The Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) program is the most advanced course of study offered in the School of Music at James Madison University. The program has been designed to make graduates more marketable in higher education by emphasizing pedagogy and literature along with advanced performance or conducting skills. The program seeks candidates who have the potential to pursue the highest level of achievement in conducting/performance and teaching. The three-year degree requires completion of 60-72 credit hours, including core and concentration requirements. There is a two-year residency requirement. In the third year of the degree, D.M.A. students must pass comprehensive written and oral examinations.