Doctoral Degrees
Each student has final responsibility to ascertain that he or she has complied with all applicable catalog requirements for graduation. Faculty and advisors assist students in developing their programs, but they cannot waive or vary degree requirements as these appear in the University Bulletin. Students must read the “Doctoral Degree Requirements ” section of this Bulletin; that which follows pertains to School of Music practices and policies and it amplifies Bulletin statements.
Two doctoral degrees are available in the School of Music: the doctor of philosophy in music education, and the doctor of musical arts. A 3.0 GPA is required for graduation. Graduate students must receive a grade of B- or better in any class in order for it to count toward the graduation requirements.
Students pursuing the doctor of musical arts degree do so with an emphasis in performance and pedagogy. Specific areas in which the DMA may be earned are:
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Bassoon |
Oboe |
Tuba |
| |
Clarinet |
Percussion |
Viola |
| |
Conducting |
Piano |
Violin |
| |
Euphonium |
Saxophone |
Violoncello |
| |
Flute |
String Bass |
Voice |
| |
Guitar |
Trombone |
|
| |
Horn |
Trumpet |
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Acceptance into the School of Music: Doctoral Degrees
Acceptance: Admission to graduate study does not imply acceptance into the School of Music for doctoral-level study. A maximum of nine (9) hours of graduate work earned before one has gained admission into the School of Music can be applied towards a degree. To gain acceptance, one must:
a. DMA in Performance and Pedagogy: possess a master’s degree and pass a candidacy audition prior to or during the first term of full-time residence or before completing nine (9) hours of course work.
b. Ph.D. in Music Education: possess a master’s degree and successful teaching experience (K-12). A demonstration of successful teaching (possibly documented by a video) is also expected.
c. All doctoral students: take diagnostic entrance examinations the Friday before school begins. (Diagnostic exams may be given on Thursday and Friday before school begins if there are a large number of students needing the exam that semester.)
Students who are unable to meet regular admissions standards may be considered for conditional admission. (For details concerning conditional admission, see “Admission Requirements and Procedures” in this Bulletin.) Please note: the Graduate Record Examination is required for both regular and conditional admission.
Diagnostic Entrance Examinations: Doctoral Degrees
All entering doctoral students are required to take a Diagnostic Entrance Examination consisting of three parts: music theory, music history, and expository writing. The purposes of this examination are (1) to determine if the student has foundation-level deficiencies that need to be addressed in order for him/her to be successful in doctoral-level courses, on the qualifying examinations and on the comprehensive examinations; and (2) to provide information that will guide the student and his/her adviser in selecting useful and appropriate academic courses.
Diagnostic examinations are administered on campus each Thursday and/or Friday preceding the first day of classes in fall, spring, and summer.
Those who do not pass the diagnostic examination in one or both of these areas must:
- Enroll in the appropriate course(s) (i.e., and/or ) during the first semester of full-time study and earn a grade of “B-” or better in that/those courses. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted for the summer semester only and will be considered on an individual basis. Undergraduate music theory and/or history courses may be required as prerequisites to further study in graduate music theory or history. Students who do not pass the music theory review, or the history review (or required undergraduate courses) will not be allowed to enroll in further study in music history or music theory until the grade of “B-” or better is earned in the required course(s). NOTE: Only the MME (Online) students may enroll in MUS 620X and MUS 630X for graduate credit. Resident students must enroll in MUS 620 and MUS 630 .
- MUS 620 , MUS 630 and undergraduate courses will not be counted toward hours earned for the Doctoral degree.
- Students who do not pass the expository writing section of the diagnostic examination may be advised to take an appropriate writing course in the English department and will be required to take MUS 500 - Writing About Music , even if it is not one of their degree requirements.
- Students with deficiencies may be required to take additional course work beyond the minimum required in the degree program.
Qualifying Examinations: Doctoral Degrees
All doctoral students are required to complete a qualifying examination consisting of three written components (music theory, music history, and the student’s major area). This examination must be completed before the beginning of the second semester of full-time doctoral study. Part-time students must complete this examination at the end of the third semester of enrollment. The purpose of the qualifying examination is to determine if, after a semester of doctoral coursework (which may include review courses) and of independent study, the student is academically qualified to proceed with doctoral study. The exam will guide the advisory committee in planning the student’s program.
The area emphasis portion of the qualifying examination (e.g., music education, conducting, music performance, etc.) will be graded by those members of the student’s committee representing the emphasis area, followed by the other members of the committee. The music theory and history portions will be graded by theory and history faculty, respectively, followed by the other members of the student’s committee.
Dates: Fall The second full week in November.
Spring The second full week in April.
Summer The second full week of July.
Generally, doctoral qualifying examinations are given the second full week of November, April and July, however, the exact dates of the examinations are determined by the Graduate Coordinator. The dates are publicized as soon as the University’s Academic Calendar is available. Students must register for the exam at least two months in advance at the School of Music Office.
How are the exams graded? Each part of the examination is graded by all members of the student’s committee (as described above). Results of the individual parts of the qualifying examination will be reported in one of three ways:
- Student shows no deficiencies.
- Student shows deficiencies, which are noted along with appropriate means to remove these deficiencies.
- Qualifying examination is judged unacceptable for one or both of the following reasons:
Student has inadequate knowledge of the subject.
Student cannot write and/or spell adequately.
What happens if there are deficiencies on the qualifying exam?
• Those who grade the examinations will make recommendations regarding the courses to be taken by the doctoral candidate.
• Students with deficiencies may be required to take additional course work beyond the minimum required in the degree program.
• Students with deficiencies may be required to take undergraduate courses for which no credit toward the doctorate will be gained.
• Doctoral students should consult their major professor and the Graduate Coordinator regarding qualifying examination policies beyond those listed in the Bulletin.
When a student performs unacceptably on one part of the qualifying examination:
• The student’s major professor and committee must meet with the appropriate faculty to determine if the student will be allowed to continue in the program.
• If the student is to continue, the recommendations of the area faculty regarding course work must be discussed and determined by the student’s advisory committee and appropriate area faculty.
• The recommendations regarding remedial coursework (if there are any) is given to the Graduate Coordinator and communicated to the student.
A failing grade on any part of the qualifying examination results in the following:
• Students retake the part(s) of the exam they failed within one calendar year of taking the prior exam.
• In those instances where a second examination is expected, the major advisor will inform the student, in writing, as to the specific or general areas which will be tested.
What happens with the second exam? (The qualifying examination can be retaken once.)
• All parts failed must be repeated simultaneously.
• If the second examination is judged unsatisfactory by the advisory committee, in whole or in part, the student may not continue enrollment in the doctoral program.
When the student performs unacceptably on two parts of the qualifying examination:
• The student’s major professor and committee must meet with the appropriate faculty to determine if the student will be allowed to continue in the program.
• In order to continue in the program, the student must retake both parts of the exam that were deemed unacceptable.
• If either part is judged unacceptable a second time, the student cannot continue in the doctoral program in music.
• Students who fail two or more sections of the qualifying examination must retake the exam on the next announced date the examinations are given.
Comprehensive Examinations: Doctoral Degrees
At the completion of all course work and examinations, the doctoral student is required to take a written comprehensive examination. DMA candidates take a written comprehensive examination in the student’s area of specialization, music theory, and music history, while Ph.D. students are tested in music education and a selected cognate area. Doctoral students should consult their major professor and the graduate coordinator regarding comprehensive examination policies beyond those listed in this Bulletin.
Generally, doctoral comprehensive exams are given during the second full week in November, April and July, however the exact dates of the examinations are determined by the Graduate Coordinator. The dates are publicized as soon as the University’s Academic Calendar is available. Students must register for the exam two months in advance at the School of Music office.
How is the test prepared and graded? The examination in the student’s area of specialization will be prepared and graded by the student’s committee members from music education. The examinations in music theory and music history (for DMA students) or in the student’s cognate area (for Ph.D. students) will be prepared and graded by the student’s cognate committee member. All portions of each exam will then be graded by all of the other members of the student’s committee.
Results: The Graduate Coordinator must receive the results of the comprehensive examination in time to notify the University Registrar and the Graduate Office.
A failing grade on any part of the comprehensive exam results in the following:
• Students must retake the part(s) of the exam they failed within one calendar year of taking the prior exam.
• In those instances where a second examination is expected, the major advisor will inform the student, in writing, as to the specific or general areas which will be tested.
What happens with the second exam? (The comprehensive examination can be retaken once.)
• All parts failed must be repeated simultaneously.
• If the second examination is judged unsatisfactory by the advisory committee, in whole or in part, the student may not continue enrollment in the doctoral program.
Advisory Committee
Early in the first term of full-time residence or before nine (9) hours of graduate credit have been earned, the student and the major professor select those faculty who will serve as the student’s Advisory Committee. The advisory committee must be appointed before taking the qualifying examination. For a list of which faculty are required for an advisory committee, see the degree requirements for the DMA in Performance and Pedagogy and the Ph.D. in Music Education programs (in this Bulletin).
Plan of Study
The student and the major professor shall develop a Plan of Study based upon qualifying examination information together with course requirements. In those cases where a student is required to take additional course work beyond the minimum required by the degree, the advisory committee will counsel the student and plan the program of studies. The degree Plan of Study must be completed and appropriate paperwork filed with the Graduate School during the second semester of enrollment.
Dissertation
The Ph.D. dissertation, required for completion of the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education degree, must be a written thesis that is an original and significant contribution to the knowledge of the field; it must give evidence of the candidate’s ability to make a scholarly investigation of limited scope.
The D.M.A. dissertation, required for completion of the Doctor of Musical Arts degree, consists of two parts. Part I must be a written thesis that is an original and significant contribution to the knowledge of the field; it must give evidence of the candidate’s ability to make a scholarly investigation of limited scope. Part II must include all recital programs, concert programs, and program notes presented during the student’s residency.
Defense of the Dissertation Prospectus
A formal defense of the dissertation prospectus is required. With the major advisor’s approval, the student will schedule a date in consultation with the entire advisory committee. At the defense, the student will respond to questions about the prospectus. The prospectus shall be distributed to the advisory committee a minimum of two weeks prior to the scheduled defense date. The student is responsible for distributing the prospectus to the advisory committee in the required time frame. If this deadline is not met, the student forfeits the defense date and must reschedule the date at the convenience of the committee while still meeting the two-week minimum for distributing the prospectus.
- The dissertation topic must be approved by the student’s major professor and advisory committee and must be an original and significant contribution to knowledge in the chosen field. Dissertation topics dealing with human subjects must gain approval from the Human Subjects Protection Review Committee.
- Once a topic has been approved, the student must enroll in MED 898 (Ph.D. students) or MUS 898 (DMA students) in each semester/term until the degree is completed.
- A separate bulletin outlining University requirements concerning the preparation of dissertations is available in the Graduate Office, McCain Library room 205, (601) 266-4369.
- DMA students, see the required pamphlet, “Prospectus Guide for the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree,” available from the School of Music. This document describes prospectus and dissertation requirements for DMA students.
The Dissertation Defense
After the dissertation has been completed and after all required course work has been completed, but at least seven weeks before the candidate is scheduled to receive the degree, a final oral examination on the dissertation and related fields will be conducted by the student’s advisory committee. The examination will be open to all members of the graduate faculty.
Scheduling the Dissertation Defense
The major professor must advise the student when the dissertation is acceptable for distribution for the dissertation defense. The advisory committee shall have seen drafts of the dissertation for comments, edits and revisions several times prior to final distribution. The advisory committee will set a mutually agreeable date for the defense with the student. The final draft of the dissertation must be in the hands of the advisory committee a minimum of three weeks prior to the defense date. If this deadline is not met, the student forfeits the defense date and must reschedule the date at the convenience of the committee while still meeting the three-week minimum for distributing the dissertation.
Continuous Enrollment Requirement
Doctoral students are expected to enroll continuously after they have taken required coursework until they complete their degree using the following guidelines.
- Students must enroll for a minimum of one (1) credit hour of Dissertation (MED 898 for Ph.D. students or MUS 898 for DMA students) each fall and spring semester until the student graduates.
- The semester the student defends their dissertation they must enroll in three (3) credit hours of Dissertation (MED 898 or MUS 898 ).
- Students must register for at least one (1) hour of MED 898 or MUS 898 the next semester if they have not deposited their dissertation in the Graduate School.
If a student does not successfully defend their dissertation by stated Graduate School deadlines, they will be required to enroll for three (3) credit hours of MED 898 or MUS 898 the following semester.
Failure to enroll for the appropriate hours will result in the student being discontinued from USM and require that the student reapply for admission to the program
Special Problems Courses (MED 692 or MUS 692, 792)
Students cannot enroll in special problems courses without appropriate approval. To gain permission, students must complete a Special Problems Form (found on the School of Music website: http://www.usm.edu/sites/default/files/groups/school-music/pdf/special_problems_permission_form.pdf.) Petitions must be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator by the end of SOAR open registration. Special Problems courses demand a minimum of 45 hours work for each hour of credit earned. It is expected that the result of any problem undertaken be available for faculty examination; copies of term papers, examinations, or compositions must be turned in to the Music Office for this purpose.
Jury Requirements/Final Examinations for Doctoral Students
Students who are enrolled in MUP (Music Performance) Private Lessons in their principal applied area and who are seeking the Doctor of Musical Arts degree with emphasis in performance must perform a jury for the appropriate applied faculty. All other doctoral students enrolled in MUP Private Lessons must perform a final examination for the applied teacher. The applied teacher must record and submit any exception to this policy to the Graduate Coordinator; signatures of all appropriate area faculty must be included on this form.
Ensemble Participation for DMA Students
All full-time DMA students are required to participate in a major ensemble during their first four semesters. Major ensembles in the School of Music for graduate students are Southern Chorale, Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Opera, Orchestra, and Jazz Band. A maximum of two (2) hours of graduate credit earned from ensemble work may be counted toward a degree. The ensemble in which one participates will be determined by the student’s major applied area and area of interest. This major ensemble policy does not apply to graduate guitar or piano majors.
Residency Requirements
Minimum residency requirements are set by the Graduate School as either two successive semesters with a minimum of twelve (12) hours each or three successive semesters with a minimum of nine (9) hours each.
Research and Scholarly Integrity Education
All graduate students must complete the CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments the first semester they are enrolled in graduate school. The RSIE policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page –www.usm.edu/graduate-school. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information
Research Tools
Candidates for doctoral degrees in the School of Music must comply with the language requirements specific to the DMA and Ph.D. programs in which they are enrolled (described in this Bulletin). Alternative research tools for doctoral students may be determined by the candidate’s advisory committee.
Application for Degree
The doctoral student must complete the following steps one semester prior to the semester of graduation. For specific deadlines, see www.usm.edu/graduate-school/deadlines.php.
- Obtain a copy of the Application for Degree Cover Sheet at www.usm.edu/graduate-school under “Application to Graduate” materials.
- Complete the Cover Sheet and take it to the Graduate Coordinator for signatures.
- Pay fees at the Business Office; then take the Application for Degree cover sheet, together with the exit survey (download the exit survey from this page http://www.usm.edu/graduate-school/application-degree), to the graduate degree auditors in the Graduate Studies Office located in the McCain Building 205.
When completed, in addition to the documents described above, the student’s file in the Graduate School should contain the following:
• Graduate Committee Request Form
• Plan of Study
• Results of Qualifying Exams Form
• Results of Comprehensive Exams Form
• Dissertation Prospectus Approval/Admitted for Candidacy Form
• Results of Oral Defense of Dissertation Form
• Statements of proficiency in language and/or a substitute body of knowledge
Conducting Area
Candidacy Audition
Acceptance of a prospective student into the D.M.A. program in the conducting area requires a previously earned master’s degree in music or music education. The conducting faculty must be satisfied that the student is qualified to pursue the DMA in conducting at The University of Southern Mississippi. Satisfactory competence in English and German, French or Italian is required for candidacy.
All students must audition for the appropriate area faculty (generally, taped auditions are not acceptable). This audition must be deemed satisfactory before one can be accepted into the School of Music. Early auditions are encouraged and a high level of performance proficiency is expected. Students must demonstrate a high level of musicianship with great potential as a conductor. The audition/interview process will consist of a rehearsal with a university performing ensemble and an interview with the appropriate faculty. (Applicants should request specific audition repertoire by communicating with the band, orchestra, or choral office.) Considerable experience as a member of a performing ensemble is expected.
In addition to the basic School of Music requirements, the conducting faculty may request additional items such as a current resume, a repertoire list, a videotape of a rehearsal, and a video or audiotape of a performance. After review of the application by the conducting faculty, the applicant may be invited to an interview/audition on campus, including a session with the conducting faculty and a rehearsal with an appropriate University ensemble.
Required Courses for the DMA in Conducting
Students will be required to take the following:
MUS 500 - Writing About Music or MED 825 - Doctoral Seminar in Music Education (3 hrs.)
MUS 702 - Bibliography for Music Research (3 hrs.)
MUS 731 - Seminar in Performance Practices I (3 hrs.)
MUP 731 - Graduate Conducting (12 hrs.)
MUP 734 - Conducting Pedagogy (3 hrs.)
MUP 896 - Score Reading I (3 hrs.)
MUP 897 - Score Reading II (3 hrs.)
MUS 898 - Dissertation (12 hrs.)
The remainder of the course work will be guided by the counsel of the major professor and the graduate advisory committee. Curricular choices may be determined by several factors including the student’s performance on the qualifying examination, her/his entrance interview-audition and the student’s interests and/or professional goals. The following additional minimum distribution of graduate courses (including master’s degree work) is required.
30 semester hours (MED, MUP, MUS) in performance, conducting, and recitals
12 semester hours (MUS) in music history (9) and literature (3)*
9 semester hours (MUS) in music theory
6 hours (MED, MUP, MUS) of approved electives which may include a cognate field of study
(*Literature courses are History of Opera MUS 531 and all courses with “literature” in the title.)
A course in foundations of music education is recommended. A G.P.A. of 3.0 is required for graduation.
Recital Requirements
Two concerts and a lecture recital will be required. Repertoire for these concerts must be approved in advance by the student’s advisory committee. When practical, the repertoire will include works for both vocal and instrumental components. As a general rule, not more than one doctoral concert/recital may be presented by a candidate during any semester, or more than two during any nine-month period. Rare exceptions will be permitted, but only under rigidly-controlled procedures. See your advisory committee for details. When all members of a committee cannot attend a conducting degree recital, the concert will be videotaped. Committee members unable to attend will view the tape and evaluate the degree recital.
Note: Although the Graduate Bulletin states that eighty four (84) semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree are required for doctoral degrees, it should be clearly understood that some candidates will be unable to receive a degree on the basis of this minimum. The distinction implied by the degree and the traditions related to it require comprehensive knowledge and demonstration of a high degree of proficiency in the major field and related areas of study as well as the ability to conduct advanced research.
Advisory Committee for the DMA in Conducting
3 faculty members from the conducting division
1 music theorist
1 music historian
Research Tools for the DMA in Conducting
Research tools are to be determined by the student’s advisory committee of the candidate. Classes can include, but are not limited to, foreign language, research and statistics.
