The PhD in Music Education is an individualized doctoral program that combines advanced coursework, university teaching experiences, comprehensive examinations, and original research. Working closely with a faculty advisor, students develop a program of study aligned with their scholarly interests and professional goals.
Designed to prepare scholar-educators for leadership in a rapidly evolving profession, the program equips graduates for careers in higher education, research, educational leadership, and related fields. Alumni have gone on to become university professors, K–12 music educators, conductors, composers, researchers, educational consultants, artistic directors, and leaders of educational and arts organizations.
Key Aspects
- Individualized Program of Study
Work closely with your faculty advisor to design a curriculum that supports your research interests, professional aspirations, and long-term career goals. - Conducting & Teaching Experience
Develop as an educator and conductor through extensive podium time, ensemble leadership, and university teaching opportunities. - Advanced Research
Conduct original research that advances the field of music education, culminating in the successful completion and defense of a doctoral dissertation. - Faculty Mentorship & Collaboration
Work closely with expert faculty and a community of doctoral students in a collaborative, supportive, and research-focused environment. - Professional Leadership
Present at conferences, engage with professional organizations, and build the experience and network needed for careers in higher education, research, and leadership.
Admission
Applicants with strong academic records from fully accredited universities and colleges are encouraged to apply to the School of Graduate Studies. Admission requires a recommendation from the department or professional school in which the applicant intends to study, and approval by the dean of graduate studies.
To be eligible for the PhD in Music Education, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A GPA of at least 3.0 from a completed graduate degree program in music education
- Valid teaching license or certificate
- A minimum of 3 years of successful school teaching experience
- Evidence of strong written and spoken English skills
After an initial review, applicants may be invited to campus for an interview and teaching demonstration.
For more information, please refer to the Graduate Applications page.
Program Requirements
The PhD in Music Education is designed to support each student's individual research interests and professional goals. In consultation with a faculty advisor, students develop a personalized program of study that includes advanced coursework, comprehensive examinations, teaching experiences, and original research.
A minimum of 60 credit hours is required, distributed across the following areas:
- Music Education Core
Research-based courses in music education that form the foundation of scholarly inquiry in the field. - Graduate Music Core
Coursework in areas such as music theory, musicology, applied lessons, and ensemble participation. - Outside Cognate Area
Interdisciplinary study that complements the student's research interests, such as psychology, sociology, behavior, or related fields. - Elective Coursework
Seminars, independent studies, and specialized coursework. - Dissertation
Original research that contributes new knowledge to the field of music education.
For complete degree requirements, curriculum details, milestones, course descriptions, and current policies, please refer to the General Bulletin.