Artist Diploma Degree Requirements

Learn more about the Artist Diploma in general.

Students are responsible for compliance with the institutional graduation requirements stated in the Oberlin College and Conservatory Course Catalog in effect when they first matriculate at Oberlin unless action by an appropriate faculty body specifically directs otherwise.

The Artist Diploma is conferred upon students who successfully complete the requirements detailed below. Students are expected to progress toward completion of the program at the rate suggested by the recommended course of study for their declared major and concentration.

Summary of Degree Requirements

40 Credits
One Concentration in the Performance Major
- Non-Course Requirements
Minimum GPA of 2.00
Minimum Two Semesters in Residence at Oberlin

Detailed Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement

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Students must successfully complete a minimum of 40 credits.
Normally, all credit applied toward requirements for the Artist Diploma must be earned in Oberlin or in Oberlin-sponsored programs, including Oberlin summer programs. However, students with compelling professional reasons may be approved to finish away; see the detailed residence requirement below.
No credit with a grade of B- or lower may be counted toward the requirements of the Artist Diploma.
This minimum credit requirement is subject to the requirements and limits below.

Major and Concentration Study Requirement

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Students accepted into the Artist Diploma program declare the performance major and an attached concentration as part of the admissions process.
Students are required to pursue one concentration full-time in every semester of enrollment.

See concentrations available to students pursuing an Artist Diploma.

Non-Course Requirements

Non-course requirements (such as committees, hearings, portfolio submissions, departmentals, recitals, etc.) vary by concentration. These are required musical performances or submissions which allow students to illustrate their progress before a faculty panel. Successful completion of each non-course requirement permits a student to continue in the program and ultimately receive their Artist Diploma. Refer to the catalog page for a specific concentration for the exact non-course requirements associated with that concentration.

Minimum GPA Requirement

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Students must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.00.

Residence Requirement

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Normally, students must spend at least four semesters in residence at Oberlin or enrolled in Oberlin programs. However, for compelling professional reasons (subject to the approval of the studio teacher, division director, and Office of the Associate Deans of the Conservatory), a student may be granted permission to spend a minimum of two semesters in residence and finish away the remaining semester(s).