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Music Theory - Composition - Ph.D.

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.

Applications to the Ph.D. in Music Theory-Composition are not being accepted at this time.

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College of the Arts
School of Music
www.kent.edu/music

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Doctor of Philosophy in Music Theory – Composition – Ph.D.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Music Theory and Composition is a unique program that features both creative and research-based study. Students complete a core of two years of academic coursework and a two-part dissertation that includes both an original composition and scholarly research in music theory. 

Program Information for Music Theory - Composition - Ph.D.

Admissions for Music Theory - Composition - Ph.D.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

Applications to the Ph.D. in Music Theory-Composition are not being accepted at this time.

  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé
  • Goal Statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Substantial term paper on a theoretical topic or a master's thesis in music theory written in English
  • Minimum three scores of original compositions demonstrating a variety of genres (chamber, orchestral, piano, choral, etc.)
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 50 PTE score
    • Minimum 100 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Compile a body of completed compositions.
  2. Demonstrate and apply compositional techniques for creation of new works, including musical style and structure.
  3. Analyze music from a wide range of styles and style periods and communicate results in written and oral formats.
  4. Recognize, identify and analyze representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
  5. Communicate knowledge of composition, theory and other aspects of music in classroom and private teaching.
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
MUS 71121HISTORY OF MUSIC THEORY 3
MUS 71131SCHENKERIAN ANALYSIS 3
MUS 71181POST-TONAL THEORY 3
MUS 71191SEMINAR IN MUSIC SINCE 1900 3
MUS 78251PEDAGOGY OF MUSIC THEORY 2
MUS 81211COMPOSITION (course is repeatable)8
Music History Electives6
Music (MUS) Electives or Related Studies 12
Culminating Requirement
MUS 88199DISSERTATION I 230
Minimum Total Credit Hours:60
1

Electives must have been approved in student's prospectus.

2

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.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Applications to the Ph.D. in Music Theory-Composition are not being accepted at this time.

Accreditation for Music Theory - Composition - Ph.D.

National Association of Schools of Music

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Music Theory - Composition - Ph.D.

Those who complete the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Theory and Composition at Â鶹´«Ã½ can benefit from specialized career opportunities in the music industry.

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

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' . Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.