doctor of music education programs

EdDPrograms.org

Ed.D. Programs in Music Education

Ready to advance your career with an Ed.D. in Music Education? Use our detailed listings and degree guide to explore Music Ed programs in P-12 and higher education! Compare online & on-campus options. Learn more about prerequisites for Ed.D. in Music Education applicants. Delve into details on coursework. And get a head-start on planning your job path after graduation.

What is an Ed.D. in Music Education?

An Ed.D. in Music Education is designed to prepare graduates for mid- to high-level music teaching & leadership positions in PreK-12 settings, private schools & studios, colleges & universities, and interdisciplinary arenas.

You may wish to pursue a music education doctoral program in order to:

• Learn about advanced theories & practice of music education
• Explore principles of musicology and music theory
• Become versed in applied research techniques & tools
• Develop innovative music programs & educational interventions

Types of Doctorate in Music Education Programs

Ed.d. in music education.

You won’t find many doctorates that are entirely devoted to music education in our listings . The rare example is Columbia’s Ed. in Music Education , which is designed to train music educators for high-level teaching roles and district & administrative positions.

Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction: Music Education

You’re more likely to find music education being offered as a concentration within an Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction. Our music education listings contain a number of these options. As the name implies, these doctorates help teachers become instructional leaders and curriculum specialists in their chosen field (e.g. music). We dig into the details in our guide to Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction Programs .

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: Music Education

If you’re interested in leadership positions, you could also consider an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in music education. You’ll find one or two examples in our listings . Doctoral programs in educational leadership often cover areas such as continuous improvement, effective management, systematic & institutional reform, and social justice. See our guide to Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Programs for more details.

DMA vs. Ed.D. in Music Education

Instead of an Ed.D. in Music Education, you might want to consider earning a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA).

• DMA programs combine advanced coursework in practical specializations (e.g. composition, conducting, performance, or music education) with graduate credits in music history, theory, and pedagogy.
• The DMA can be very similar to an Ed.D. For example, BU’s DMA in Music Education covers almost all of the same bases as an education doctorate.

Ph.D. vs. Ed.D. in Music Education

Generally speaking, an Ed.D. in Music Education is a practice-oriented doctorate that focuses on applied research & theory and workplace challenges (e.g. designing music programs). A Ph.D. in Music Education is a research-heavy degree that prepares graduates for high-level research jobs and university positions.

But the line is pretty fuzzy. When we looked at job listings for Assistant or Associate Professors of Music Education, employers were asking for a doctorate in a relevant field (e.g. music education, conducting, etc.). This could be a Ph.D., DMA, or Ed.D. Hiring committees may be much more interested in your work experience!

Visit our detailed guide ( here ) to learn more about the differences between Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs, read insights from doctorate in education experts, and more.

Earning an Ed.D. in Music Education

Music education prerequisites.

• Master’s Degree: Check the admissions requirements. A school that offers a specialist degree in music education (e.g. Columbia) may want to see an MA or Master of Music degree. But a doctoral program that involves curriculum & instruction or leadership may simply ask for a relevant master’s degree.
• Minimum GPA: GPA requirements will vary. The standard minimum for Ed.D. programs is 3.0, but prestigious Colleges of Education may have a higher threshold (e.g. 3.25-3.5).
• Work Experience: Universities may or may not specify work experience in the admissions section, but it will be a factor in their decision-making process. The standard is 3+ years of teaching/professional experience. Some schools will also want you to hold a valid educator’s certificate or the equivalent in your concentration.
• Additional Requirements: GRE or MAT scores may or may not be required—it varies from school to school. You may also be asked to supply an admissions essay, résumé, academic writing sample, and 2-4 letters of recommendation.

Music Education Coursework

Columbia’s Ed. in Music Education is a good test case for coursework. It divides the curriculum into 4 major areas: Music Education, Music Content, Research in Music Education (including dissertation prep), and Out of Program research courses & electives.

Sample courses in the music education & content sections include:

• Foundations of Music Education
• Approaches to Teaching Musical Instruments
• Vocal Pedagogy
• Comprehensive Musicianship
• Applied Conducting, Instrumental, Voice, or Composition
• Applications of New Technology in Music Education
• Children’s Musical Development
• Teaching Applied Music in College
• Teaching and Administration of Music in College

Music Education Internship & Fieldwork

In our listings , you may occasionally run into an Ed.D. in Music Education or the equivalent that includes a professional internship or field experiences. If you don’t see them listed, ask the Ed.D. program coordinator if these options are available.

We tend to favor internships, since they will give you access to a mentor and expose you to new practices. But we recognize that they’ll cut into your work time!

Music Education Dissertation or Capstone Project

All Ed.D. programs—including specialist doctorates in music education—will culminate in a traditional 5-chapter dissertation, a Dissertation in Practice (DiP), or a practical capstone project. We discuss the key differences between these three options in our guide to No Dissertation Ed.D. Programs .

Online Ed.D. in Music Education Programs

Are ed.d. programs in music education offered online.

Occasionally. Our program database contains a couple of online doctorates in music education. We’ve flagged them with an “Offered Online” marker.

Do Online Ed.D. in Music Education Programs Contain Residencies?

Yes. For example:

• St. Thomas University’s cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Learning is almost entirely online, but it does contain face-to-face summer residencies.
• Valdosta’s  Online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction: P-12 Disciplinary Concentration – Music Education includes one-day doctoral seminars at the beginning of years one & two.

Music Education Careers

Ed.d. in music education jobs.

An Ed.D. in Music Education will qualify you for PreK-12 educational leadership positions, college & university teaching roles, and music education jobs in the private sector.

Sample job titles for Ed.D. graduates include:

• Music Director
• Director of Music Therapy
• District Supervisor of Music
• Early Childhood Music Specialist
• Assistant Professor of Music
• Assistant Professor of Music Therapy
• Assistant Professor of Music Education
• Music Technology Professor

If you’re interested in university teaching positions, check out the HigherEdJobs section on Music Faculty and The Chronicle of Higher Education’s job board for Music Faculty .

Ed.D. in Music Education Salary

Music education is a niche field to begin with, so it’s tricky to find hard data. Having said that:

• Common salary sites (e.g. Glassdoor, Indeed, Salary.com, Payscale, etc.) can supply you with numbers for popular job titles (e.g. Music Supervisor).
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes occupational employment & wage data for Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers .
• Some universities will also quote proposed salaries in their job descriptions.

Is an Ed.D. in Music Education Worth it?

Talk to your mentors and recent alumni before you make a decision. A doctorate in music education is a no-brainer if you want to qualify for high-level faculty positions at universities, but it will involve a whole lot of time and money. If you’re interested in PreK-12  and district-level positions, you may not need one at all.

Music Education Resources and Organizations

• American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) : AMTA is committed to the progressive development of the therapeutic use of music in rehabilitation, special education, and community settings.
• International Society for Music Education (ISME) : ISME is one of the largest societies for music educators in the world. It seeks to build an international community of music educators, foster a global intercultural understanding among the world’s music educators, and promote music education for people of all ages.
• Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) : MTNA has 20,000+ members in 50 states. It aims to advance the value of music study and music-making to society and support the careers and professionalism of those who teach music.
• National Association for Music Education (NAfME) : NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels for music education; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and organizes a variety of opportunities for students and music education teachers.
• Society for Music Teacher Education (SMTE) : SMTE membership is open to all NAfME members with an interest in music teacher education. It hosts a biennial Symposium on Music Teacher Education .
• Society for Research in Music Education (SRME) : SRME was created to foster and improve the quality of scholarship and research within the music education profession. It publishes the Journal of Research in Music Education (JRME) .

School Listings

6 Schools Found

Augusta University

College of Education

Augusta, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Educational Innovation - P12 Music Education

• Curriculum Info
• How To Apply

Georgia State University

Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education

Atlanta, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Music Education

University of georgia.

College of Education/Hugh Hodgson School of Music

Athens, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Music Education

Valdosta state university.

College of Education and Human Services

Valdosta, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - P-12 Disciplinary - Music Education

Offered Online

University of St. Thomas

College of Education, Leadership and Counseling

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Learning - Music Education

Online doctor of education in educational leadership and learning - music education, columbia university in the city of new york.

Department of Arts and Humanities

New York, New York

EdD in College Teaching of Music Education

Edd in music education.

Boston University College of Fine Arts

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Take Your Music Education Career to the Highest Level

Study with a cohort of the nation’s most innovative thought leaders, teachers, policy makers, and researchers in music education, and learn from BU’s large, diverse faculty representing a broad range of music research and practice interests. This collaborative online doctorate program prepares music educators for advancement in their field by developing and honing research skills, sharpening proficiency in teaching techniques, and producing a dissertation of publishable quality that introduces new knowledge designed to push the field of music education forward.

With a DMA in Music Education Online from BU you will:

• Learn new techniques and strategies that can be applied in your classrooms.
• Collaborate with influential leaders in the music education profession.
• Participate in a weeklong residency on campus with faculty and other students.
• Pursue your scholarly interests and connect them to music education theories and your teaching practice.
• Advance your career and discover new opportunities.
• Complete your doctorate without uprooting your family or leaving the work that fulfills you.

Study at Top-Ranked, Fully Accredited Boston University

As the oldest degree-granting music program in the US, BU has earned a reputation for excellence.

Boston University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Accredited Boston University holds accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges and universities with 615 accredited institutional members.

Featured in Newsweek as the 35th best university in the U.S. and the 65th best university in the world

Ranked #27 among Best U.S. Colleges by The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education

Top 100 graduate universities by QS Quacquarelli Symonds rankings

Ranked 42 in national universities by the U.S. News & World Report college rankings

Top 40 best U.S. universities; Top 74 international universities by The Times Higher Education. BU grads rank 5th in the U.S. and 6th in the world among schools for employability

Boston University earned the “Effective Practices Award” from the Online Learning Consortium (2018)

Alumni Scholarship Contributions to the Field of Music Education

Below is a selection of completed dissertations from recent graduates of the Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education at Boston University that demonstrate the breadth and scope of topics and research methods employed by our DMA candidates:

Heather Katz Cote (CFA’16), Village of Nagog Woods, MA: A Matrix of Music Supervisors’ Stories in the Midst of School Reform

James Ray (CFA’17), Port Angeles, WA: Collective Efficacy Belief, Within-Group Agreement, and Performance Quality Among String Chamber Ensembles: An Exploratory Study

Kenneth Dale Disney (CFA’18), Knoxville, TN: Understructures, Gender Roles, and Performativity in a High School Percussion Section

Amira Ehrlich (CFA’18), Israel: Pray Play Teach: Conversations with Three Jewish Israeli Music Educators

Troy Davis (CFA’20), Santa Clara, CA: Self-Assessment in Jazz Improvisation: An Instrumental Case Study of Professional Jazz Musicians in a Jazz Combo Setting

Jorim Reid (CFA’20), Durham, NC: Marching Sound Machines: An Autoethnography of a Director of Bands at an Historically Black College and University

Darryl Singleton (CFA ’20), Katy, TX: Black Band for Brown Students: A Culturally Relevant Pedagogy?

About BU’s Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education Online Degree

Boston University’s graduate programs in music education have been created for the continuing growth of forward-thinking leaders and educators who serve as advocates for the importance of music in our lives, communities, and schools.

We are a student-centered program committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Graduate students may add focus to their degrees with multiple electives in areas including diversity, equity, and inclusion; antiracist pedagogy; early childhood; musicology/ethnomusicology; music technology; popular music; and wellbeing.

Our contemporary curriculum is taught by BU scholars in music education, theory, and musicology who are leaders in their fields. They are eager to share their expertise with you because they love to teach and are committed to expanding the number of highly qualified music educators in the field.

Applications for the Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education online program are accepted once per year for a Fall term start. The application opens in September and has an early January submission deadline each year. Applicants will be reviewed for admission based upon the following criteria and materials:

Professional Portfolio Including:

• Completed application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Two Letters of Reference
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• Statement of Research Interest
• Writing Sample
• English Proficiency test scores for non-native English speakers

Qualities of a Competitive Applicant:

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music or Music Education from regionally accredited institutions
• At least 3 years of music teaching experience at the primary, secondary or university level
• Leadership through activities such as designing curriculum, mentoring new teachers, serving on executive boards of professional organizations, and publishing articles
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

Please refer to our website for instructions on how to submit application materials at  www.bu.edu/cfa/online . For assistance, please contact our Director of Online Admissions at 1-855-884-5636 or email  [email protected] .

Ready to Take Your Career to the Highest Level?

About nasad.

Founded in 1944, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 363 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for art and design and art/design-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other art/design-related endeavors.  

Founded in 1924, the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 639 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other music-related endeavors.

Boston University is an internationally respected university with a reputation for excellence and extensive research.

Top 100  national universities ( U.S. News & World Report  college rankings)

Top 100  graduate universities ( QS Quacquarelli Symonds  rankings)

Featured in  Newsweek  as the  35th best  university in the U.S. and the  65th best  university in the world

Top 20  best U.S. universities;  Top 54  international universities ( The Times Higher Education Supplement )

The Center for Measuring University Performance  places Boston University among the  top 50 research universities  in the nation

15th best school  in the U.S.;  34th best school  in the world; and  15th best United States school  for the professional future of its alumni (“The Professional Ranking of World Universities”; by Ecole de mines de Paris)

The Institute of Higher Education at Shanghai Jiao Tong University ranked Boston University among the  top 100 universities  in the world, and among the  top 50  best overall universities

ACCREDITATION

Boston University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, (NEASC, Inc.).

About NEASC

Founded in 1885, the New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Inc. (NEASC, Inc.), is the nation’s oldest regional accrediting association whose mission is the establishment and maintenance of high standards for all levels of education, from pre-K to the doctoral level.

For more information on the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., visit their web site at  http://www.neasc.org/ .

Top 10 Best Online Doctoral Programs in Music

Fortunately, distance learning is picking up the slack. These ten programs—each offered by a university that holds U.S. regional accreditation or its country’s equivalent—provide options to travelers, the disabled, residents of isolated cities and rural areas, and others who are willing and able to complete doctoral-level study in music but can’t (or would prefer not to) participate in an on-campus program.

1. Boston University, Online DMA in Music Education

Boston University’s new online Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.)  in music education allows music educators to obtain a degree, off-campus, from one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. Applicants must hold an accredited master’s degree in music, music education, or a closely related field with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher, along with at least 3 years of music teaching experience at some level. The curriculum consists of six major-area courses, three additional courses on musicology and music theory, three approved electives, and a dissertation.

By choosing elective courses wisely, students can create their own specialization tracks. A student who wishes to specialize in African-American music, for example, could take electives on the blues, jazz, and African music. The program takes several years to complete, and may require several short on-campus residencies.

2. University of South Africa, DLitt et Phil in Musicology

With more than 400,000 students all over the world, the University of South Africa is both the largest and the least expensive university on this list. It’s also among the oldest. Boasting both Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela among its graduates, UNISA has been offering distance learning courses since 1873. Like most universities that offer British-style research doctorates, UNISA requires applicants to complete a research project under the supervision of a member of the faculty; the D.Litt. et Phil. program in musicology  typically takes three to six years to complete. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in music or the equivalent.

There are two tracks available for the research project: research-only, and research plus portfolio. The research-only project requires an academic dissertation of 60,000 to 90,000 words, while the research plus portfolio option requires a portfolio of original written compositions contextualized by an academic thesis of 24,000 to 36,000 words. The degree can be completed entirely by distance learning from anywhere in the world, and no on-campus visits are required.

3. Monash University, Ph.D. in Music Composition

Located in Victoria on the southeastern coast of Australia, Monash University is one of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight  and has long been noted for its strength as a research institution. Founded in 1958, and with more than 50,000 students, it’s one of the more widely respected universities in Australia.

It also offers a wide range of distance learning programs, among them a Ph.D. in music composition  that can be done with almost no on-campus residency. Students must visit face-to-face with their supervisor for at least five days each year, but these meetings need not necessarily take place on campus (though they generally do); the rest of the communication may take place by telephone, mail, email, or videoconferencing.

Students are required to write an academic thesis of up to 80,000 words, and can finish the program after as little as three years of full-time study. The student’s previously-written work, including prior musical compositions, may comprise some—but not all—of the thesis matter.

4. University of Birmingham, Ph.D. in Musicology

Founded as a medical school in 1828, Britain’s University of Birmingham was rated #1 in Britain by the *Times Higher Education* supplement in 2014. It is among the most prestigious research universities in the country, and its music department, whose resources include the Barber Music Library, is world-class.

Birmingham’s Ph.D. in musicology  can be completed in three to six years. Students are required to write a supervised academic thesis of about 80,000 words, and must visit the campus at least three times during the program; the rest can be completed entirely by distance learning.

5. Union Institute & University, customized Ph.D.

Union offers one of the oldest regionally accredited distance learning Ph.D. programs  in the United States, and it is also among the most unconventional. Students work with cohort groups to design a specialized major on a specific topic that interests them, and then work through a series of individualized classes culminating in a supervised final project supervised by a university-approved expert in the field. The program requires short residencies at regional seminars and cohort sessions that are held at a variety of locations spread throughout the world (though most are held in the United States).

As a practical matter, the Union program is a good fit for someone who wishes to specialize on a highly specialized or interdisciplinary music-related topic, but specifically seeks a U.S. credential (or simply prefers more guidance and camaraderie than what might be available in a British, South African, or Australian research-oriented program).

6. University of Southern Queensland, Ph.D. in Creative Arts and Media

The University of Southern Queensland has long been recognized as a global leader in distance education, and its distance learning Ph.D. program  in creative arts and media can easily be tailored to a specific music-related research interest. Residency is negotiated on a case by case basis.

7. The Open University, Ph.D. in Music

Residents of the UK are eligible to sign up for the Open University’s research-based Ph.D. in music by distance learning  on a part-time basis. Non-UK residents are sometimes accepted on a case-by-case basis, if they live near an affiliated research center and/or can travel to the Open University campus in Milton Keynes, but this is not commonly done.

The OU, which is a public university and funded by the British government, boasts over 165,000 students and over two million graduates; it is one of the largest distance learning providers in the world.

8. Lesley University, Ph.D. in Expressive Therapies [music therapy]

Lesley University’s low-residency Ph.D. in expressive therapies  allows students to focus on a music therapy track, spending a total of nine weeks on campus (broken up into three three-week summer residencies) and completing the rest of the program online. Students spend the first three years of the program on coursework, and then a final year or two on a dissertation.

9. University of Winchester, D.C.A. in Performing Arts

Winchester’s low-residency D.C.A. in performing arts , designed with working professionals in mind, can be completed in five to seven years. Students are required to attend two short September intensive residencies, but the program can otherwise be completed online. The curriculum is highly individualized and can be easily tailored to musical performance.

10. Liberty University, Doctor of Worship Studies

Liberty University, founded by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, offers a wide array of online and low-residency programs designed for Protestant Christian religious leaders. The low-residency Doctor of Worship Studies (D.W.S.)  can be completed almost entirely online (though students must take three week-long intensives on the university’s campus in Virginia over the course of the program), and the curriculum provides a broad overview of the theology and practice of church music.

Anything We’ve Missed?

If you know of any other distance learning doctoral programs in music offered by accredited, nonprofit universities, please let me know below the fold; I might feature them in a followup piece.

3 thoughts on “Top 10 Best Online Doctoral Programs in Music”

Leroy, do you know much about this D.M.E online program? Are you a student there? I need to speak with a student of this program.

Monash U does NOT offer PhD in Music Composition

Liberty University also offers a Doctorate in Music Education. (DME) online

Leave a Comment

Doctor of Music Education (D.M.E.)

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Ignite a Passion Among the Next Generation of Musicians with a Doctorate from Liberty University

Translate your talent and love for music into a rewarding career in music education. Through Liberty University’s Doctor of Music Education program, you can bring the gift of music to students of all ages.

The best music educators are the ones who have exemplary talent paired with a strong desire to make a difference in music instruction and research. Our goal is to help you take your talent and passion and use it to transform the lives of your students.

Doctoral-level music studies will provide you with advanced training in teaching practices and leadership methods that will set you up for success. Whether you are currently working as a music educator, or you are interested in pursuing a position in the field, our online doctorate in music education can help provide the necessary credentials for you to teach music from the elementary to the university level.

What Will You Learn in Our Doctor of Music Education Degree?

• Various philosophies of music education and the psychology of music
• Current issues influencing the state of music education in schools
• How the music educator builds community and culture 
• Preparation for careers in music education administration

Throughout this degree, you will gain a historical understanding of music education in the United States while learning how to integrate teaching, theory, and research into your classroom. You will also engage in coursework and research connecting musical and educational teaching and learning methods.

Additionally, our online courses pair biblical applications with music education. Prepare with confidence so you can champion your faith in the highly impactful field of education with a reputable doctoral degree in music education. 

Career Opportunities for Doctor of Music Education Graduates

• Band director
• Curricular supervisor of music
• Curricular supervisor of visual and performing arts
• Music director
• Music program administrator
• University professor

Benefits for Students Pursuing the Online Doctor of Music Education

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online Doctor of Music Education degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university. 
• By earning a degree from a school of music accredited by the  National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), your degree will be well respected in the music field.
• You can complete this Doctor of Music Education program in as little as 2 and a half years!

You will complete an integrated thesis project that will demonstrate your expertise and ability to apply   advanced knowledge applicable to music education from public and private K-12 schools to the college and university level.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only  $300/credit hour . Here’s how:

• If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
• If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!

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100% online, 8-week courses

Interested in studying on campus?

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Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Sep 16, 2024

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As an accredited Christian college with a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers you an education that is both academically challenging and rooted in a biblical worldview.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 35+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

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These important factors challenged us to find new financial solutions, get ahead of industry trends, and blaze trails into cutting-edge career fields — and it’s paid off. That’s the difference experience makes.

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Enjoy flexible courses.

Choose from a wide variety of programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, most of which are 100% online*. With an 8-week format and 8 start dates per year, it’s easy to fit your courses around your schedule!

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All of our courses are taught from a Christian perspective, and our faculty see themselves as mentors. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ — we’re committed to championing you as you study to go further in your field, become a leader in your industry, or start a new career.

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While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university and has not increased tuition for 9 straight years. Lower tuition means less student loan debt for students.

For Liberty University, nonprofit is more than a status; it is a valuable opportunity to invest in the lives of students who will go out and impact the world.

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Doctor of Musical Arts

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The DMA degree is awarded for high attainments in the practice of music, with emphasis on the arts of performing and teaching. A candidate for this degree must be a capable artist who demonstrates intellectual attributes of the highest order.

Studies in composition and music education may be undertaken within the division of graduate professional studies (the DMA as described here) or within the division of graduate research studies. The respective programs have differences in emphasis and course content. In terms of applying, the Doctor of Musical Arts program requires an audition on an applied instrument or voice; the Doctor of Philosophy program does not require an audition for admission. Emphasis is on practical applied music in varying degrees in each of the DMA majors, and constitutes a distinctive feature of the division. Thus the composition and music education majors contain a strong performance component in the DMA degree program, and have a distinctly different emphasis in the PhD degree program.

Program of study

Description, General Components, Requirements: The program of study constitutes the formal requirements that must be met by the student before completion of work for the DMA degree. The program normally will comprise at least 60 credits beyond the master’s degree, and must be approved by the Graduate Professional Committee (GPC). Programs of study are developed by the student in close consultation with his or her program adviser, and are normally submitted to the GPC for approval by the third semester (or after 20 credit hours). Individual programs may vary considerably, depending upon the needs of the student (as revealed in the placement tests in theory and music history), general educational background, and career goals. The program of study must be approved by the GPC at least four months before the doctoral qualifying exam is taken.  The DMA typically takes 3.5 years of full-time study to complete.

Applied music: The DMA degree program emphasizes the study of applied music. All DMA students must be registered for one-hour lessons during the semester(s) in which they are preparing and/or performing a degree recital or lecture-recital. Students in the performance and literature major are required to take four consecutive semesters of applied music instruction.

Comprehensive examinations: Before completing the degree, all students in the DMA program must pass the comprehensive examinations, and must satisfy their various major departments and the GPC that they have attained broad competency as practitioners of music. The comprehensive examinations consist of a written examination in the fields of music history, literature, and theory, and an oral examination of a broad nature covering the student’s major and minor fields of study. A person submitting a full dissertation to satisfy the requirements of the degree will not be considered a candidate for the degree or permitted to begin work on the dissertation until she or he has passed the comprehensive examinations.

Students not writing a dissertation or doctoral essay will sit for the comprehensive examinations after all academic requirements of the degree and at least two of the performance requirements, plus the departmental jury, have been met.

Dissertation: Certain majors within the DMA degree program are required to complete a dissertation or final project, as indicated here by major. Ordinarily, the dissertation must be written in residence, under the supervision of the candidate’s adviser. A final oral examination (a defense of the dissertation) is not required of DMA candidates unless requested by the candidate, the department, the associate dean of graduate studies, or the adviser.

Ensembles: All graduate students are encouraged to participate in the school’s large vocal and instrumental ensembles. No more than four credits may be earned through ensemble courses for degree credit without explicit permission from the GPC.

Foreign Language Requirements: Most majors in the DMA program do not have a foreign language requirement, except in those instances where the knowledge of a foreign language is essential to research or other work in a specific field. See the specific majors below.

Independent Study: Students may submit a proposal for independent study. This proposal must be approved by the adviser before it is approved by the associate dean of graduate studies.

Performance: Public demonstrations of proficiency in the field of applied music are required of all candidates for the DMA degree. Programs must be approved by the candidate’s major teacher (and, for conducting majors, by the faculty of the conducting and ensembles department) and his or her adviser. A faculty committee will be in attendance at each public program to assess if the performance reaches the level expected of doctoral candidates.

Remedial Courses: Remedial courses required as a result of placement exams or upon admission to a program must be taken above and beyond the 90 credit hours required for the DMA.

• Conducting (choral, orchestral, wind, or contemporary ensembles)
• Early Music (emphasis in historical plucked instruments
• Jazz Studies & Contemporary Media
• Music Education
• Performance & Literature (instrumental or vocal)
• Piano Accompanying & Chamber Music

Doctor of Musical Arts with a Major in Composition

Program of Study

• Composition Study: Advanced Composition I – IV
• Performance Study: A minimum of two consecutive semesters of private lessons; two recitals of works by the composer, works conducted by the composer, and performed by the composer on the major instrument/voice. In this last category, a work from the standard repertoire is required.
• Research and Writing Seminars: Three doctoral seminars and one upper-level graduate composition seminar
• Academic Coursework: Topics in Tonal Literature & Analysis; Compositional Practice circa 1925-1955/1955-1980).
• Electives/Minor Field: In consultation with the advisor, 10-15 credit hours in areas other than composition and applied music.
• Dissertation: A composition in the form of an extended work for orchestra, chorus, or large chamber ensemble

→ More information on Composition curriculum

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Doctor of Musical Arts with a Major in Conducting (Choral, Orchestral, Wind, or Contemporary Ensembles)

Prerequisites

Applicants in conducting on the doctoral level should have held professional-level conducting positions for at least two years. Such positions may be within a public school teaching context, with a professional ensemble, or in an equivalent professional arena.

• Foreign Language Requirement: Choral and Orchestral Conducting majors must demonstrate foreign language proficiency equivalent of two years of undergraduate study in French, Italian, or German. If the necessary degree of proficiency is not reached upon matriculation, a language will be a mandatory part of the student’s curriculum until it is reached.  There is no language requirement for Wind Conducting majors.
• Emphasis: Majors will declare an emphasis in the literature and performance of instrumental, wind ensemble, or choral music, and will concentrate on that specialization.
• Conducting Studies: DMA Conducting, I-IV; Colloquy in Conducting
• Research and Writing Seminars: Four doctoral seminars, or two doctoral seminars and a DMA research project.
• Theory: Topics in Tonal Literature & Analysis; Topics in Twentieth-Century Literature & Analysis; and one additional graduate-level theory course. TH 400 may not be used
• Electives: If the doctoral essay does not involve music history, then nine credit hours of MHS coursework are required. Electives may include up to six credit hours of applied music lessons and may also include a minor area of concentration.
• Performance Requirement: Participation as conductor in three public concerts is required.
• A research paper dealing with selected repertoire.
• One or more public performances of that repertoire, in the candidate’s field of emphasis. A level of professional proficiency is expected. Performances must be scheduled at least two months after the final written research paper has been approved by the reading committee.
• A lecture-recital to be given in a rehearsal at least two weeks before the performance described above. A proposal for the research paper must be approved by the Graduate Professional Committee along with the candidate’s program of study.

→ More information on Conducting curriculum

Doctor of Musical Arts with a Major in Early Music (Emphasis in Historical Plucked Instruments)

• Applied Study: Majors must enroll for applied music study for a minimum of four consecutive semesters; Students must be registered for one-hour lessons during the semester(s) in which they are preparing and/or performing a degree recital or lecture recital
• Research and Writing Seminars: in musicology, music history, and/or theory. These may include a dissertation.
• Music Theory: Choose ten hours from Topics in Tonal Literature and Analysis; Counterpoint; Analysis of Early Music; and History of Theory.
• Minors/Electives: Students are encouraged to develop a minor field in consultation with their advisers. Typical minors might include music history, performance practice, choral conducting, or opera production.
• Jury: All DMA performance majors must take a departmental jury during the first year of residency at Eastman.
• Recitals: Three recitals are normally required for this major: one solo, one collaborative, and one lecture recital.
• Foreign Languages: For the DMA, proficiency in Italian, German, or French (the equivalent of two years of undergraduate study) will be demonstrated by passing a written exam, which will consist of a passage from a contemporary theory treatise or from the secondary literature on the applied instrument. If proficiency is not demonstrated on the exam, the student will be required to register for a course in one of these languages at Eastman.
• DMA Comprehensive Exam: DMA students in the early music program will take the current DMA written and oral comprehensive examinations. All Eastman School DMA graduates should possess a broad knowledge of repertoire, of historical contexts for music extending from the Middle Ages to the present, and of appropriate analytical techniques for different repertories.

→ More information on Early Music curriculum

Doctor of Musical Arts with a Major in Jazz Studies & Contemporary Media

Once admitted, students are required to take placement tests specific to this major, in addition to the regular music history and music theory placement tests. These tests are given in jazz theory, jazz history, and functional jazz piano. Students with deficiencies in these disciplines will be required to complete review courses. Credits for review courses are not counted toward the degree requirements.

• Applied Music and Improvisation: Includes both jazz and/or classical applied study and independent study projects in improvisation or jazz composition.
• Research and Writing Seminars: Students may choose from among several options, including a dissertation.
• Music Theory: At least one theory course must be an analysis course.
• Jazz Composition and Arranging: Based on the background and experience of the individual student.
• Minors/Electives: Students are encouraged to develop a minor field in consultation with their adviser. The minor field must be approved by the GPC when the student’s program of study is submitted.

→ More information on Jazz curriculum

Doctor of Musical Arts with a Major in Music Education

• Music Education Courses including research methods, measurement and evaluation, curriculum, and the history and philosophy of music education.
• Music History and Theory: Two doctoral theory courses and four graduate music history courses, three of which must be doctoral seminars.
• Performance: This major also has a strong emphasis in performance. Students take four to five semesters of applied lessons, and in most cases, one solo recital and one lecture recital will be required.
• Qualifying Exam and Dissertation: the dissertation (concept paper or prospectus) must be submitted during the oral portion of the qualifying examination. DMA dissertations are research projects of large scope, normally qualitative and descriptive in nature.
• Reviews: Majors must also undergo annual reviews with faculty members in the department.
• For detailed curricular information, please refer to the Registrar’s portion of the Eastman website.

→ More information on Music Education curriculum

Doctor of Musical Arts with a Major in Performance & Literature

The DMA degree is awarded for high attainments in the practice of music, with emphasis on the arts of performing and teaching. A candidate for this degree must be a capable artist who demonstrates intellectual attributes of high order.

• Performance: Majors in performance and literature enroll for at least five consecutive semesters of applied study, perform a jury in the first year of residency, and perform three recitals (DMA pianists are required to play a fourth, collaborative recital), and a lecture recital.
• Research and Writing Seminars: A total of 12 credits must be taken in musicology, music history, and/or theory courses, including doctoral seminars and/or a dissertation, at least three theory courses, and additional music electives.

→ More information on Performance curriculum

Doctor of Musical Arts with a Major in Piano Accompanying & Chamber Music

The training of pianists as artistic collaborators is the goal of the graduate programs in piano accompanying. Collaborative pianists must have the same technical skills as soloists, plus knowledge of languages, diction, sonata and duo repertory, vocal repertory, and chamber music. The lively performance scene at Eastman creates a willing body of collaborators and many performance opportunities for accompanying majors.

• Performance: four to five semesters of applied lessons (four must be taken consecutively); four recitals: one lecture recital, one with a vocalist or vocalists, one with an instrumentalist or instrumentalists, and one additional recital; jury (in December of the first year of residency)
• Languages: Within the first year at Eastman, students majoring in piano accompanying and chamber music are required to pass a one language comprehension examination in French, German, or Italian. Before completion of the degree, they must pass a second language comprehension examination in one of the remaining languages. In addition, they must either successfully complete the vocal diction courses in German, English, French, and Italian with a grade of B+ or higher, or demonstrate diction proficiency in all four languages by examination.
• Minor Field: In consultation with their program advisers, majors in piano accompanying and chamber music develop a minor field in an area such as pedagogy, Baroque performance practice, opera coaching, or interdisciplinary studies in the humanities.
• Academic Courses: Majors must enroll in three doctoral seminars in music history and an additional 10 to 12 credits in music history and theory.
• Electives: May include keyboard study.

→ More information on Piano Accompanying & Chamber Music curriculum

Music and Music Education EdD

Doctor of education.

The Ed.D prepares students for positions in the Teaching and Supervision of Music in Elementary and Secondary Schools, the Teaching and Administration of Music in Early Childhood Settings, the Teaching of Music in Private Schools and Private Studios, the Teaching and Administration of Music in Colleges and Universities, and careers in Music and Interdisciplinary Areas, such as the Arts and Humanities, Special and Adult Education.

Admissions Information

Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.

• Points/Credits: 75
• Entry Terms: Fall
• Enrollment Formats: Full-Time, Part-Time

Application Deadlines

Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines , such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.

Application Requirements

Additional Notes

• Applicants for the Doctor of Education normally have previously received a Master of Arts or Master of Music degree. Applicants for the Doctor of Education and the Doctor of Education in College Teaching are expected to have several years of professional experience as an educator or performing musician prior to beginning the doctoral program. Both doctoral programs are very selective and admit only a few students each year.

Additional Degree Information

In addition to Teachers College's policies for student progress and degree completion, students within the Program of Music and Music Education enrolled in a degree program in the department as of Fall Term 2021 or admitted later must meet the following requirements:

• All master's and doctoral students must enroll for a minimum of six (6) points per academic year. Students in summer MA intensive or summer doctoral cohort degrees must register for at least six (6) points during summer sessions. However, once a doctoral student is obligated for continuous doctoral dissertation advisement, students must satisfy the requirements for continuous registration as outlined in the College requirements.
• All masters and doctoral students must maintain a minimum of a "B" grade (exclusive of Pass/Fail courses) for each course registered through Teachers College.
• Maintain a minimum of "B" grades
• Receive grades of "P" (progress) in research credits.
• Maintain continuous enrollment
• Doctoral students must pass all written and performance certification exams required for completion of the degree. Teacher College limits the number of retakes students have to pass a required exam part to one. (Please see the policy here :

[ https://www.tc.columbia.edu/policylibrary/policies/doctoral-certification-examination-retakes-9068741/ ]

• Make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward completion of the degree during each academic year.

Failure to remain in good standing will result in students being placed on program academic probation for a period of one semester. If placed on academic probation students will be notified by their Advisor and the Registrar's office. Students will be restricted to part-time registration until their grades are above the minimum level. The intent of Academic Probation is to provide students the opportunity to raise their grades to minimum levels so that they may continue to pursue their academic goals. Once placed on academic probation, a student’s grades will be reviewed regularly based on academic level; master's students will be reviewed after completion of 6 credit hours and doctoral students after completion of 3 credit hours.

Master's students can be placed on academic probation no more than twice during their academic program. Placement on academic probation beyond the first time will be based on completing the previous academic probation period with grades above a B.

Doctoral students can be placed on academic probation only once during their academic program.

• Any requests for retroactive registration must receive the approval of the faculty advisor, Program Coordinator, and Department Chair before submission to the Office of Registrar.
• Ed.D. and Ed.D.C.T. students must complete all requirements for the Ed.D. within eight (8) years from their term of matriculation.
• Ed.D. and Ed.D.C.T. students must take the certification exam once they have completed 70 points of coursework (both Teachers College credits and those transferred in), or within two (2) years of term matriculation, whichever comes first. Students must complete the remaining minimum of 20 points toward their Ed.D. requirements within the initial period of certification (four to six years).
• Whether a student sits for the certification examination will be at the discretion of the student’s advisor. If the student has more than three (3) points of "Incomplete" grades, but the advisor does not believe this poses a problem, then the student may still sit for the certification exam. However, under Teachers College policy, any doctoral student who has six (6) or more points of "Incomplete" grades as part of the program of study may not sit for the certification examination.
• An Ed.D. and Ed.D.C.T.  student will be recommended for certification, for the purpose of determining when the obligation for continuous enrollment in doctoral dissertation advisement begins when they have passed all parts of the certification examination, has submitted a program plan, and has been formally recommended for certification by the program.
• After having passed part one of the certification examination, the student has a year to take the remaining steps to secure full certification, including completing the other parts of the certification examination and submitting a program plan.
• All Ed.D. and Ed.D.C.T. candidates must complete their degree requirements by the expiration date of their period of certification. Ed.D. and Ed.D.C.T.  candidates who have not completed their degree during this time, but have registered and completed a course during the last five years, may petition for an extension if they are in good academic standing (see 3. above) and have satisfied the College requirements for continuous enrollment for doctoral dissertation advisement, if applicable. Petitions for extensions may be obtained in the Office of Doctoral Studies.
• Have adequate and acceptable reasons.
• Have been registered and completed a course within the last five (5) years.
• Provide a feasible plan for degree completion.
• Obtain the approval of their faculty advisor, Program Director, and Department Chair. Any petitions not accompanied with appropriate approvals will be invalid.
• Students filing petitions for extensions may be required to retake courses, or to undertake additional coursework, as specified by faculty advisor, Program Coordinator, and/or Department Chair.
• Petitions for extensions must be filed within six (6) months of expiration of the certification period.
• Students are limited to a maximum of two (2) petitions for extensions, which will not exceed more than two (2) years total.

Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2023-2024)

Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.

View Full Catalog Listing

The Ed.D. prepares students for positions in the teaching and supervision of music in elementary and secondary schools, the teaching and administration of music in early childhood settings, the teaching of music in schools and studios, the teaching and administration of music in colleges and universities, and careers in music and interdisciplinary areas, such as the arts and humanities, special and adult education. 

Requirements include:

1) Satisfactory completion of a program of 90 graduate points beyond the baccalaureate degree,

2) Successful performance on a departmental certification examination, and

3) Preparation and defense of a dissertation. 

At least 54 points of work must be completed at Teachers College. A maximum of 36 graduate points may be accepted from other accredited graduate schools. Transfer credits are evaluated and allocated by the Registrar's Office for consideration by the Music and Music Education Program. Final determinations are made by Program faculty.

Doctoral students must complete a minimum of 15 points of coursework in areas other than those in the Music and Music Education Program.

To ensure breadth in professional background, coursework should result in competency in the following four broad areas: (1) Pedagogy, (2) Research, (3) Musicianship, and (4) Music Performance.

The preparation and the defense of a dissertation is required for the doctoral degree. When writing the dissertation, each candidate has a sponsor and an additional committee member. Most often the sponsor is a faculty member of the Program in Music and Music Education. Committee members may be chosen from among the professorial faculty elsewhere at Teachers College or Columbia University. Topics are selected from a variety of areas to meet professional needs and interests. 

Pedagogy (minimum 28 points, including transferrable credits) 

Suggested courses:

A&HM 5020 Foundations of Music Education, 3 points

A&HM 5022 Children’s Musical Development, 3 points

A&HM 5025 Creativity and Problem Solving in Music Education, 3 points

A&HM 5027 Philosophical Perspectives of  Music Education, 3 points

Additional courses:

A&HM 4021 Designing Musical Experiences for Young Children, 3 points

A&HM 4023 Choral Pedagogy, 2-3 points

A&HM 4029 Intro to New Technologies in Music Education, 2 points

A&HM 4033 Approaches to Teaching Musical Instruments, 3 points

A&HM 4050 Strategies for Ensemble Rehearsal, 3 points

A&HM 5021 Instrumental Experiences for Children, 2-3 points

A&HM 5023 Voice Pedagogy, 2-3 points

A&HM 5029 Int/Adv Applications of New Technology in Music Education, 2 points

A&HM 6001 Teaching and Administration of Music in College, 3 points

A&HM 6023 Teaching Applied Music in College, 2-3 points

Musicianship and Music Performance (minimum 15 points, including transferrable credits)

At least 1 of the following:

A&HM 5032 Comprehensive Musicianship I, 3 points

A&HM 5026 Composing Collaboratively Across Diverse Styles, 3 points

Certification requirement:

A&HM 6058 Music Performance, 1 point

Applied Conducting, 2 points

Applied Composition, 2 points

Applied Instrumental / Voice, 2 points

Applied Voice, 2 points

A&HM 5052 Vocal Literature & Interpretation, 2-3 points

Research in Music Education (minimum 18 points, including transferrable credits) 

Emphasized courses:

A&H 5001 Research Methods in Arts Education (online), 3 points

A&H 5002 Assessment Strategies for the Arts (online), 3 points

A&HM 5031 Synthesizing Research in Music Education (online), 3 points

A&HM 6041 Interview Data & Analysis, 3 points

Seminars: (Required)

A&HM 6501 Doctoral Seminar in Music Education, 2 or 3 points  (Preliminary Proposal)

A&HM 7501 Dissertation Seminar: Music Education, 2 or 3 points (Advanced Proposal)

Seminars: (Continuing Research Study)

A&HM 6510 Advanced Seminar in Art Education Research, 3 points (Continuing Dissertation Research)

A&HM 6971 Research and Independent Study in Music Education, 1 to 3 points

Out of Program (minimum 15 points)

Suggested research courses (2 courses minimum): :

A&HH 6041 Historical Method

C&T 5502 Introduction to Qualitative Research in Curriculum & Teaching

HUD 4120 Methods of Empirical Research

HUDF 5020 Methods of Social Research: Survey Methods

HUDM 4122 Probability and Statistical Inference

HUDM 5122 Applied Regression Analysis

HUDM 5123 Experimental Design

ITSF 4092 Qualitative Research and Evaluation in International Education

ITSF 5000 Methods of Inquiry: Ethnography and Participant Observation

ITSF 5001 Ethnography and Participant Observation: Structural and Interpretive Analysis

MSTC 5001 Qualitative Methods in Science Education Research

ORL 5522 Evaluation Methods 1

ORL 5523 Evaluation Methods 2

ORL 5524 Instrument Design and Validation

ORL 6500 Qualitative Research Methods on Organizations: Design and Data Collection

ORL 6501 Qualitative Research Methods in Organizations: Data Analysis and Reporting

ORLJ 5040 Research Methods in Social Psychology

Sample Elective Courses:

A&HF 5590 Voices in Philosophy and Education

A&HH4076 History of Urban Education

C&T 4029 Creativity: Its Nature and Nurture

C&T 4032 Gender, Difference, and Curriculum

C&T 4078 Curriculum and Teaching in Urban Areas

C&T 4161 The Teacher: Socio-Historical, Cultural Contexts of Teaching

ORLD 4827 Fostering Transformative Learning

ORLH 5011 College Teaching and Learning

MTSU 4083 Instructional Design of Educational Technology

• View Other Degrees

Program Director : Jeanne Goffi-Fynn

Contact Person: Malika Amraoui

Phone: (212) 678-3285 Fax: (212) 678-4048

Email: musiced@tc.edu

Resources for:

Sep 27, 2024 7:30pm

The Power and Passion of Beethoven

Pick-Staiger Concert Hall

Oct 1, 2024 7:30pm

Nathan Mertens and Kenta Saito with Tomoko Kashiwagi

Galvin Recital Hall

Oct 4, 2024 7:30pm

Jeffrey Kahane, piano

• Lectures & Interviews
• Master Classes
• Recitals & Chamber Music
• Visiting Artists

Main Resources

Main utility, degree requirements, phd in music: music education.

The PhD in Music Education is designed for individuals who have (1) a solid musical background, (2) successful teaching experience, (3) high levels of intellectual capacity, and (4) strong professional leadership abilities. Awarding of the degree is based not only on completion of objective requirements, but on the level of distinction attained by the candidate in the above four qualities.

Program of Study – 18 units

Music Education Core – 2 units

• MUSIC ED 422 Curriculum Development in Music Education
• MUSIC ED 458 Philosophical Basis of Music Education

Research in Music Education – 3 units

• MUSIC ED 523 Paradigms and Processes of Research in Music Teaching and Learning
• MUSIC ED 524 Qualitative Research in Music Education
• MUSIC ED 525 Quantitative Research in Music Education

Music Education Electives – 3 units

Students must select three MUSIC ED courses such as those listed below. For a complete listing of approved courses for PhD Students, see the Graduate Catalog .

• MUSIC ED 401 Music in Higher Education  MUSIC ED 426 World Music Pedagogy   MUSIC ED 430 Seminar in General Music Education  MUSIC ED 435 Selected Topics in Music Education  MUSIC ED 437 Psychology of Music Teaching & Learning

Cognate Area – 3 units

Students enroll in three courses in a non-music field relevant to their main interest.

Electives – 7 units

Focused study leading to a dissertation, musical studies, special needs and interests

MUSIC ED 520 Research Seminar

All PhD students must register continuously for MUSIC ED 520 Research Center Seminar (0 units). Students have the option to take 520 one time for one unit of credit.

Sample PhD Curriculum in Music Education

All courses for the PhD must appear on the authorized list of courses as published by The Graduate School.

Additional Requirements

Center for the Study of Education and the Musical Experience

During the years of residence, regular participation in the weekly seminar of the Center for the Study of Education and the Musical Experience is required. Continuing participation beyond the residence years is strongly encouraged.

Teaching Competency

As a part of their graduate school fellowship, all PhD students are expected to work as both research and teaching assistants. Students must have at least one written observation of their teaching by a music education faculty member along with any student course evaluations as appropriate.

Presentation Outside the Bienen School of Music

This requirement is designed to stimulate early involvement in the presentation of original research at a regional, national, or international level meeting. This requirement is meant to help the student develop professional experiences consistent with those of a professor of music education.

Waiver of Courses

Any course waived because the student has taken it previously, has had the same course elsewhere, or through proficiency determination, will normally be replaced by an elective course in that area of the program. The major advisor may, upon the student’s petition, exercise discretion in this matter, substituting a course outside the area of the waiver for a good cause.

Qualifying Examination and Candidacy

There are four significant steps to candidacy for the PhD in music with a concentration in music education: 

• successful completion of coursework,
• demonstration of successful teaching at the college level,
• peer-reviewed presentation at a professional meeting outside of NU, and
• successful completion of the qualifying examination.

At that point, the student is advanced to candidacy officially and can pursue their dissertation research. Candidacy should be achieved no later than 6 months following completion of course work.

At an appropriate time toward the end of coursework, each student will take a qualifying examination. The examination includes a written portion and an oral defense. Questions for the examination are written by the student with the approval of the examination committee. The answers are presented to the committee in written form and then defended in an oral examination.

Key Milestones

Contact Graduate Services:  [email protected]   847-491-5740

Course Catalog | Liberty University

Doctor of music education (d.m.e.), program learning outcomes.

The student will be able to:

• Construct a culturally contextualized music teaching methodology that includes spiritual formation and Christian ethics.
• Formulate a philosophy of music education informed by the contexts of sociology, psychology, aesthetics, and a Biblical worldview.
• Design music education initiatives within the practitioner responsibilities of administration and community leadership.
• Synthesize knowledge of the literature of the discipline with the professional practices of music educators through research for the teaching environment.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission procedures, applicants to the Doctor of Music Education must meet the following requirements:

• Master degree in Music
• Master degree in Music Education
• Master degree in Music and Worship
• Or a related discipline from an accredited institution
• A graduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale).
• TOEFL Scores for students who speak English as a second language (score of 600 paper –based test; 250 computer-based test, 80 internet-based test).

Transfer Credit

Transfer students will be required to submit transcripts for evaluation as per the normal process established by the University. Students may transfer a maximum of 21 hours of coursework from an accredited institution.  In order to be eligible for transfer credit, course work must have a minimum grade of B-, and must have been completed within the past seven (7) years. Credits from a degree on the same academic level previously earned through Liberty University are considered transfer credits.

The following courses are not eligible for transfer credit: MUSC 880 Intro Thesis Writing Project (3 c.h.) , MUSC 892 Comprehensive Exam (0 c.h.) , MUSC 888 Thesis Project Proposal Research I (4 c.h.) , MUSC 889 Thesis Project Proposal & Research II (3,5 c.h.) , and MUSC 890 Thesis Project Defense (3 c.h.) .

Delivery Format: Online Only

• Music Education (D.M.E.)
• District supervisor of music in a K‐12 environment
• College professor of music education

A student who is pursuing either of the above routes would need K‐12 teaching experience. Many students who pursue this degree will be current K‐12 music educators.

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Here Are the 10 Best Doctorate in Music Programs in the US

The U.S. is home to some of the best music programs in the world, especially doctorate degrees. In general, students have two paths open to them: the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) or PhD.

The DMA program typically takes around four full-time years to complete and concentrates primarily on performance, composition, or conducting. To graduate, DMA students must complete a musical thesis, such as a performance or lecture-recital.

PhD programs in music also take about four years, but they’re more teaching and research-oriented. These programs are perfect for those interested in becoming professors in music theory, musicology, or ethnomusicology. PhD students must write and defend a dissertation in order to graduate.

These degrees are available at both conservatories and universities. (Most liberal arts colleges, since they focus on undergraduate education, don’t offer DMAs or PhDs.) Which program you choose, and where, should depend on the kind of student life and environment you prefer as well as the specific way you want to explore music.

For example, if you want to learn alongside other aspiring performers and travel the country teaching your instrument, a DMA at a conservatory would be better suited to your goals.

The cost of attending is usually offset by teaching assistantships or stipends, some of which can be very generous. There are even some tuition-free doctorate programs.

Below we’ll discuss 10 of the best doctorate programs in music, including their local ensemble affiliations, tuition costs, and everything else that makes them stand out from other doctorate programs.

Rice University Shepherd School of Music (Houston, TX)

The DMA program at the Shepherd School of Music is one of the smallest university-based music schools in the country, with 350 total students. Admission is extremely selective, ensuring a high level of musicianship among both undergraduates and graduate students.

The school is deeply affiliated with professional ensembles in Houston, like the Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera. DMA students will have the chance to work and learn alongside professionals in the field and get involved in the local Houston community on a greater level.

In fact, the Shepherd School and the Houston Symphony launched a new pilot program in 2021: The Shepherd School-Houston Symphony Brown Foundation Community-Embedded Musician Fellowship. The program aims to expand music education for underserved minority students in Houston, and it’s part of the school’s ongoing effort to diversify music education, especially classical music.

Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (Bloomington, IN)

The Jacobs School of Music is not only one of the largest music schools in the country with 1,600 students but also home to the largest academic music library in the world. Its facilities — 200 studios, labs, and practice rooms, and four performance halls — are reason enough to compete for a spot at Jacobs.

Because of its size and venue capacity, Jacobs is able to stage over a thousand performances a year, including seven operas and three ballets. Students can audition for numerous big band, choral, and orchestra ensembles, many of which earn renown worldwide. For example, the Philharmonic Orchestra has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York and the Bastille Opera House in Paris.

All Doctor of Music (DM) and PhD applicants are automatically considered for merit-based financial assistance, including the Graduate Tuition Award, Artistic Excellence Award, Jacobs Fellowship, and more. Students can also get a cash stipend and teaching assistantship positions that cover nearly full tuition.

Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)

PhD students at Harvard get up to six years of guaranteed funding in the form of stipends, teaching assistantships, and grants, covering tuition as well as living expenses. There are also extra funds for summer research and additional fellowships.

The program is small but very selective and prestigious. Only a handful of students are admitted every year, in the following areas of focus: musicology, ethnomusicology, theory, composition, and creative practice and critical inquiry. Harvard doesn’t have a performance faculty, but its resources for research capabilities are extensive, including a microfilm library of primary source materials, an archive of world music recordings, and a collection of early instruments.

Students interested in performance can get involved in other local university ensembles (Boston University, Berklee, New England Conservatory) or professional institutions (Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Public Library).

New England Conservatory of Music (Boston, MA)

NEC is the oldest independent music conservatory in the U.S. and one of the most prestigious in the world. Only eight to 12 new DMA students are accepted each year.

Since NEC is filled with top-notch musicians in every area of music, students here can find vast collaboration opportunities. In addition to DMAs in instrumental performance, the school also offers a DMA in music theory, with concentrations in pedagogy, composition, performance, or analysis.

Many NEC faculty are affiliated with the Boston Symphony or have established professional careers on stage. This includes the Borromeo String Quartet, NEC’s quartet-in-residence.

In terms of performance facilities, Jordan Hall is one of the best concert halls in the country. A block from Boston Symphony Hall, it seats over 1,000 and is the only conservatory building in the country with a National Historic Landmark designation.

University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (Ann Arbor, MI)

Studying at SMTD means getting a multidisciplinary education in the performing arts. With 12 performance venues and eight distinct buildings, music students share facilities with actors and dancers. Music students, in particular, can join a variety of bands and orchestras, including a Javanese gamelan ensemble. 

Almost all DMA and PhD students receive full funding for full-time study. This includes health benefits and student assistantship stipends. Students can also apply to be Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs), who teach courses while assisting faculty members in exchange for a full or partial tuition waiver. There are additional financial packages to fund research, travel, and performance. 

Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)

Getting a PhD in musicology at Cornell means five years of guaranteed funding, including funding for four summers. The breakdown consists of two years of fellowship and three years of teaching assistantships.

Cornell also offers four years of funding for their Composition and Performance Practice DMAs, including at least three summers. DMAs usually get two years of fellowship and two years of teaching assistantships.

These are three separate programs, but the students take seminars and attend symposia alongside one another as well as teach many of the same undergraduates. Thus, the department promotes an interdisciplinary approach to music that is highly customizable.

With the guidance of faculty members, graduate students develop their own course of study, which must include a minor subject of study. The Graduate Minor can be another music specialization (theory, musicology, ethnomusicology, performance, composition) or another discipline entirely (art history, mathematics, history, linguistics, psychology).

University of Southern California Thornton School of Music (Los Angeles, CA)

Not only is the Thornton School of Music one of the U.S.’s premier music institutions, but its location at the heart of Los Angeles makes it the perfect place to play and learn music in all its forms.

Whether you want to teach music in underserved communities, play in a jazz club, connect with like-minded musicians, join a local orchestra, or some combination of these, USC and the greater LA area offer limitless opportunities. 

Academically, USC offers a PhD in Musicology and a DMA in three different divisions: Classical Performance and Composition, Contemporary Music, and Research and Scholarly Studies. USC is primarily known for its specializations in orchestral studies, jazz, early music, composition, opera, and music industry.

Many faculty are affiliated with the Los Angeles Philharmonic or have had illustrious careers as solo performers, including violinist Midori Goto.

The Juilliard School (New York, NY)

The C.V. Starr Doctoral Fellows program allows students to pursue the DMA degree tuition-free for up to five years.

Juilliard produces some of the world’s best performers, so the school’s only doctorate program is the DMA. This is a highly rigorous program that requires students to give three public recitals and one lecture-recital by the end of the third year. On top of that, DMA students must write and defend a dissertation in order to graduate.

Many of Juilliard’s faculty members are affiliated with the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and renowned ensembles like the Juilliard String Quartet and the American Brass Quintet. Some have also had successful solo careers, such as pianist Emanuel Ax and violinist David Chan.

Notable alumni include violinist Itzhak Perlman, soprano Renee Fleming, and composers Miles Davis and Philip Glass.

Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)

Princeton’s PhD programs in composition and musicology are completely free and include a 12-month stipend for all five years. One to two of these years must be supplemented by teaching assistantship positions, and students can apply for additional research funding or summer language study. Students are also eligible for sixth-year funding if necessary.

Although Princeton does not have a performance PhD or DMA, its research opportunities for musicology, music theory, and composition students abound. Unlike many PhD programs in music, academics are not limited to western classical music. Composers and musicologists are encouraged to explore modern music as much as the music that came before it, providing a well-rounded, readily applicable education. 

Notable alumni include composer Julia Wolfe ‘12, whose work has been commissioned by the Munich Chamber Orchestra, and producer Nathan Michel ‘07, whose band Hospitality has been featured on NPR and Wired .

Yale University School of Music (New Haven, CT)

Yale’s school of music is the only designated music school, instead of department, in an Ivy League.

The tuition-free, five-year DMA program is highly selective, with an acceptance rate below 10%. It is structured by a unique two-year residency on campus followed by a three-year dissertation period in the field. Depending on the student’s chosen area — composition, conducting, or performance — students must use this time to work and learn in a professional capacity, guided by faculty. This could mean performing in traditional recitals, conducting orchestras, getting research published, or having one’s own compositions performed by local ensembles. 

By the end of the degree, DMA students will be well-versed in all aspects of music: history, theory, composition, and performance.

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• William Carey University
• School of Music

The Doctor of Arts in Music (DA) degree is designed to prepare musicians for careers in collegiate teaching as well as help prepare them to become leaders in their current positions as educators and worship leaders.

The philosophy of the program is to integrate in-depth preparation in a primary emphasis, either Music Education or Worship Ministry, with general studies in an interest area. The interest areas include, but are not limited to, Conducting/Performance Pedagogy, Leadership, Theology, and the Marching Arts; these interest areas are required to accommodate the diverse teaching responsibilities found in university instruction today. The School of Music core includes foundational course work in music history, music theory, and music performance.

Program Overview

The coursework can be completed in approximately 2 years. The writing phase is an additional 6 - 9 months.

Delivery Method

This program is delivered FULLY Online

Applicant Prerequisites & Requirements

In addition to meeting the university’s general requirements for graduate admission, all students applying for admission into the D.A. program must hold a master’s degree in music and must demonstrate through submitted transcripts a 3.0 GPA on all master’s level coursework. All applicants will be required to submit two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional and/or educational work, as well as a resume or curriculum vita, to the D.A. program coordinator. Each applicant must also demonstrate the ability to write on a graduate level through submission of a 1000-1500 word writing sample. At least 500 words will be devoted to explaining why the candidate is interested in pursuing a terminal degree. The remaining 500-1000 words will address some issue related to the candidate’s intended emphasis area. Finally, each applicant must complete a qualifying exam in music theory and music history, respectively. In addition to meeting the university’s general requirements for graduate admission, all students applying for admission into the D.A. program must hold a master’s degree in music and must demonstrate through submitted transcripts a 3.0 GPA on all master’s level coursework. All applicants will be required to submit two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional and/or educational work, as well as a resume or curriculum vita, to the D.A. program coordinator. Each applicant must also demonstrate the ability to write on a graduate level through submission of a 1000-1500 word writing sample. At least 500 words will be devoted to explaining why the candidate is interested in pursuing a terminal degree. The remaining 500-1000 words will address some issue related to the candidate’s intended emphasis area. Finally, each applicant must complete a qualifying exam in music theory and music history, respectively.

Note: Survey of Music Theory and/or Survey of Music History taken during the Master’s degree may count toward the DA in Music if the doctoral qualifying exams are passed.

Degrees Offered

Music education, d.a., worship ministry, d.a., career outlooks.

The Fully Online Doctor of Arts in Music (DA) degree can be completed while continuing in your current career field. It is designed to prepare musicians for careers in collegiate teaching as well as help prepare them to become leaders in their current positions as educators and worship leaders.

Set Yourself Apart

We offer one of only three NASM accredited fully online music doctorates in the world. Ours has the most choices in curriculum direction and is the most affordable!

Your Future Starts Here

Whether you're embarking on your academic journey for the first time or you're a professional looking to enhance your career, the William Carey School of Music is here to accommodate you. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with you and provide guidance as you take steps toward becoming the best you can be!

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2024 Best Music Doctor's Degree Schools

Featured music programs, choosing a great music school for your doctor's degree, overall quality is a must, average early-career salaries, other factors we consider, more ways to rank music schools, best schools for doctorate students to study music in the united states, 13 top schools for a doctorate in music.

Music doctor's degree recipients from Michigan State University earn a boost of approximately $15,790 over the average earnings of music majors.

After graduation, music doctorate recipients generally make about $36,397 at the beginning of their careers.

Music doctor's degree recipients from The University of Texas at Austin get an earnings boost of about $6,891 above the typical earnings of music majors.

Doctorate recipients from the music degree program at University of Rochester get $5,595 more than the typical graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

Doctorate graduates who receive their degree from the music program make about $40,016 for their early career.

Doctorate recipients from the music major at University of California - Los Angeles get $6,871 more than the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

Music doctor's degree recipients from University of Wisconsin - Madison get an earnings boost of around $2,130 above the typical earnings of music graduates.

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Notes and References

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2024-2025 Catalog

Doctoral degrees.

The University of Idaho awards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in recognition of high achievement in scholarly and research activity. The degree of Doctor of Education is granted for high scholarly attainment and in recognition of the completion of academic preparation for professional practice. See the "Ph.D. and Ed.D. Procedures" tab for more details. The Doctor of Athletic Training is offered through the College of Education and the Department of Movement Sciences (see the "DAT Procedures" tab for more details).

The major professor and program offering a particular doctoral program indicate the general philosophy of the degree program, the objectives of courses and seminars, the research specialties available, and requirements unique to the department. Admission to the doctoral program is granted only to those who have a recognized potential for completing the degree.

Requirements for Doctoral Degrees

Credit requirements.

For the Ph.D. and Ed.D., a minimum of 78 credits beyond the bachelor's degree is required.; At least 52 credits must be at the 500 level or above and at least 33 of the 78 credits must be in courses other than 600 (Doctoral Research and Dissertation). A maximum of 45 research credits in 600 (Doctoral Research and Dissertation) including 6 credits of 599 (Non-thesis Research) or 500 (Master's Research and Thesis) may be in the 45 research credits used toward the degree. For the D.A.T., a minimum of 66 credits is required and follows a prescribed set of courses set by the program.

Courses numbered below 300 may not be used to fulfill the requirements for a doctoral degree; courses numbered 300-399 may be used only in supporting areas and are not to be used to make up deficiencies. Individual programs may require additional course work. Applicants having a doctoral degree may obtain a second doctoral degree subject to the approval of the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council will establish the requirements for the second degree.

Credit Limitations for Transfer, Correspondence Study, and Non-degree

For the Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees, a student must complete at least 39 of the 78 required credits at the University of Idaho (U of I) while matriculated in the College of Graduate Studies. Credits can be transferred to U of I with the consent of the student's major professor, the committee (if required by the program), the program's administrator, and the dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Credits can be transferred only if the institution from which the credits are being transferred has a graduate program in the course's discipline. All credits used toward graduate degrees must be from regionally accredited American institutions or from non-US institutions recognized by the appropriate authorities in their respective countries. Transfer credits are subject to all other College of Graduate Studies rules and regulations. Correspondence study courses may be applied to the degree only with the prior written approval of the College of Graduate Studies. Courses used toward an undergraduate degree, professional development courses, and courses on a professional development transcript are not available to be used toward a doctoral degree.

Time Limits

Of the credits submitted to satisfy the requirements for a Ph.D. or Ed.D. degree, a maximum of 30 may be more than eight years old when the degree is conferred, provided the student's committee and program administrator determine that the student has kept current in the subjects concerned. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their preliminary or general examination. These time limitations can be extended only on recommendation of the committee and approval by the Graduate Council.

Awarding Doctoral Degrees to Members of the Faculty

Regulations are outlined in Section 4920 of the Faculty-Staff Handbook.

Particular Requirements for the Ed.D. Degree

A period of professional practice is required for the Doctor of Education degree; the period involved is determined by the student's supervisory committee. While the Ed.D. is a College of Education degree, you should consult with the departments in the College of Education to learn of specific emphasis requirements.

Procedures for Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Education Degrees

Appointment of major professor and committee.

Refer to " Appointment of Major Professor and Committee for All Degree Seeking Graduate Students " in the preceding General Graduate Regulations section. In addition, a doctoral supervisory committee consists of at least four people: the major professor as chair and at least one additional UI faculty member from the program, the balance of the committee may be made up of faculty members from a minor or supporting area, and faculty members from a discipline outside the major. If the committee has a co-chair, the minimum number of committee members is five.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination is a program option and serves to assess the background of the student in both the major and supporting fields and to provide partially the basis for preparation of the student's study program. A particular program may or may not require a master's degree as a prerequisite for the qualifying evaluation. As soon as the program's qualifications are met, a supervisory committee is appointed.

Preparation of Study Plan

Refer to " Preparation and Submission of Study Plan " in the preceding General Graduate Regulations section.

Preliminary Examination for Ph.D. Degree

The preliminary examination should be scheduled only after the student has completed the majority of the courses on their study plan. The student is required to be registered during the semester the preliminary examination is taken. The student's committee certifies to the College of Graduate Studies the results of the preliminary examination and if passed, the student is advanced to candidacy. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their examination. If the preliminary examination is failed, it may be repeated only once; the repeat examination must be taken within a period of not less than three months or more than one year following the first attempt. If a student fails the preliminary examination a second time, or the program does not allow the student to repeat the examination after the first failure or the student does not retake the examination within one year, the student is automatically moved to unclassified enrollment status and is no longer in the degree program.

General Examination for Ed.D . Degree

When the student approaches the end of their course work, has completed the professional experience requirement, and has outlined the dissertation subject in detail, the supervisory committee approves the holding of the general examination. The student is required to be registered during the semester the general examination is taken. The examination is both written and oral and is intended to assess progress toward degree objectives. The student's committee certifies to the College of Graduate Studies the results of the general examination and if passed, the student is advanced to candidacy. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their examination. If the general examination is failed, it may be repeated only once; the repeat examination must be taken within a period of not less than three months or more than one year following the first attempt. If a student fails the general examination a second time, or the program does not allow the student to repeat the examination after the first failure or the student does not retake the examination within one year, the student is automatically moved to unclassified status and is no longer in the degree program.

See the General Graduate Regulations section regarding application for advanced degree, registration requirements, final defense and dissertation requirements.

Procedures for Doctor of Athletic Training

The culminating clinical project.

Students enrolled in the Doctor of Athletic Training (D.A.T.) will engage in research projects during the curricular phase of the program. These project(s) will lead to at least two publication ready manuscripts, and all students must meet professional authorship requirements (regardless of order). See the  Department of Movement Sciences and Doctor of Athletic Training webpages for more information.

The Team (Committee)

All D.A.T. project team committees will have at least four committee members: two members of the athletic training faculty (all with graduate faculty status), the student's attending clinician (who is the student's on-site mentor during the student's residency), and an expert in the student's chosen area of clinical research. The athletic training faculty members will always chair the CCP, provide research guidance, and serve as the experts in the development of advanced practice in Athletic Training. A situation may arise in which one or both of the members of the committee that are outside of the AT program faculty may have a degree less than that of which the student is seeking; however, the intent of the third and fourth D.A.T. committee membership is to provide outside validation of the student's progress toward advanced practice and clinical utility of action research studies.

Culminating Clinical Project Hours

These dissertation hours may be used in instances when the CCP has not been successfully completed and the curricular phase of program has been completed.

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Music Education, B.M.E.

• University Deadlines
• Program Deadlines Vary

June 30, 2025

• In-State - $11,809
• Out-of-State - $41,186

Housed within the School of Music , the Music Education, Bachelor of Music Education program aims to cultivate reflective music educators and well-rounded musicians capable of guiding music learning in the diverse educational communities of Maryland and beyond. Rooted in the belief that effective teaching is developed through hands-on experience, we provide abundant opportunities for you to engage with K-12 students, honing your craft under the mentorship of experienced faculty and partner teachers. With a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop both musical proficiency and pedagogical expertise, this degree equips you to thrive in music education.

Key Features

• Hands-On Teaching : K-12 engagement starts freshman year, ensuring you are well-prepared for the year-long teaching internship.
• Comprehensive Music Coursework : Alongside music education courses, you engage in a variety of performance and academic courses.
• High Placement Rate : Our graduates enjoy a 100% placement rate, a testament to our faculty's dedication and our comprehensive training.
• Dual Music Degree : You can pursue both a Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) and a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in performance in one extra semester.
• Demonstrate proficiency in music performance and pedagogy.
• Apply effective teaching strategies and techniques through extensive hands-on teaching experiences in real-world classroom settings.
• Develop critical thinking skills to analyze and adapt teaching methods to diverse student populations and educational contexts.
• Collaborate with colleagues, administrators, and community stakeholders to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• Engage in lifelong learning and professional development to continually enhance their teaching practice and contribute positively to the field of music education.

Admission into this program is a 3-step process.

• Apply to and be admitted to the University of Maryland.
• Apply to and audition for the School of Music .
• Apply to the College of Education’s Teacher Preparation Program in Music. During the semester in which you are enrolled in MUSC251 (typically spring semester of sophomore year) music education majors must apply to the College of Education’s Teacher Preparation Program in Music to enroll in the 400-level music education courses during junior and senior year.

Students interested in this program and other Professional Teacher Education programs must meet Selective Admissions requirements in order to proceed into the Music Education program.  

Professional Teacher Education Program Application

Selective Admissions Requirements 

The requirements below are in addition to being admitted to the University. 

• Admission to the University and the School of Music
• Completion of 56 credit hours
• Maintain a minimum UMD overall GPA of 2.75 and a minimum music/music education GPA of 2.70.
• Either: Successfully complete the Praxis Core exams or have met Maryland State minimums on the SAT or ACT or have an overall UMD GPA of 3.00 or higher.
• Successfully complete MUSC251 Advanced Music Theory II with a grade of C- or higher
• Be admitted to junior standing in applied music
• Instrumental music education: Must complete MUED320 with a grade of B or higher
• Choral/General music education: Must complete MUED333 with a grade of B or higher
• Prior experience in the education field with youth in the age range you intend to teach
• A written goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation that speak to your potential to be an excellent music educator
• Satisfactory self-assessment and faculty rating showing consistent demonstration of the College of Education Foundational Competencies/Model Code of Ethics for Educators

See the School of Music Academic Handbook in effect the year you began the music education program for four-year plans, requirements, and policies related to the Bachelor of Music Education degree.

Consult the Music Education Hub for program-specific resources and forms.

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Physical Address: 921 Campus Drive Moscow ID, 83844

General Contact: Phone: 208-885-6772 Email: [email protected]

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Doctoral Degree Overview

University of Idaho offers two advanced Education degree programs, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Differences between the two are explained below. The Doctoral Handbook will guide students through the steps necessary to be considered for admission to the doctoral program in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences and College of Graduate Studies. For more information about our programs, contact us by email at  [email protected]  or call 208-885-6772.

For more information about our doctoral programs, contact Ann Brown .

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

The Doctor of Education prepares students as professional leaders, educators and practitioner-scholars who actualize the knowledge base in their respective field. Students will:

Create and model ethical evidence-based best practices

Lead organizational change 

Establish a caring and collaborative learning community

Support the principles of teaching and learning practices

Utilize the principles of effective leadership

Develop proficiency utilizing and applying technologies

Evaluate the individual, organizational, and societal contexts of learning

Design research that addresses professional policy issues

Integrate ethical sensitivity toward diversity and social justice in research, teaching and learning

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy prepares students as researchers, faculty and/or discipline-based scholars who contribute to the knowledge base of their respective fields. Students will:

Engage in ethical, empirical, theoretical, and/or conceptual inquiry

Develop an active research agenda

Engage in grant-writing, proposal and manuscript preparation and presentations

Develop understanding of pedagogies and content 

Contribute to professional organizations, societies and/or academies

Engage in appropriate outreach/service 

Doctoral Specializations

Adult, organizational learning and leadership, ph.d..

A Ph.D. in Adult, Organizational Learning and Leadership will prepare you to lead and teach professional development and training programs as a leader or educator. This doctorate program at  University of Idaho prepares students in a wide range of careers including higher education, business, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

• View Ph.D. study plan

Autism Spectrum Disorder & Related Disabilities, Ph.D.

The Ph.D. specialization at the University of Idaho is designed to prepare prospective university faculty and leaders to teach, conduct and disseminate research and secure funding for research in the area of autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities. This highly structured program is designed to accommodate full- and part-time doctoral students both at a distance and on campus, and to produce high-quality leaders that are philosophically oriented toward family involvement, cultural competency, inclusive and multi-tiered supports, evidence-based interventions and research to practice scholarship.

• View Ph.D. study guide

Career and Technical Education, Ph.D. or Ed.D.

This program prepares education professionals for leadership positions in public or private education systems, including K-12 districts and community colleges. The degree is designed for experienced educators who want to perform and apply research to address practical problems relevant to their personal careers and local educational landscapes. As a student in this program, you will lead original dissertation research, likely within the context of your professional work, with a focus primarily on real-world, real-time applications in your local community. Students graduate proficient in program evaluation, case study and action research.

• View Ed.D. study plan

Curriculum and Instruction, Ph.D. or Ed.D.

This program offers opportunities to contribute to national and international conversations surrounding the many complex issues in today’s educational system. This research-oriented program is designed primarily, but not exclusively, for students who want research and/or teaching careers in higher education. As a student in the program, you will design and implement original dissertation research to address a specific problem or issue in the field of education. Your work should lead to publishable articles in national and international peer-reviewed journals. Students in this program become proficient in advanced statistical and qualitative research methodologies and gain the skills to lead further research in their professional careers in academia.

Educational Leadership, Ph.D. or Ed.D.

A Doctor of Education (Ed.D) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with an educational leadership emphasis is for students who want to learn advanced skills and theories that will help inform and improve research and practice. This degree prepares students to assume positions as research-based faculty members in universities, high-level administrators and analysts in schools, school districts and in state and national-level agencies. The doctorate can also open doors in the private sector as a consultant and CEO.

Exercise Science, Ph.D.

This Ph.D. program prepares you to help advance the field of exercise science through teaching, research and service at universities or other exercise-related institutions. As a student in the program, you will focus your doctoral studies in biomechanics, exercise physiology or sport psychology. You also will lead independent research in the field, with opportunities to conduct performance, physiological or motor-skills tests in the on-campus Human Performance Laboratory which houses the Exercise Physiology Lab and the Biomechanics Lab.

Healthy Active Lifestyles, Ph.D.

Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), ph.d. or ed.d..

The College of Education, Health and Human Sciences (EHHS) has a specialization in STEM education within its Ph.D. in education. The college focuses on the disciplines within STEM not only because the skills and knowledge in each discipline are essential for student success, but also because these disciplines are deeply intertwined in the real world and in how students learn most effectively.

There are various areas of expertise and experience in EHHS that include but are not limited to:

• K-12 STEM Education
• Math and Science Education
• Engineering and Technology Education
• Indigenous STEM Education
• Experiential STEM Education

Because there is so much variance among study plans in the STEM Education specialization based on students’ backgrounds and focus, a sample program sheet is not provided. Contact the associate dean for the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences for specific information regarding a given focus within STEM Education.

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Admission Details

Ed.D. or Ph.D.

• Next available: Fall 2025
• Application Deadline: Dec. 1
• Summer only
• Next available: Summer 2024
• Application Deadline: April 15

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Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Music Education (on campus)

Degree requirements.

The Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education is a professional degree for individuals committed to leadership in music education policy and practice in a variety of settings both in and outside of schools. The degree program consists of three components: coursework, qualifying examination, and a dissertation. Students must complete a minimum of 48 term units with grades no lower than B– and a cumulative GPA no lower than 3.0 in graduate-level coursework. All degree requirements must be completed within seven years of the date of matriculation. A new cohort of students is admitted each fall. Cohort members progress through coursework and interact with other music education graduate students as part of a nationwide community of scholar/practitioners.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students are expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to articulate research problems in music education as tensions between theory and practice.
• Choose and apply research methods that appropriately address research questions and demonstrate the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret research data.
• Discuss specific issues, trends, and problems in music education, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of scholarly and professional literature in music education and other related fields.
• Produce original contributions to knowledge in the field of music education.

Program of Study

Every student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 48 term units, distributed as follows:

Language Requirements

Music education majors develop proficiency in appropriate research methodologies in lieu of foreign languages.

Qualifying Examination

The music education qualifying exam will take place after the student has taken 30 units and after completion of CFA ME 859 Problems, Theories, and Literature. Doctoral students will receive guidelines and rubrics for this exam at the conclusion of their coursework in CFA ME 859. Students who fail the qualifying exam three times may be subject to dismissal. After passing the qualifying exam, the doctoral student will be considered a doctoral candidate and assigned a faculty research supervisor to help prepare the dissertation prospectus.

Dissertation Prospectus

The prospectus is an oral presentation in which the candidate presents the proposed topic, purpose, questions, methods, and scholarly and practical significance of the dissertation. The prospectus may be scheduled after completion of all coursework (including attendance at doctoral residency), at a time agreed upon by the research supervisor. Evaluators of the prospectus will include the candidate’s research supervisor and one or two additional BU faculty members. The purpose of this prospectus presentation is to offer the candidate early guidance in the direction of the study. After the prospectus evaluators and candidate have agreed on the scope and direction of the study, the candidate and supervisor may begin implementation of the research.

Dissertation

Under the direction of the dissertation supervisor, the DMA candidate designs the study, obtains any necessary institutional review board (IRB) approvals, collects and analyzes data, presents the results of data analysis and conclusions, and suggests implications for the broader profession. A committee that includes at least two full-time BU faculty members reviews the dissertation, and the student can expect to make several revisions before finalizing the dissertation document. A dissertation presentation seminar is scheduled when the document is complete. The DMA candidate must make any revisions suggested at the dissertation seminar and upload the final, approved document, as outlined by the Boston University Libraries Guide for Writers of Theses & Dissertations , before graduating.

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Beyond the Bulletin

• Music Education Program
• CFA Graduate Admissions
• School of Music
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• Bachelor of Music in Music Education
• BM/MM (4+1)
• Master of Music in Music Education
• Online Master of Music in Music Education
• Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education
• Online Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education
• CAGS in Music Education
• Graduate Certificate in Pre-K–12 Music Teaching
• Music Theory
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