G-MUS-PHD - Music - PhD

For the PhD in composition, seventeen courses (51 course credits) are required; up to four courses (12 course credits) may be accepted for transfer from another institution. Courses may be taken in other departments with permission of the director of graduate studies. Students are expected to pass a qualifying examination (in the fourth semester) and a preliminary examination (after completing coursework, usually in the sixth semester); before taking the preliminary examination, students are asked to submit a portfolio of compositions. Students in composition must also demonstrate knowledge of one foreign language. The dissertation requirements consist of a large-scale composition and an article of publishable quality.

For the PhD in musicology, seventeen courses (51 course credits) are required; up to four courses (12 course credits) may be accepted for transfer from another institution. Courses may be taken in other departments with permission of the director of graduate studies. Students are expected to pass a two-part qualifying examination (in the fourth and fifth semesters) and a preliminary examination (after completing coursework, usually in the sixth semester). In addition, students must demonstrate knowledge of two foreign languages. Within the framework of the musicology degree students may pursue projects in music theory or performance practice.

For the MA in performance practice, eleven courses (33 course credits) are required. Students are expected to pass a qualifying examination (usually in the second year) and to give a master’s recital (usually toward the end of the first year). They also must demonstrate knowledge of one foreign language. The MA in performance practice is not a terminal degree; it is granted only to candidates matriculated into the PhD in musicology.

For the PhD in ethnomusicology, fifteen courses (45 course credits) are required, including three core courses. Of the twelve additional courses, at least four should be taken in the Duke Music Department and three in another single discipline. In order to advance to candidacy, students are expected to prepare a portfolio of their work, participate in a field specialization workshop (usually in the second year) and a prospectus workshop (after completing coursework, usually in the third year). Students must also demonstrate knowledge of one foreign language.