Doctor of Philosophy in Music Theory

Designed for students seeking the highest degree in the field, the PhD is a rigorous five-year course of study culminating in a doctoral dissertation.

Curriculum

The doctoral program provides specialized training in scholarly method, music theory, and musicology. Students should normally achieve candidacy by the end of the sixth term.

program requirements details

Academic Eligibility

Applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Theory must have completed a bachelor’s of music degree or equivalent to be eligible for admission.

A Master of Arts degree may be awarded after two years to those students not continuing in the Ph.D. program.

Funding

All incoming PhD students in Music Theory are fully funded for at least five years, which means they receive full tuition, an annual stipend, and generous health care benefits. The first year in the degree is funded entirely through a fellowship, thus allowing students to focus all of their attention on coursework and life as a doctoral student. Beginning in the second year and going forward, the funding package is typically paid through a 50% appointment as a graduate student instructor (GSI).

In addition to the funding packages offered by the SMTD, Rackham students are also eligible to apply for a wide range of fellowships to fund research, travel, and performance.