Doctoral Degree Programs
The Graduate Division of the Jacobs School of Music offers course work leading to the degree of Doctor of Music in the areas of music literature and performance, composition, and conducting. The Jacobs School of Music also offers the Doctor of Music Education degree and, through the Graduate School, the Doctor of Philosophy degree in the areas of musicology, music education, and music theory.
General Information
- Information for new students (including orientation schedule)
- General doctoral program policies (including minimum grades, enrollment policies, time limits, residency requirements, and transfer policies)
- Doctoral advisory committee (responsible for recital grading and qualifying exams)
- How to Finish the Doctorate in a Timely Fashion
Proficiency Requirements
All proficiency requirements must be met by the end of the fifth semester of enrollment. The Graduate Entrance Exams may be taken only in the first two semesters of enrollment.
- Music history & literature and music theory proficiencies (Graduate Entrance Exams; all majors)
- Keyboard proficiency (all majors)
- Performance proficiency (only non-performance majors)
- Language proficiency (only choral conducting, early music, guitar, music education [PhD], music theory, musicology, and voice majors)
Coursework Requirements
Most doctoral degrees require 60 credits of coursework, with 36 in the major field, 12 in a minor field, and 12 additional credits inside or outside the major field. Some majors include a small number of additional "tool subject" credits. For information specific to each major, see the "Major field requirements" link below.
- Major field requirements (34-39 credits; page includes links to printer-friendly degree sheets for each major)
- Recital requirements, policies, and procedures (rrequirements vary by department)
- Major field electives and course substitutions
- Diversity Performance requirement
- Minors and Other Required Credits
- Ensemble (for some majors)
Qualifying Exams
Passing the written and oral qualifying exams admits a student to candidacy for the degree. Qualifying exams are typically started after all coursework is complete, though in some cases they may be started during the final semester of coursework. Students are encouraged to begin their exams no later than the October after they complete coursework and to complete all exams within four to six months. All exams must be completed within one year.
- Policies and procedures
- K702/K703 compositions (composition majors and minors)
- Scheduling
Doctoral Final Project, Dissertation, or Piano Essay
The doctoral document presents original research on a topic relevant to the major field. Students are encouraged to consider possible topics for this capstone requirement while they are still completing coursework. While the document is normally completed after the student has passed the qualifying exams, it is permissible to complete any or all of the document requirements except the public presentation/defense before reaching candidacy.
Choose your program for more information.