Ball State University's doctor of arts program in music requires a minimum of 90 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the bachelor's degree. Credits from the master's degree are applied upon the recommendation of the student's doctoral committee. A maximum of 42 graduate credits can be transferred from other schools.

Included in the 90 hours is a group of required courses taken by all doctor of arts students. The DA curriculum is as follows:

Area of Primary Emphasis (24 hours)
This component develops a student's skills to the level of professionals in the field of college/university teaching and/or performance. Options include conducting, performance, piano chamber music/accompanying, music education, and music theory and composition. View curriculum outlines for the doctoral areas of emphasis. 

Area of Secondary Emphasis (15 hours)
This requirement develops a secondary scholarly and/or performing function. Options include conducting, performance, piano chamber music/accompanying, music education, music history and musicology, and music theory and composition. With committee approval, students may choose an area outside the School of Music as long as it fully supports their primary study. View curriculum outlines for the doctoral areas of emphasis.

Supplementary Studies in Music (18 hours)
This requirement fosters a greater readiness to teach collegiate music courses not directly associated with a student's primary competency. Much of the master's degree work is likely to be applicable in this component with its representative areas: music performance, music education, music history and musicology, and music theory and composition.

College Teaching and Learning (17 hours)
This component ensures enhanced professionalism and expertise in the role of college teaching, promotes insight into learning processes, and increases awareness and discernment in research and discovery. Course work includes psychology of music, ethnomusicology, cognition and learning theory, contemporary issues, and the role of music in higher education. Students must complete an internship and externship.

Dissertation (10 hours) 
The dissertation may make an original contribution to knowledge in the primary field, produce innovative teaching materials or methods, or focus on a problem identifiable with college teaching.

Electives (6 hours)
Electives provide additional flexibility in developing a program of study, permitting some recognition of the great variety in students' prior educational and professional experiences.

More Information
For complete information on program requirements, please consult the Music Graduate Handbook and the Ball State University Graduate Catalog, or contact the coordinator of graduate programs in music.