Music Composition (Doctoral) at Michigan State University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Composition is a College of Music doctorate in which an original composition and composition credits replace the conventional dissertation. Students also complete coursework in composition, music theory and musicology and pass comprehensive examinations.

Faculty: College of Music | Study mode: full-time | Location: East Lansing, MI, United States

What you will study

Students complete MUS 830 Research Methods and Materials in Music and composition, theory and musicology courses specified by their guidance committee, any cognate courses, written comprehensive examinations in composition, musicology and music theory, and 24 credits of MUS 998 Doctoral Music Composition with an original composition and final oral examination.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A master's degree in music composition or 30 credits of approved coursework. Applicants submit a portfolio of three or more original compositions (recordings encouraged; live preferred, MIDI acceptable) and selected applicants are invited to a virtual interview in February-early March. Applicants submit both the MSU Graduate Application and the College of Music Supplemental Application, both due December 1; unofficial transcripts may be uploaded for review, with official transcripts required on admission; personal statement of 300-500 words; three letters of recommendation (submitted through the Graduate Application); a curriculum vitae is required for fellowship or teaching assistantship consideration. International applicants complete the MSU international applicant checklist. Priority deadline December 1; applications completed after January 15 are considered on a rolling basis until the programme is filled.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/graduate-students

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