Diagnostic Exams | Master's Comprehensive Exams | Doctoral General Exams
Diagnostic (Entrance) Examinations
Diagnostic examinations in music theory and music history are required of all incoming graduate students, except those who received a Master's degree from the LSU School of Music within the preceding four years and are entering a doctoral program. The purpose of diagnostic examinations is to determine whether students are equipped to undertake history and theory courses at the 7000 level.
The degree of accomplishment expected is equivalent to that of LSU's graduating seniors. On the basis of these examinations, Music 3703, Music 3704, and/or Music 3710 may be required as prerequisites for 7000 level courses in music history and music theory.
These examinations are critically important. Diligent preparation and review can significantly improve your performance on them. If you are required to take remedial courses, they will provide a valuable opportunity to enhance your knowledge and sharpen your skills.
Examples of each diagnostic exam can be found here:
- Music Theory Diagnostic Exam
- Music History Diagnostic Exam
For additional information about Diagnostic Exams, contact Dr. Jan Herlinger for music history and Dr. Robert Peck for music theory.
Dates of Diagnostic Exams:
Spring 2008:
Music History: Thursday, January 10, 2008, 9:00 - 12:00 noon
Music Theory: Thursday, January 10, 2008, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Summer 2008:
Music History: Thursday, June 5, 2008, 9:00 - 12:00 noon
Music Theory: Thursday, June 5, 2008, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Master's Comprehensive Examinations
Comprehensive exams are taken during the final semester of degree work. Any student planning to take the comprehensive exams must complete the necessary paperwork during the registration period for that semester. For more information about the required paperwork for Master's Comprehensive Examinations, contact Nancy Savoy.
Dates of Master's Comprehensive Exams:
Fall 2007:
Friday, October 19, 2007, 1:00 - 4:00pm, Faculty Lounge, Room 105 SoM
Spring 2008:
Friday, March 7, 2008, 9:00 - 12:00 noon, Room 105, SOM
Doctoral General Examinations (written portion)
Any student planning to take the Doctoral General exam must meet with the Director of Graduate Studies at least one month prior to the exam to prepare the necessary forms. General exams should be taken when the student has completed or is enrolled in the final semester of the degree requirements, not including the final project or dissertation. An oral examination follows the written portion of the exam and is taken in the same semester in which the written exam is taken.
Doctoral General Exams:
Spring 2008:
(Tuesday - Thursday) January 22-24, 2008, Room 105 SOM
Times: Tuesday, 1/22/08, 9:00 - 12 noon
Wednesday, 1/23/08, 9:00 - 12 noon
Thursday, 1/24/08, 1:00 - 4:00pm
