The culminating event for all master’s degrees is a final oral examination or a thesis/project defense. The exam and defense must take place in-person, with all members of the committee physically present, unless otherwise approved by the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.
Use this chart to determine the oral or defense requirement for each degree:
| Degree | Defense or Oral Exam |
|
Composition Musicology Music Theory Intermedia Music Technology Music Education |
Thesis/Project Defense
See B4. Final Culminating Degree Projects: Master’s Theses, Projects, & Degree Recitals (Master’s) for more details regarding Thesis & Project requirements. |
|
Piano Pedagogy Conducting Performance (all instruments) Jazz Studies |
Oral Exam |
Thesis/Project Defense Committee:
The defense committee are the same members that served on the thesis/project committee.
Thesis/Project Defense Scheduling:
At least 4 weeks before the proposed date, the student must schedule a room for the exam and request the Master’s Oral Examination Scheduling Form from the SOMD Graduate Office.
Defenses must be completed no later than Friday of week 10 of the term of graduation.
Oral Exam Committee Members:
At least two members must be from the student’s major area, including the student’s faculty advisor, who serves as the chair. The third member may be from the major area or another area in music (if approved by the ADGS).
Oral Exam Scheduling:
At least 4 weeks before the proposed date, the student must schedule a room for the exam and request the Master’s Oral Examination Scheduling Form from the SOMD Graduate Office.
It is recommended that oral exams take place during the second term of the student’s final year. Oral exams must be completed no later than Friday of week 5 of the term of graduation.
Oral Exam Study Guides:
Coming Soon.