Additional Degree Requirements:
Language or Tool-Subject Requirement
It is recommended that the requirements be met within the first three semesters of doctoral work in order to facilitate research. In any case, they must be completed before the student takes the qualifying examination. Hours earned do not count toward the degree.
- Languages (One language, other than the native language or English, chosen to fulfill this requirement will be selected in consultation with the major professor and the student’s advisory committee.)
- Other by petition
Courses selected must have direct relation to the acquisition of a particular skill that is necessary for the dissertation project.
Introduction to Research
It is assumed that an entering PhD student will have had an introduction to research courses at the master’s level (please see the Graduate Catalog Course Descriptions ). If not, the student will be required to take MUMH 5010 , Introduction to Research in Music, no later than the second term/semester of graduate work to facilitate research. Hours earned do not count toward the degree.
The Advisory Committee
The student’s advisory committee will include a member who has written a dissertation or similar document (other than the PhD chairperson) and is made up of:
- major professor;
- minor professor (related field representative); and
- committee member.
The advisory committee should be selected and approved by the time the student has completed 12 hours of course work.
Placement Examinations
Following the PhD placement examinations in musicology and music theory (administered during orientation week), the student will be counseled by the major professor or major area designate. In conjunction with the faculties administering the examinations, the major advisor will develop a plan, if needed, to satisfy deficiencies (not to exceed 6 credits of musicology and 6 credits of music theory). Graduate music history courses taken as a result of the placement examinations may not be counted toward the degree. A grade of B or better must be earned in each undergraduate or graduate course assigned as a deficiency.
Written and Oral Qualifying Examinations
Each student is required to pass written examinations in his or her major field and chosen related field. The qualifying examinations measure a broad knowledge of musical study. They are designed to establish the student’s ability to engage both in scholarly research and in professional work in the major area supported by a complete musical comprehension and a broad perspective. The qualifying examinations are compiled and graded by the examination committee, which consists of the student’s advisory committee as well as representatives from the theory and musicology areas (chosen by the student). Upon successful completion of the written examinations, students must pass a two-hour oral examination with the examination committee in order to advance to candidacy.
The student may take the qualifying examinations when the following conditions have been met: (1) all deficiencies have been removed, (2) 30 hours of course work beyond the master’s degree have been completed, (3) the language or tool-subject requirement has been fulfilled and (4) an approved degree plan has been filed with the Toulouse Graduate School.
Detailed information about the content and structure of the qualifying examinations may be found in the Composition Student Handbook or on the division web site (music.unt.edu/comp).
Dissertation
Upon completion of the qualifying examinations, doctoral students will be expected to enroll in dissertation (MUGC 6950 ) for four semesters. Additional dissertation registration may be required to satisfy continuous enrollment requirements. During those semesters of enrollment, students will meet with their major professor on a regular basis (typically one hour per week, similar to graduate composition lessons). Other arrangements may be made for non-resident students as long as (1) both the student and major professor agree on the terms, and (2) sufficient progression on the final document can be demonstrated to the graduate advisory committee each semester. Further information about dissertation requirements may be found in the Composition Student Handbook and online (music.unt.edu/comp).
Final Comprehensive Oral Examination and Dissertation Defense
Upon completion of the dissertation credits and the qualifying examinations, the student is required to pass a two-hour final comprehensive oral examination and dissertation defense of his or her project before the examination committee. A reading copy of the dissertation is due in the College of Music Graduate Office one week prior to the Toulouse Graduate School submission deadline.
Grades
A grade of B or better is required in courses used to satisfy PhD degree requirements, including undergraduate and graduate deficiency courses.