Summary of Degree Requirements

Historical Musicology, Ethnomusicology & Music Theory

MA Degree

  • Complete at least 10 graduate courses (30 points), including:
    • A proseminar in the area of concentration: Ethnomusicology (MUSI GR6411); Historical Musicology (GR6105); or Music Theory (GR6333).
    • At least one other proseminar (for students in Historical Musicology and Music Theory).
    • At least two courses in field methods (for Ethnomusicology) or one course in music analysis (for Historical Musicology and Music Theory), chosen in consultation with advisor.
    • Professional Strategies and Skills (GR6000), required to be taken in your 2nd year.
    • Other courses chosen in consultation with advisor.
  • Submit one revised seminar paper (Historical Musicology and Music Theory) or one thesis (Ethnomusicology).
  • Meet the foreign language requirements, which may include foreign language training (if needed) and/or foreign language translation exams (if applicable).
  • According to GSAS regulations, all MA requirements must be completed within 4 consecutive semesters from initial date of registration.

MPhil Degree

  • Take Dissertation Proposal Seminars I and II (GR8500-01), for 6 additional points.
  • Pass a multi-part General Examination in the student's area of concentration.

PhD Degree

  • Successful dissertation prospectus defense (2-3 hours).
  • Completion, defense and deposit of the dissertation in accordance with GSAS procedures.

The Composition Program

MA Degree

  • Complete at least 10 graduate courses (30 points), including:
    • Four semesters of the Seminar in Music Composition, GR8231 (Fall) and GR8232 (Spring).
    • Music Since 1900 I & II (GR6379 & GR6380).
    • Two graduate courses in electronic/computer music.
    • Two graduate courses in theory or analysis.
  • All students are required to take Professional Strategies and Skills (GR6000) in your second year (for Composition students, this course does not count toward the credit totals for the MA or DMA).
  • Meet the foreign language requirements, which may include foreign language training (if needed) and/or foreign language translation exams (if applicable).
  • Pass an oral analysis exam (pre-20th Century), dealing with a work from the standard concert repertoire and presented to a committee of three faculty members.
  • According to GSAS regulations, all MA requirements must be completed within 4 consecutive semesters from initial date of registration.

DMA Degree

  • Complete at least 2 graduate courses (6 points), beyond the 10 courses (30 points) required for the MA; Seminar in Music Composition, GR8231 (Fall) and GR8232 (Spring).
  • Pass an oral analysis exam (20th Century/Contemporary Music), presented to faculty and students in an hour-long lecture to the Composition Seminar.
  • Prepare a portfolio or works and write a scholarly essay of 8,000 - 12,000 words.
  • Defense and deposit of the dissertation in accordance with GSAS procedures.

Note:  All grading in the graduate programs of the Department of Music is letter grading (A, B, C, D, F), unless otherwise noted.  Students may not elect P/F for grades unless permitted by the instructor.  Please see GSAS Policies on Grading.

Graduate Handbook