Diagnostic Examinations

Following admission to the Graduate College and School of Music, and prior to initial registration, all entering degree students are required to complete diagnostic examinations in the following areas:

  • Music theory
  • Music history
  • Expository writing
  • Other diagnostic examinations may be given in areas such as music education, conducting, jazz, vocal performance, etc.

All diagnostics and music history retakes must be completed in the first semester of study.

Students taking these examinations will be notified of the exact date, time, and location. Diagnostic Examinations are generally administered a week before classes begin in the Fall semester. Students must register for these examinations by completing and submitting the Departmental Diagnostic Examination Registration Form no later than three weeks before the scheduled date of the Exam.

All entering students are encouraged to prepare for these examinations and review their undergraduate knowledge and experiences in music theory, analysis, music history, and written expression. It is assumed that adequate training has been experienced at the undergraduate level and that review and preparation will enable most students to register for regular graduate-level courses in the above areas immediately upon entering the degree program.

There are several theory and history texts that may be of benefit in preparation for the diagnostic examinations. Among those recommended are:

Aldwell, Edward, and Schacter, Carl. Harmony and Voice Leading, 2nd ed.
New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc., 1989

Grout, Donald. A History of Western Music, 4th ed.
New York: W.W. Norton, 1988

Kostka, Stefan, and Payne, Dorothy. Tonal Harmony, 3rd ed.
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., 1995

Rosenstiel, Leonie, general editor. Schirmer History of Music.
New York: Schirmer Books, 1982

Turek, Ralph. The Elements of Music, Volume Two, 2nd ed.
New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1996

Wold, Martin, Miller, and Cykler. An Outline History of Western Music, 7th ed.
Dubuque: William C. Brown, 1990

Study Guide

Download a Study Guide for Diagnostic Examinations: .DOC | .PDF  (requires Adobe Reader)

PLEASE NOTE: Diagnostic and Comprehensive Exam study guides are under review for editing. Please check back later for the updated materials.

It should be emphasized that these examinations are not intended as exclusion devices, but rather as a means of ascertaining levels of competency in the examined areas. Students who score below certain standards will be counseled as to appropriate means for addressing deficiencies. Graduate review and other remedial courses do not satisfy minimum degree requirements. Students may repeat the diagnostic exams one time only.


Theory Proficiency

Theory Survey for Graduates (580:180g) or appropriate courses in the undergraduate theory sequence are required of all graduate students who do not demonstrate adequate proficiency as a result of taking the Departmental Diagnostic Examination.

History Proficiency

Students failing one or more sections of the Music History diagnostic exam must remedy each deficiency. This may be done in the following ways:

  1. Take and pass the appropriate exams in Music History Survey for Graduates (590:180g) when available.
  2. Complete a Music History Period (590:1xxg) course in the deficient subject area and maintain a B average.
  3. Sit the appropriate segments of the undergraduate music history survey courses (590:010 and 590:011) when available, and maintain a B average. (First preference for available seats in the class are given to enrolled undergraduates.)
  4. Take and pass the History Portion of the Diagnostic Exam. The Diagnostic Exam may be repeated once.
  5. In exceptional circumstances (and with permission of the Music History Chair), the student may be permitted to independently submit remedial materials as required by the chair to satisfy an additional deficiency. Normally, this will be allowed only after the successful completion of remedies 1 or 2 for a first deficiency.

Expository Writing Proficiency

Students will choose one of several given topics for discussion in a written essay.  These topics are general in nature and will not require additional study for historical or theoretical content. The essay will be assessed for form, structure, argument and style.  Students failing the Expository Writing diagnostic exam may be asked to retake the exam, complete a writing course, or work with the university Writing Center.