11 Final Document

XI Final Document

Overview

The Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree requires a final written document.

  • This represents the studentā€™s written legacy to the field, providing new or compiled comprehensive knowledge on a specific topic.
  • Possible forms include:
    • Analytical treatises
    • Primary academic investigations
    • Pedagogical studies
    • Biographical or editorial treatments of musiciansā€™ contributions (historical or contemporary)
  • The document must be:
    • Substantial in length
    • Academically rigorous in content, format, and appearance
    • Of a quality and depth that future scholars may use as a research resource

The advisor supervises the document, with input from the advisory committee. Work begins during coursework/residency (via the 789 Thesis sequence), but synthesis primarily occurs after qualifying exams.

Coursework Sequence

Fall, Year 1

  • Register for 789 (Thesis), 1 credit.
  • Seminar format:
    • Focus on scholarly writing techniques.
    • Students produce short research essays (10ā€“15 pages) related to potential research topics.
  • Topics must be approved by both the advisor and the instructor of the seminar.

Spring, Year 1

  • Register for 748 (Bibliography and Research Methods), 2 credits.
  • Covers academic music research methods and resources.
  • May continue development of writing skills begun in 789.

Fall, Year 2

  • Register for the second credit of 789 (Thesis).
  • Seminar format:
    • Begin structured work on final document.
    • Submit a developed proposal early in the semester, including:
      • Working title
      • Proposed chapter descriptions
    • After approval, students prepare:
      • Full title page, abstract, and table of contents
      • Complete introduction
      • Drafts of selected sections
      • Outlines of other chapters (literature review, content chapters, conclusion/summary, annotated bibliography)
  • Advisors should be actively involved with the 789 instructor during this process.

Spring, Year 2 and Beyond

  • Register for the third and fourth credits of 789 (Thesis).
  • Taken under supervision of the advisor (1 or 2 semesters).
  • Additional registrations permitted if needed.
  • Final draft produced and approved by the advisor.
  • Grade for final 789 credits awarded only upon submission and approval of initial complete draft.

Review and Revision Process

  • After 789 credits and draft completion:
    • Student and advisor distribute draft to committee members and CSoM director.
    • Review includes meetings, corrections, suggestions, and revisions.
  • Process must span at least one full semester after completion of 789 credits.
  • Students must plan carefully, as faculty schedules vary and may not match the studentā€™s preferred timeline.
  • Close coordination with advisor, committee, and director is essential.

Submission Deadlines

The completed document must be submitted to the Graduate School for editing and formatting review by:

  • April 1 for Spring graduation
  • July 1 for Summer graduation
  • November 1 for Fall graduation