About This Program

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.

Contact Information

• Graduate Studies Coordinator: Andrew Shahriari | ashahria@kent.edu |
  330-672-2830
• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Music

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. 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.}

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

Admission Requirements

• 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) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 525 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 71 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 74 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 50 PTE score
  • Minimum 100 Duolingo test score

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

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Major Requirements
MUS 71121	HISTORY OF MUSIC THEORY	3
MUS 71131	SCHENKERIAN ANALYSIS	3
MUS 71181	POST-TONAL THEORY	3
MUS 71191	SEMINAR IN MUSIC SINCE 1900	3
MUS 78251	PEDAGOGY OF MUSIC THEORY	2
MUS 81211	COMPOSITION (course is repeatable)	8
Music History Electives		6
Music (MUS) Electives or Related Studies 1		2
Culminating Requirement
MUS 88199	DISSERTATION I 2	30
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.

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.