Overview

At University of South Carolina, you can receive faculty-level training in Music Composition and related areas, and study in the corollary areas of theory and history. Work with digital technology to create and produce music. Attend master classes, lectures and performances of your compositions. A comprehensive exam, dissertation composition project and research document are required.

Features

Compose music by studying, listening to existing music and hearing the music you have created. Work with digital technology to create and produce music. Discuss topics related to creativity, composing and musical analysis.

Participate in ensembles and collaborate with other students and visiting artists. Demonstrate faculty-level knowledge of compositional techniques.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Composition

Composition Recital

Document Preparation

Advanced Orchestration

Advanced Projects in Computer Music

Music Theory

Music History

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-05-10 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-17 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Columbia, United States

Disciplines

Music Composition View 42 other PhDs in Music Composition in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The general requirements for admission are: completion of master’s degree in music (or the equivalent); evidence of an ability to pursue doctoral study in the desired area (see information online); and fulfillment of the general requirements for admission to The Graduate School, including the submission of three recommendations.

Applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit a satisfactory score on the TOEFL or the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam. Normally, the minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 100 (internet-based) or 600 (paper-based).

The minimum acceptable overall band score on the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam is 7.

Additional admission requirements for specific areas are listed online. The D.M.A. in Performance is offered in selected areas.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29760 USD / year

≈ 29760 USD / year
Out-of-State

29760 USD / year

≈ 29760 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13734 USD / year

≈ 13734 USD / year

Living costs

Columbia

United States

999 - 1508 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Music Composition.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Features

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Columbia

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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