Students accepted into the Doctor of Church Music (DCM) program are expected to attend the program’s concerts, lectures, and symposia. In addition, students are encouraged to take part in the performance groups of The Claremont Colleges.
Students may pursue the Doctor of Church Music degree with a major in either organ or choral conducting.
Degree Requirements
Admission. Beginning with the Fall 2017 term the GRE examination is not required for admission to the Doctor of Church Music (DCM) program. Admission policies are detailed in the Admission section of the Bulletin.
Coursework. A minimum of 72 units are required. Coursework must include the following.
- MUS 309 - Words and Music in the Middle Ages (4 units)
- 8 units from the MUSIC 401-406 Era Courses
- REL 307 - Basic Aspects of the Study of the First Testament or REL 303 - Basic Aspects of the Study of the New Testament (3 units)
- REL 301 - Major Christian Doctrines or REL 302 Backgrounds of Twentieth Century Theology (3 units)
- Music Electives (8 units)
- Individual Lessons (12 units)
- Elective in Theology (4 units)
Recitals. Three recitals are required. All recitals and projects must be approved by the program faculty. Unless program approval has been given, students must be enrolled in individual lessons during the semester in which a recital is presented.
DCM Paper. A paper is required.
Language Requirement. Depending upon the program of study and research interest, reading proficiency in two languages is required. Languages are selected from French, German, Italian, or Latin. Successful completion of the language requirement is recommended prior to end of the student’s second semester in the program and required prior to the scheduling of written and oral qualifying examinations.
Qualifying Examinations. Exam schedules are posted throughout the academic year. All students are required to take and pass written and oral qualifying examinations. In the event of a failure, a second opportunity to pass the exam may be provided at the next scheduled exam date with the approval of the advisor and the program. Guidelines and forms are available on the registrar’s Qualifying Exams webpage.
Transfer Credit. The University’s policy on transfer credit applies. Credit for transfer work should be requested during the student’s first semester in the program. A maximum of 24 units may be accepted. Students who received a master’s degree in music from CGU may transfer up to 30 units.
University Policies. University policies detailed in the Academic Policies section of the Bulletin apply.