Program Overview
The Ph.D. in Music Theory–Composition prepares students for careers as composers, researchers, and college educators. The curriculum emphasizes both original composition and rigorous music theory, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the field. The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and offers students the opportunity to specialize in areas such as Schenkerian analysis, post-tonal theory, and contemporary music. Graduates are well-qualified for positions in academia, music education, and the professional music industry.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Ph.D. degree in Music Theory–Composition prepares composers, research scholars and college/university teachers in the areas of music theory and composition. This degree program is based on the premise that original composition of high quality requires a strong background in theory, and that significant scholarship in theory requires experience in original composition.
Outline:
Major Requirements:
- MUS 71121 HISTORY OF MUSIC THEORY: 3 Credit Hours
- MUS 78251 PEDAGOGY OF MUSIC THEORY: 2 Credit Hours
- MUS 81211 COMPOSITION: 8 Credit Hours (course is repeatable)
- Music History Electives: 6 Credit Hours
- Music (MUS) Electives or Related Studies: 12 Credit Hours
- Culminating Requirement:
- MUS 88199 DISSERTATION I: 23 Credit Hours (minimum)
Notes:
- Electives must have been approved in the student's prospectus.
- 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.
Careers:
- Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary: 5.6% faster than the average, 116,300 number of jobs, $69,690 potential earnings
- Music directors and composers: 1.7% slower than the average, 58,000 number of jobs, $52,250 potential earnings
Other:
- The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
- The program is delivered in person on the Kent Campus.
