Editing Doctor of Musical Arts (section)

==Types==
A large number of US institutions offer the DMA degree.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}} The PhD and DME are generally considered to be more research oriented, while other doctorates may place more emphasis on practical applications and/or include a performance component. Such distinctions among degree types are not always so clear-cut, however. For instance, most programs include traditional research training and culminate in a written [[dissertation]], regardless of degree designation.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}} The music education degree can be a DME, DMA or PhD, each comprising similar research-oriented programs. Also, music education PhD programs may include performance-oriented tracks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Florida State University – Conducting Degrees|url=http://www.music.fsu.edu/Areas-of-Study/Conducting/Degree-Programs|access-date=31 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325122112/http://www.music.fsu.edu/Areas-of-Study/Conducting/Degree-Programs|archive-date=25 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> In composition, one may study for either the DMA or the PhD, depending on the institution. The PhD is the standard doctorate in [[music theory]], [[musicology]], [[music therapy]], and [[ethnomusicology]].

===Sacred music===
A related program is the doctor of sacred music (DSM), also ''sacrae musicae doctor'' (SMD), which tends to be awarded by seminaries or university music schools that focus on church music, choral conducting, and organ performance. In the past, some seminaries titled the degree doctor of church music (DCM). Liberty University offers the doctor of worship studies (DWS) and doctor of music education (DME) in church music or sacred music. Only one US institution, [[Claremont Graduate University]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Claremont Graduate University – Doctor of Church Music|url=http://www.cgu.edu/pages/8740.asp|access-date=30 August 2016}}</ref> still offers the DCM degree, in addition to the more typical DME and DMA. The vast majority of US seminaries have closed their music doctorate programs, but some still offer a master of arts or master of sacred music degree. A new program offered at [[Perkins School of Theology]] is the doctor of pastoral music (DPM).<ref>[https://www.smu.edu/Perkins/FacultyAcademics/degrees/dpm/Apply Perkins School of Theology – Doctor of Ministry Program]</ref> While more theology-based and housed within the [[Doctor of Ministry|doctor of ministry]] (DMin) program, admission to the degree requires applicants to hold a master of music (MMus), master of sacred music (MSM), master of church music (MCM), MA in church music or equivalent 48-semester-hour degree recognized by the National Association of Schools of Music.