2 Degrees Offered

II Degrees Offered

Master of Music in Performance or Conducting

The M.M. in Performance or Conducting provides opportunities to refine and augment knowledge and to develop professional competence beyond the typical undergraduate experiences.

  • Specializations:
    • Vocal Performance
    • Piano Performance
    • Collaborative Piano Performance
    • Instrumental Performance (selected instruments)
    • Choral Conducting
    • Instrumental Conducting (wind and percussion ensembles)

The degree is most beneficial if experienced over two years of residency with optional summer work, but may be accomplished through part-time study depending on faculty availability and scheduling.
⚠️ It is not possible to accomplish the M.M. in performance or conducting with summer study only.

Capstone: After or during the last semester of coursework, students engage in comprehensive examinations and a recital.

Master of Music in Music Education

The M.M. in Music Education is designed with flexibility and personal attention, especially for professional educators working in K–12 schools.

  • All courses are offered online.
  • The degree can be completed in five semesters (two of which must be during the summer) or up to seven years.
  • Coursework can be focused on elementary, choral/vocal, or instrumental music education.
  • Credits may be transferred from other institutions (pending approval).

Capstone: The typical activity is a four-credit practicum (no thesis required).

Enrollment Requirement: Students must register for at least six credits per calendar year until all degree requirements are completed, including written and oral comprehensive exams.

Master of Music in Music Theory Pedagogy

The M.M. in Music Theory Pedagogy may be pursued as:

  • A stand-alone 30-credit degree, or

  • A parallel major for performance or conducting students seeking to augment employability in higher education.

  • Up to 11 credits may be shared with performance or conducting degrees.

  • Offers training in teaching music theory, analysis, and ear training.

  • Features mentored teaching in the underclass curriculum.

  • Typically adds one year to the parallel degree track.

Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance or Conducting

The D.M.A. in Performance or Conducting provides the opportunity to achieve artist-level capabilities.

  • Specialties include:
    • Vocal Performance
    • Piano Performance
    • Collaborative Piano Performance
    • Instrumental Performance (selected instruments)
    • Choral Conducting
    • Instrumental Conducting (wind/percussion emphasis)

The degree is most beneficial with coursework in residence and while holding a teaching assistantship.

  • For students with a master’s degree: usually 2–3 years of full-time study (often including summer study).
  • Flexibility is possible, but subject to residency requirements.

Capstone: Students complete qualifying exams, recitals, and a final document.

Credit Requirements:

  • Minimum of 90 hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.
  • Students with a master’s degree may apply up to 30 hours toward the 90-hour total, subject to advisor, graduate coordinator, and director approval.

Residency Requirements

M.M.

  • No formal residency requirement.
  • The Music Education track is designed for part-time study.
  • In Performance and Conducting tracks, full-time study is typical and encouraged.

D.M.A.

  • Most D.M.A. students with a master’s degree spend three years at NDSU.
    • First two years: full-time residence with assistantship.
    • Last year: lighter load and limited assistantship while completing terminal requirements.
  • For students with a master’s in conducting or performance:
    • 2–3 years of residency is typical.
    • At least 1 year required, presuming at least one year of prior residency in the master’s.
    • A 1-year residency plan must be approved by the graduate coordinator and is discouraged.
    • One year = two consecutive semesters of at least 9 credits each (not including summer).

Special Cases:

  • Students admitted without a master’s degree in their specialty or with fewer than 24 transfer credits must have a special residency plan approved by the graduate coordinator, prospective advisor, and CSoM director.