The procedures below must be followed by all graduate students in composition (additional information is included in the Graduate Catalog); appropriate degree plans and forms are available on the Office of Graduate Studies in Music website.

All graduate composition majors not enrolled in thesis or dissertation will be reviewed by the composition faculty in late March and/or early April. The Graduate Review schedule will typically be posted on the composition division bulletin board and the online calendar by mid-March.

Prior to taking the qualifying examination, all doctoral students are required to pass the Doctoral Literature Examination. This exam is taken by every doctoral composition major at the beginning of the third year of study; therefore, it is important for students to have completed all MUMH coursework requirements within the first two years in the program.

The following materials comprise the graduation file for the BM in Composition:

Students prepared to present a senior capstone project may enroll in Senior Composition Capstone (MUCP 4195) and must schedule a Senior Capstone Hearing and Final Portfolio Review with the Composition Division chair. These hearings are typically scheduled during the second week of classes in the fall and spring semesters; a hearing schedule will be posted on the composition division bulletin board and on the calendar section of this website at the beginning of each semester.

1. All composition majors are to maintain a portfolio that includes completed works, recordings, a list of works and performances, and other related documents (vita, concert programs, reviews, etc.).
2. The BM Composition portfolio must include at least six substantial works that reflect a variety of media, forms, and techniques, including at least one of each of the following:
   
   1. solo work
   2. work for voice(s), with or without accompaniment
   3. work for chamber ensemble (five or more performers)

1. Undergraduate composition majors must participate in a music laboratory (MULB) each semester they are enrolled, and must complete eight semesters of laboratory requirements including at least four semesters of band, orchestra, or choir.  Composers enrolled in the BA Music program are required to be enrolled in a music laboratory for only six semesters during the course of their degree.  

1. Undergraduate composition majors must meet with the academic advisor each semester until the first 60 hours of coursework are completed. It is highly recommended that students continue to meet with the academic advisor on a regular basis throughout the remainder of the degree, in order to stay on track and avoid any potential delays as they proceed towards graduation.