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.
Doctorate
Music (DMA)
Degrees
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.
$26,095 / per semester
More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.
The D.M.A. committee, in conference with the student, will arrange a program of study of approximately 62 to 65 credit hours beyond the master's degree.
The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Orchestral Conducting at The Catholic University of America focuses on developing advanced conducting techniques, rehearsal methods, and a comprehensive understanding of orchestral literature. The curriculum includes:
- Advanced conducting seminars and private lessons.
- Courses in orchestral repertoire, score analysis, and music history.
- Electives in music theory, pedagogy, or other related disciplines.
- Regular performance opportunities with university ensembles.
- A significant final project or dissertation, often involving research and a public conducting performance.
Additionally, students are expected to participate in ensemble performances and gain practical experience through conducting recitals.
$26,095 / per semester
More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.
Based on the results of the entrance examinations, the advisory committee, in conference with the student, will arrange a program of study of 55 to 72 credit hours beyond the master’s degree.
The courses and repertoire to be completed as part of the degree requirements will be communicated to the student in writing.
Recital Option 1 (may be given in any order):
- a public lecture-demonstration recital and a written document, to be approved by the advisory committee, on a topic related to piano pedagogy or performance (MUS 907 or MUS 908, 3 semester hours);
- a public advisory pedagogy recital of solo repertoire (MUS 907 or MUS 908, 3 semester hours);
- a public chamber music recital (MUS 912, 2 semester hours).
Recital Option 2 (may be given in any order):
- a public lecture-demonstration recital and a written document, to be approved by the advisory committee, on a topic related to piano pedagogy or performance (MUS 907 or MUS 908, 3 semester hours);
- two public chamber music recitals (MUS 912 and MUS 913, 2 semester hours each);
- a public accompanying recital of vocal repertoire (MUS 914, 1 semester hour).
Final Comprehensive Examinations (MUS 998A w/classes; MUS 998B w/o classes) (see below)
The final comprehensive examinations may be scheduled, with the approval of the advisory committee, following the completion of coursework, recitals, and the research paper. They will include written examinations in piano pedagogy and literature, a teaching demonstration and an oral examination by the advisory committee.
$26,095 / per semester
More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.
Based on the results of the entrance examinations, the advisory committee, in conference with the student, will arrange a program of study of 54 to 72 credit hours beyond the master’s degree.
Catholic University offers a Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance in the following concentrations:
- Orchestral Instruments
- Piano
- Vocal Performance
$26,095 / per semester
More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.
Based on the results of the entrance requirements and examinations, the advisory committee, in conference with the student, will arrange a program of study of 61 to 72 hours beyond the master's degree.
$26,095/semester
More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.