The Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in music and concentrations in composition, musicology or music theory requires a minimum of 90 semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. Of these 90 hours, at least 60 must be taken at UNT. Thirty hours may be transferred from other institutions with the approval of the Coordinator of Theory in the College of Music. A master’s degree from an accredited institution usually is accepted for the first 30 hours. The minimum residence requirement consists of two consecutive long terms/semesters (fall and the following spring, or spring and the following fall) with a minimum load of 9 hours each term/semester.

It should be understood that the Doctor of Philosophy degree cannot be earned by routine work alone, regardless of accuracy or amount. The degree will be conferred, rather, on the basis of mastery of the field of music as a whole and of proven ability either to plan and carry out an original investigation (in musicology or music theory) or to do creative work (in composition) with distinction.