Composition is an educational program that teaches students how to create and compose their own music. By studying composition, students may be able to generate and transcribe their own musical creations, orchestrate band and ensembles, and understand as well as appreciate important historical compositions.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.