The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) requires 90 credits, 60 credits beyond the Master's degree in music. The doctor of musical arts concentrations are composition, conducting, and performance. While these concentrations share some of the required coursework, each is also distinct in course requirements. Professional musicians earn the DMA to enhance and extend their knowledge and practice within their area of specialization. The DMA student focuses on the profession of music performance, as well as the theory and practice of the discipline.

Study Musical Arts at George Mason University, a PhD degree offered at its main campus in Fairfax , United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 21, 2027.
About PhD in Musical Arts
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Musical Arts at George Mason University
Entry Requirements
International students interested in pursuing graduate study must meet the following requirements:
- Completed online application for graduate study and application fee
- An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from copies of unofficial transcripts uploaded to the online application Self-Service Center. Note: Due to admissions deadlines, graduate students are sometimes admitted before conferral of a bachelor’s degree. Students who are awaiting conferral of the degree will be permitted to register for their first semester. However, continuance in any graduate program requires an official transcript which verifies conferral of a bachelor’s degree.
- Copies of unofficial university transcripts and any earned degree uploaded to the online application Self-Service Center from all universities attended.
- All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. For suggested NACES evaluation services, please reference the International Transfer Requirements section above. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. The Office of Admissions has final authority on all evaluations. Evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants. For information on international transcript requirements, go here.
- Verification of English language proficiency. Please see English language requirements page.
- Official GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MAT or other official test scores, as required by your program sent directly to Mason from the testing agency
- Other supplemental materials specified by your academic program such as essays, departmental forms, portfolios, or interviews
English Requirements
- PTEMin 67
- IELTSMin 7
- TOEFLMin 88
Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Musical Arts at George Mason University
How to Apply for PhD in Musical Arts at George Mason University
Your complete application package will require supplemental forms and documents to go along with your application. Examples might include your high school transcript, letters of recommendation, transcripts from universities/colleges attended, visa status, results of standardized tests, essays, resume, activity lists, etc. Materials that you supply can be prepared before you apply. For the Common Application, these items can be uploaded into your application. For Mason’s Exclusive Online Application for Admission, these items can be sent electronically or mailed as directed when you apply. The rest of your documents can be provided after you apply, just be aware of the deadlines that apply to you.

United States of America, Fairfax