Music

Doctor of Arts, D.A.

The Doctor of Arts in Music (DA) degree is designed to prepare musicians for careers in collegiate teaching as well as help prepare them to become leaders in their current positions as educators and worship leaders.

The philosophy of the program is to integrate in-depth preparation in a primary emphasis, either Music Education or Worship Ministry, with general studies in an interest area. The interest areas include, but are not limited to, Conducting/Performance Pedagogy, Leadership, Theology, and the Marching Arts; these interest areas are required to accommodate the diverse teaching responsibilities found in university instruction today. The School of Music core includes foundational course work in music history, music theory, and music performance.

Program Overview

Hours

The coursework can be completed in approximately 2 years. The writing phase is an additional 6 - 9 months.

Delivery Method

This program is delivered FULLY Online

Applicant Prerequisites & Requirements

In addition to meeting the university’s general requirements for graduate admission, all students applying for admission into the D.A. program must hold a master’s degree in music and must demonstrate through submitted transcripts a 3.0 GPA on all master’s level coursework. All applicants will be required to submit two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional and/or educational work, as well as a resume or curriculum vita, to the D.A. program coordinator. Each applicant must also demonstrate the ability to write on a graduate level through submission of a 1000-1500 word writing sample. At least 500 words will be devoted to explaining why the candidate is interested in pursuing a terminal degree. The remaining 500-1000 words will address some issue related to the candidate’s intended emphasis area. Finally, each applicant must complete a qualifying exam in music theory and music history, respectively. In addition to meeting the university’s general requirements for graduate admission, all students applying for admission into the D.A. program must hold a master’s degree in music and must demonstrate through submitted transcripts a 3.0 GPA on all master’s level coursework. All applicants will be required to submit two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional and/or educational work, as well as a resume or curriculum vita, to the D.A. program coordinator. Each applicant must also demonstrate the ability to write on a graduate level through submission of a 1000-1500 word writing sample. At least 500 words will be devoted to explaining why the candidate is interested in pursuing a terminal degree. The remaining 500-1000 words will address some issue related to the candidate’s intended emphasis area. Finally, each applicant must complete a qualifying exam in music theory and music history, respectively.

Note: Survey of Music Theory and/or Survey of Music History taken during the Master’s degree may count toward the DA in Music if the doctoral qualifying exams are passed.

Career Outlooks

The Fully Online Doctor of Arts in Music (DA) degree can be completed while continuing in your current career field. It is designed to prepare musicians for careers in collegiate teaching as well as help prepare them to become leaders in their current positions as educators and worship leaders.

Set Yourself Apart

We offer one of only three NASM accredited fully online music doctorates in the world. Ours has the most choices in curriculum direction and is the most affordable!

Your Future Starts Here

Whether you're embarking on your academic journey for the first time or you're a professional looking to enhance your career, the William Carey School of Music is here to accommodate you. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with you and provide guidance as you take steps toward becoming the best you can be!