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College of Fine Arts
School of Music
College of Fine Arts
School of Music

Graduate Resources

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TCU symphony orchestra performance

The TCU School of Music provides the resources and guidance you need to navigate the program process and earn your degree.  

School of Music Forms & Policies

College Forms & Manuals 

2025-26 Deadlines

  • Sept. 8
  • Oct. 13
  • Nov. 10
  • Dec. 8
  • Jan. 12
  • Feb. 9
  • Mar. 9
  • April 13 – Funds will be exhausted after this review cycle. Applications will not be accepted after this date. Look for new deadlines in the 2026-27 Academic Year. 

MM/MME Timelines 

  • Prior to or at the start of the final semester, determine the Oral Exam committee
    • Review Guidelines for Master of Music Oral Exam
  • Schedule Master’s Oral Exam with committee
    • Review Evaluation Rubric for Master’s Degree Oral Examinations
    • Complete Report of Master’s Oral Examination 

DMA Timeline

  • Before the first recital:
    • Consult with Major Professor to determine cognate.
    • Select committee and complete the Appointment of Doctoral Committee Form.
  • After completing 20–30 hours:
    • Submit the DMA Report Form.
  • After completing most coursework in theory, history, and major area:
    • Register with Assistant Director of Academic & Student Programs by the semester deadline.
    • Complete the Approval Form for the DMA Comprehensive Examination
    • Take the oral portion within 2–4 weeks of the written exam.
    • Ensure the committee chair submits the Report of DMA Comprehensive Examination.
  • After passing the exams:
    • Perform the final recital.
  • Choose a topic and prepare a proposal with committee chair guidance, including:
    • Introduction.
    • Importance of the topic.
    • Current knowledge.
    • Chapter outline.
    • Bibliography.
  • Submit the proposal to the committee for review and meet to discuss. Once approved, complete the Approval of DMA Document Proposal Form.
  • Week 2:
    • File the Intent to Graduate Form (non-refundable fee applies).
    • Review deadlines and obtain Major Professor's approval before filing.
  • Week 6:
    • Submit the completed Document/Dissertation to the committee.
    • Minor revisions may follow.
    • If approved by the committee and Major Professor, schedule the final oral defense.
  • Week 11:
    • Finalize and set the date for the Final Oral Defense.
    • Notify the CFA Graduate Office using the DMA Oral Exam Schedule Form
    • Provide a PDF of the completed Document/Dissertation to the committee two weeks prior.
  • Week 15:
    • Complete the Final Oral Defense.
    • At least four committee members, including the Major Professor, must be present.
    • Committee members will grade and sign the DMA Oral Exam Grade Report, which the Major Professor will submit to the Assistant Director for Academic Programs.
  • Week 16:
    • Submit the final Document/Dissertation PDF per TCU Library website instructions.
    • Optional copyright services are available (fee required).
    • Provide a bound copy for the School of Music archives.
    • Submit all revisions by the Monday before graduation.
    • Major Professor submits the final course grade for the Document/Dissertation by the Wednesday before graduation, replacing all previous Incomplete grades.

The Graduate Catalog

The catalog contains information related to your degree plan and courses. The catalog at the time when you declare your degree is the one that applies throughout your time at TCU.

Graduate Catalog

TCU Academic Calendar

Check the academic calendar for important deadlines. The School of Music may have additional internal deadlines, so be sure to follow communications regarding those.

Academic Calendar