Diagnostic Exams
All entering doctoral students are required to take a Diagnostic Entrance Examination consisting of three parts: music theory, music history and literature, and expository writing.
The purposes of this examination are:
(1) to determine if the student has foundation-level deficiencies that need to be addressed in order for him/her to be successful in doctoral level courses, on the qualifying examinations, and on the comprehensive examinations;
(2) to provide information that will guide the student and his/her advisor in selecting useful and appropriate academic courses.
Diagnostic Entrance Examinations are administered on campus each Friday preceding the first day of classes in fall, spring, and summer.
9:00 a.m. New Graduate Student Orientation
9:30 a.m. Theory Diagnostic Examination
10:30 a.m. Music History and Literature Diagnostic Examination
1-5 p.m. Advisement/Course Registration/Fee Payment
Those who do not pass the diagnostic examination in one or both of these areas must:
1) Enroll in the appropriate course(s) (i.e., MUS 620: Graduate Theory Review and/or MUS 630: Graduate History Review) during the first semester of full-time study and earn a grade of “B” or better in that/those courses. Students who are pursuing graduate study part-time must complete the appropriate review course(s) before completing 12 credit hours. Appropriate undergraduate theory courses may be additional prerequisites to further study in graduate music theory.
2) Hours gained in these courses (MUS 620 and 630 and undergraduate courses) cannot be counted toward a doctoral degree. Both courses, MUS 620 and 630, must be passed during one’s first semester of matriculation. Part-time students must complete both courses before nine (9) semester hours are completed.
3) Students who do now pass the expository writing section of the Diagnostic Examination may be advised to take an appropriate writing course in the English department and will be required to take MUS 500 (“Writing about Music”), even if it is not one of their degree requirements.
4) Students with deficiencies may be required to take additional course work beyond the minimum required in the degree program.
Can the diagnostic exams be given by a proctor?
These examinations are also administered through the mail. To make the testing process feasible, a proctor, preferably a teacher in a nearby college or university, may administer the examination. Submit the name and address of the proctor to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies.