PhD in Computer-Based Music Theory and Acoustics

The PhD program in computer-based music theory and acoustics is offered by the Department of Music through the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA, pronounced "karma"). CCRMA is a multidisciplinary facility attracting PhD students from several departments and schools across campus including Computer Science (CS), Electrical Engineering (EE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), and Psychology (PSYCH).

While all CCRMA faculty hold positions within the Department of Music, Ge Wang holds a courtesy appointment in CS which enables him to serve as primary thesis advisor for PhD students in CS. All CCRMA faculty, including [adjunct and emeritus] (https://ccrma.stanford.edu/about/faculty-and-staff), can be secondary advisors on your committee. [N.B. Application for graduate study is handled by the corresponding home department.]

Below you will find a chart with the placement of the major milestones for your career as a doctoral student in computer-based music theory and acoustics.  Please note that each of the major milestones and recommended/required coursework for the degree plan are discussed and defined more elaborately in the Department of Music Graduate Handbook.

Milestones and Examinations

Year One
  • Autumn: Y1Q1
    Enroll in: 12-18 units, 15 recommended (enroll in Music 220A, Music 305D)
    Qualifying Exam preparation
    Milestone: Diagnostic Exams (read about ALL exams in the Music Graduate Student Handbook)
  • Winter: Y1Q2
    Enroll in: 12-18 units, 15 recommended (enroll in Music 220B)
    Qualifying Exam preparation
  • Spring: Y1Q3
    Enroll in: 12-18 units, 15 recommended
    Qualifying Exam preparation
    Establish Quals Committee and Inform GSSO
  • Summer: Y1Q4
    Enroll in 1 unit only
    Qualifying Exam preparation
    Milestone: Qualifying Examination (taken in the week prior to the start of classes in Autumn Quarter of Year II)
Year Two
  • Autumn: Y2Q1
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended
    Milestone: Qualifying Examination (taken in the week prior to the start of classes)
    Associated Forms: Qualifying Exam Report (completed by faculty committee)Candidacy Form (after passing exam)
  • Winter: Y2Q2
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended
    Milestone: PhD Reading Examination in a Foreign Language (any quarter prior to TGR; soonest recommended)
    Special Area Exam preparation & research
  • Spring: Y2Q3
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended
    Special Area Exam preparation & research

  • Summer: Y2Q4
    Enroll in 1 unit only
    Special Area Exam preparation & research

Year Three
  • Autumn: Y3Q1
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended
    Special Area Exam preparation & research
  • Winter: Y3Q2
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended
    Special Area Exam preparation & research
  • Spring: Y3Q3
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended
    Special Area Exam preparation & research
    Milestone: Teaching Requirement met (upon completing the last six quarters of Teaching Assistantships)
  • Summer: Y3Q4
    Enroll in 1 unit only
Year Four
  • Autumn: Y4Q1
    Enroll in: 8-10 units, 10 recommended
    Milestone: Special Area Exam (scheduled before the end of week nine)
    Milestone: Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) acquired in fourth year (no later than the end of Spring quarter)
    Associated Form: TGR Petition (e-form; when 135 units reached; enroll in Music 802 ONLY after being granted TGR status)
    Milestone: Doctoral Dissertation Reading Committee Form (consult with advisor; file before the end of quarter)
  • Winter: Y4Q2
    Enroll in Music 802, TGR Dissertation with your advisor: 0-3 units
  • Spring: Y4Q3
    Enroll in Music 802, TGR Dissertation with your advisor: 0-3 units
    Dissertation Research and Writing
  • Summer: Y4Q4
    Enroll in Music 802, TGR Dissertation with your advisor: 0-3 units
Year Five