Well, it's a DMA instead of a Ph.D. which just means more emphasis on creative/artistic activity rather than on standard research. So, I hesitate to say whether it's difficult or not since it's only a real doctorate in the US at this point in time (although it is considered equivalent to a Ph.D. with a different emphasis in the US). I didn't even realize it was possible to get a Ph.D. in my area until halfway through a DMA. Only a few universities offer it apparently and most of the faculty that teach in my area have the DMA rather than a Ph.D.

But anyway, I digress...it's not like the professor who took sick leave was intending to be that sick and didn't feel bad for having to bail at the last second. And she let me borrow several books out of her private library so I could better prepare for my exam. I just felt bad asking the only other professor in that area to take on extra work at the last second since I know how busy he is. He couldn't be on my committee in the first place because of how overcommitted he already was. The head of the graduate committee likes me so hopefully I'll be allowed to take the oral exam despite not having faculty from my minor area due to the circumstances.