Learning Outcomes

• Acquisition of the highest level of knowledge and skills that will prepare students for careers in or beyond academia.
• Development of advanced critical thinking and skills in music research, writing, and public presentation of original scholarship.
• Demonstration of a core body of knowledge concerning the student's area of study.
• Learning effective approaches to pedagogy in the student's area of study.
• Knowledge and skills in one or more fields of music outside the student's area of study, such as theory, musicology, performance, composition, and more.

The Doctor of Philosophy program in music requires a minimum of 72 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 to earn the degree. PhD concentration areas include composition, musicology, music education, and music theory. Information about specific curricular requirements for each area is available on the School of Music website.

Advisory Examinations

Entering Doctor of Philosophy students must take two School of Music advisory examinations prior to registering for music history and music theory classes. These examinations are given on the Friday and Saturday preceding the opening of classes in the fall semester.

PhD students in composition, musicology, and music theory must complete the courses required for the MA (see the MA in music in the catalog). They also must complete the following coursework. In addition, proficiency in one or more world languages is required.

Applicants must audition and/or submit supporting materials in their area of concentration in order to be considered for admission. Information about Graduate College admission for each area is available on the School of Music website.

For detailed information about Graduate College admission and policies, see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.

Applicants that complete the application/audition process are reviewed for potential awards (teaching or research assistantships, fellowships, or scholarships). Qualified graduate students are nominated by the area faculty for a potential award. Inquiries should be directed to the head faculty member in the applicant's area of interest.

The Grad Success Center within the Graduate College offers multiple resources to help students explore their potential career options.

Sample Plans of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.

Music, PhD

• Composition Concentration
• Musicology Concentration
• Music Education Concentration
• Music Theory Concentration

Composition Concentration

a

Students must demonstrate ability to read professional literature in either French or German (other languages must be approved by the composition area). The language requirement must be satisfied by the end of the student's final semester of coursework.

b

An Area Keyboard Examination is required. Students may demonstrate basic keyboard ability in one of two ways: 1) take and pass MUS:4210 with a grade of B or better; or 2) take and pass the final examination for MUS:4210 by arrangement with the organ faculty.

c

Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.

d

May take during second year instead.

e

Take a music theory elective if exempted from MUS:5200 based on results from advisory examination in music theory.

f

See the department website for list of approved courses.

g

Must have either passed the advisor examination in music theory or completed MUS:5200 before taking additional music theory elective courses.

h

The PhD Qualification Exam is to be taken not later than the end of the second semester of residency; consists of both written and oral components. Refer to the department website for more information.

i

Take a graduate level course (numbered 4000 or above) outside of the School of Music.

j

Work with faculty advisor to determine appropriate graduate level coursework.

k

Typically taken during the final semester of coursework.

l

Choose from MUS:3190, MUS:3280, MUS:3285, MUS:4201, MUS:6251.

m

Thesis defense.

Musicology Concentration

a

Proficiency in the ability to read musicological literature in two languages is required: French, German, or another language, chosen in consultation with the adviser and approved by the musicology faculty. The requirement for one of the two languages must be satisfied by the end of the second year of residency, and the requirement for the second language must be satisfied before taking the comprehensive examination. Refer to the department website for more information.

b

Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.

c

May take during second year instead.

d

Take a music theory elective if exempted from MUS:5200 based on results from advisory examination in music theory.

e

Must have either passed the advisor examination in music theory or completed MUS:5200 before taking additional music theory elective courses.

f

See the department website for list of approved courses.

g

Work with faculty advisor to determine appropriate graduate level coursework.

h

Take two graduate courses (6 s.h.) outside of the School of Music related to specialization area.

i

Typically taken during the final semester of coursework.

j

Dissertation defense.

Music Education Concentration

a

Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.

b

See the department website for list of approved courses.

c

Work with faculty advisor to determine appropriate graduate level coursework.

d

Typically taken during the final semester of coursework.

e

Thesis defense.

Music Theory Concentration

a

Students must demonstrate the ability to read pertinent scholarly literature in French or German and one other language. This requirement must be fulfilled before the student takes the comprehensive examination, preferably during the first year of residency. Refer to the department website for more information.

b

Students must demonstrate competence in six areas of practical musicianship: sight singing; dictation of a chorale; keyboard sight reading; realization of thoroughbass OR harmonization of a melody from chord symbols; keyboard sight reading of a string quartet score OR improvising on an instrument; reduction at the keyboard of an orchestral score. Musicianship examinations are offered once a semester and may be taken as many times as necessary to pass.

c

Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.

d

May take during second year instead.

e

See the department website for list of approved courses.

f

Work with faculty advisor to determine appropriate graduate level coursework.

g

Take two graduate courses (6 s.h.) outside of the School of Music.

h

Taken at the end of the second semester or the beginning of the third; must pass a written examination evaluating foundational theoretical knowledge of analytical skills with regard to a reading and score study list determined by the theory faculty. See the General Catalog and department website for more information.

i

Taken at the end of the fourth semester or the beginning of the fifth. See the General Catalog and department website for more information.

j

Choose from MUS:4200, MUS:4201, MUS:4730, MUS:5235, MUS:5236, MUS:5237, MUS:5240, MUS:6250, MUS:6251, MUS:6252.

k

Dissertation defense.