An application for leave status, endorsed by the members of the student's supervisory committee and the head of the academic unit, must be approved by the dean of the Graduate College. This request must be filed and approved no later than the last day of registration in the semester of anticipated absence. In general, the D.M.A. degree student should expect to spend at least the equivalent of three academic years beyond the bachelor's degree in the program. Foreign Language Requirements. Competency in at least one foreign language is required for solo performance and music composition concentrations.
Some concentrations require two foreign languages.
Near the completion of course work, the student must apply to the Graduate College, through the supervisory committee and the school director, for permission to take the comprehensive examinations. These written and oral examinations are designed to assess the student's competency in the major and supportive fields. Failure in the comprehensive examinations is considered final unless the supervisory committee recommends, and the dean of the Graduate College approves, a reexamination. A reexamination may be administered no sooner than three months and no later than one year from the date of the original examination. Only one reexamination is permitted.