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The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degrees at The Catholic University of America offer advanced training for musicians pursuing careers in performance, composition, or pedagogy. Blending academic coursework with intensive practical experience, the programs prepare graduates for leadership roles in music and academia. Students benefit from distinguished faculty mentorship and opportunities to perform in Washington, D.C.'s vibrant arts community.
The D.M.A. in Composition requires 54 to 72 credit hours of non-remedial coursework beyond that completed for the M.M. degree.
There is normally a two-year residency requirement. As a D.M.A. Composition student, you will be advised into coursework based on the results of your entrance examinations: the Theory Placement Examination and the Music History Placement Examination, given to all entering graduate students, and the D.M.A. Entrance Exam in Composition.
Each D.M.A. student pursues an individually-tailored curriculum, determined in consultation with the academic advisor at the beginning of the first semester of residence.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Application requirements and deadlines vary by the individual graduate program. Call the department or search / consult the individual programs for full details.