) for more information.
Foreign Language Requirements for the PhD in Composition
While there is no general foreign-language proficiency requirement for the PhD in composition, the department supports research in new music composition, practices, theory, history, and criticism that may require fluency in non-English languages. Incoming students who plan to pursue research that involves languages other than English should make their intent known to the composition department’s MA/PhD advisor during orientation and advising in their first semester. Another opportunity to declare interest in foreign-language study is in their third semester of study, when PhD students communicate their Academic Plans to the Graduate Research Committee. Students who want to acquire proficiency in a foreign language to support their PhD research should consult with the MA/PhD advisor and/or the Associate Director of Graduate Advising and Services. Language courses at the 200-level will count for elective credit on their Academic Plans.
See section 07.03.03 (Foreign Language Requirements – PhD) for more information.
Dissertation
The dissertation is to be written under the guidance of an assigned advisor, and includes two components:
- A large-scale composition of acceptable depth, sophistication, and professionalism.
- A substantial essay, usually an analysis.
The composition department faculty must approve the subject of the research paper. See section 07.03.07 Dissertation & Final Examination for more information.
For students entering with a master’s degree:
Residency: At least one year of full-time study is required. See section 05.01 (Residency) for more information.
| Requirement | Credits |
| CMP 401, 402, 501, 502 (Advanced Composition I-IV) | 12 |
| CMP 412 (Compositional Practice ca. 1925-1955)1 | 3 |
| CMP 421-422 (Advanced Computer Music Techniques I-II) | 6 |
|
Doctoral Seminars
|
12 |
|
Music Theory
|
6-8 |
| CMP 595 (PhD Dissertation Project) – see below | 8-12 |
| Electives2 | 10-13 |
| Remedial courses – Please refer to 05.03 Orientation, Placement Examinations, and Remediation. | – |
| Total Credits | 60 |
1 CMP 412 is not required for students who enrolled in the program before fall 2010, however it may be used as elective credit.
2 Students who enrolled in the program before fall 2010 must complete a total of 10-16 elective credits. For all students, a total of at least 20 credit hours must be taken in areas other than composition and applied study. Most often these will be music history and theory courses, but other options are also possible.
Comprehensive Exam
A comprehensive exam is required. See section 06.03.07 (Comprehensive Examination) for more information.
Foreign Language Requirements for the PhD in Composition
While there is no general foreign-language proficiency requirement for the PhD in composition, the department supports research in new music composition, practices, theory, history, and criticism that may require fluency in non-English languages. Incoming students who plan to pursue research that involves languages other than English should make their intent known to the composition department’s MA/PhD advisor during orientation and advising in their first semester. Another opportunity to declare interest in foreign-language study is in their third semester of study, when PhD students communicate their Academic Plans to the Graduate Research Committee. Students who want to acquire proficiency in a foreign language to support their PhD research should consult with the MA/PhD advisor and/or the Associate Director of Graduate Advising and Services. Language courses at the 200-level will count for elective credit on their Academic Plans.
See section 07.03.03 (Foreign Language Requirements – PhD) for more information.
Dissertation
The dissertation is to be written under the guidance of an assigned advisor, and includes two components:
- A large-scale composition of acceptable depth, sophistication, and professionalism.
- A substantial essay, usually an analysis.
The composition department faculty must approve the subject of the research paper. See section 07.03.07 Dissertation & Final Examination for more information.
