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
Program Delivery
Applications to the Ph.D. in Music Theory-Composition are not being accepted at this time.
Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*
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
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
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
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Compile a body of completed compositions.
- Demonstrate and apply compositional techniques for creation of new works, including musical style and structure.
- Analyze music from a wide range of styles and style periods and communicate results in written and oral formats.
- Recognize, identify and analyze representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
- Communicate knowledge of composition, theory and other aspects of music in classroom and private teaching.
School of Music Graduate Study
Theory Placement Examination
All entering graduate students (except those in the online music education degree program) take a placement examination in music theory at the beginning of enrollment in a graduate degree program. Graduate theory coursework required as a result of this examination will be counted toward the degree requirements. Graduate students who do not pass the placement examination will need to complete MUS 51011 and/or MUS 51012, depending on their specific test results. Students may retake the examination once.
Program Requirements
Each student will be accepted as a major in a specific curricular area. It may be necessary for the student to complete Kent State University requirements for the appropriate undergraduate degree. Each student's academic requirements are based on the catalog in force during his/her first semester at Kent State University. Students may elect to complete their degrees under the most recent catalog but must comply with all of the new requirements relevant to their program under the new catalog.
Master's Thesis, Essay, Recital and Final Oral Examination
All Master of Arts candidates must write a thesis. All Master of Music candidates in Performance and Conducting must perform two recitals or one recital and write an essay depending on their specific degree requirements. Final Oral Examinations are required in all masters programs and this exam will include thesis defense for the Master of Arts candidates. The final oral examination may be attempted two times.
Research Tool Requirement
Candidates for the Master of Arts degree program in Ethnomusicology must demonstrate a reading and understanding knowledge of one foreign language. Credit hours earned in meeting this requirement are not applied toward the credit-hour requirement in the degree program.
For candidates for the Music Theory-Composition Ph.D. program, this requirement may be either a reading translating knowledge of one foreign language or a demonstrated competence in an area of research specified by the doctoral advisory committee and approved by the Graduate Studies Committee. Credit hours earned in meeting this requirement are not applied toward the credit-hour requirement in the degree program. For candidates for the Music Education Ph.D. program, this requirement is MUS 73283 and related research methods courses in the College of Education. These courses are applied toward the credit-hour requirement for the degree.
PhD. Candldacy Exams, Dissertation and Dissertation Defense
Doctoral candidates will take a comprehensive examination upon completion of their coursework and research tool requirement. This candidacy exam normally takes place within four years of beginning coursework. All doctoral candidates write a dissertation and defend this dissertation in a Final Oral Examination. The dissertation phase normally is completed within five years of passing the candidacy exams.
Time Limits
Master of Arts and Master of Music students must complete their degree within six calendar years after their first graduate registration at Kent State University. Any credit transferred for meeting degree requirements must also have been earned within the six-year period.
Ph.D. students must complete their degree within nine calendar years after their first doctoral registration at Kent State University. Any credit transferred for meeting degree requirements must also have been earned within the nine-year period.
Workshop Credit
A maximum of 4 credit hours of workshop credit may be applied to certain graduate degrees. The credit hours must pertain to the degree emphasis. Only workshop credits with grades of A or B may be transferred into a degree program.
