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Our school is a vibrant laboratory for arts education and practice within one of the world’s most innovative public universities. As a welcoming and inclusive community of artists and scholars, we work together toward a shared mission of academic discovery and creative mastery. With internationally-acclaimed faculty artists, stellar students, and deep ties to regional and national arts organizations, the UW School of Music is a thriving hub for arts study, production and performance in the Pacific Northwest.

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University of Washington School of Music

Our school is a vibrant laboratory for arts education and practice within one of the world’s most innovative public universities. As a welcoming and inclusive community of artists and scholars, we work together toward a shared mission of academic discovery and creative mastery. With internationally-acclaimed faculty artists, stellar students, and deep ties to regional and national arts organizations, the UW School of Music is a thriving hub for arts study, production, and performance in the Pacific Northwest.

We offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the following areas, in addition to many non-major opportunities:

• Composition
• Ethnomusicology
• Instrumental Performance
• Jazz and Improvised Music  
• Music Education
• Music History and Music Theory  
• Vocal Performance  

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• 7:1 average student-teacher ratio
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• Degree I am interested in pursuing Music Minor BM Composition BM Guitar BM Jazz Studies and Improvised Music BM Music Education - Instrumental Emphasis BM Music Education - Vocal Emphasis BM Orchestral Instruments BM Organ BM Percussion Performance BM Piano BM Strings BM Voice BA Ethnomusicology BA Music - Instrumental Option BA Music - Vocal Option BA Music - Music History Option BA Music - Early Music History Option BA Music - Music Theory Option MM Brass MM Choral Conducting MM Composition MM Harp and Guitar MM Instrumental Conducting MM Jazz and Improvised Music MM Percussion MM Piano MM Strings MM Voice MM Woodwinds MA Ethnomusicology MA Music Education MA Music History MA Music Theory DMA Brass DMA Choral Conducting DMA Composition DMA Harp DMA Instrumental Conducting DMA Percussion DMA Piano DMA Strings DMA Voice DMA Woodwinds PhD Ethnomusicology PhD Music Education PhD Music History PhD Music Theory
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School of Music

Phd in music education.

The PhD in Music Education is designed to prepare students for careers in higher education as music education teacher/researchers, as ensemble conductors with a strong commitment to music education teaching and research, or as master teachers or music supervisors in the K-12 system. Applicants must be certified music teachers, with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in music education and at least three years of school teaching experience, or present evidence of equivalent experiences. Individuals with music teaching experience in higher education but without music teaching experience in elementary or secondary schools are eligible for   admission, but   are required to complete prerequisites and field experiences in elementary and secondary schools prior to taking comprehensive examinations. 

This program is “research-intensive,” and students are expected to complete four to five research courses, read past and current research, assist and eventually collaborate with faculty and peers on research projects, develop the ability to translate research findings to classroom applications, and ultimately achieve independence as a researcher.

Students encounter a stimulating curriculum that is relevant to their career aspirations, taught by faculty who are on the cutting edge of best-practice pedagogy, research, scholarship, and creative activity. Music education faculty members play active leadership roles in international and national organizations devoted to improving preK-12th grade music instruction. They also regularly publish their work in premier research and practitioner   journals, and   remain actively engaged with music teachers through presentations and clinics. 

The degree program moved to the School of Music from the College of Education, effective August 2018.  It is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Additional information about program expectations is available on the MU PhD in Music Education Criteria document available to download from this page.

PhD admissions are selective. Applicants submit college transcripts, TOEFL scores (international students only), letters of recommendation, Curriculum Vitae, formal statement of purpose, writing sample, and must meet with music education faculty in person, if possible, or, if not, via video conferencing. Depending on their interest and specialty areas, applicants may be required to audition for conducting or applied music faculty. Admissions decisions are based on multiple criteria, including faculty time commitments, judgment of the student’s potential for success in the program and profession, program needs, and the fit between the student and the program.  Thus, not everyone who meets minimum qualifications “on paper” is admitted.  

Within the general framework, the PhD program is relatively flexible and individualized for each student. The degree requires 72 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. Specific coursework is planned by the doctoral student and the four- to five-member doctoral committee to meet the student’s individual needs and future goals. The committee is chaired by a music education   faculty member who is a member of the Doctoral Faculty. Students choose one to two support areas, one in music and an optional second area in a related field. The support-area courses are not   prescribed, but   are selected in consultation with a faculty member in that area, who often serves as a doctoral committee member. In addition to the coursework requirements, students must complete one “research internship” and one “teaching internship,” which may or may not be attached to credit hours. These are faculty-supervised experiences designed to help prepare the students with skills they will need to enter the professoriate.  

Residency is essential to the acquisition of experiences necessary for success in the program and the profession. Students’ commitment to spending at least one academic year (fall and winter semester) as a full-time student on the MU campus is required (enrollment in a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester; may be a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant, but not hold more than a part-time position elsewhere, to be negotiated with the doctoral committee). Students are expected to complete the degree in a timely manner, meeting all Graduate School deadlines. This means a maximum of 5 years for completing coursework from first enrollment as a PhD student (coursework is generally completed in 2 years of full-time study including summers) and 5 years for completing the dissertation after passing comprehensive exams (this is a maximum—most students finish in less time).  

Students complete comprehensive examinations upon the completion of their formal coursework. These include projects and essays assigned by the music education and support-area faculty, designed to demonstrate that the students have synthesized course materials at a high level, and achieved appropriate research expertise. In lieu of a written examination in a performance-based support area, students may prepare and present a public lecture-recital as a performer or conductor, according to program criteria and under the supervision of the faculty. The comprehensive examination experience concludes with an oral examination. Upon successful completion of the exam, the student is considered a candidate for the degree.   

The final stage of the doctoral degree is completion of a doctoral dissertation that demonstrates the candidate’s potential to become an independent scholar, and which makes a contribution to knowledge related to some aspect of music teaching and/or learning. The topic and methodology are selected by the student, in consultation with the doctoral committee. The written proposal is subject to the approval of the committee. The dissertation research is completed independently, but in close consultation with the advisor and others, as necessary. Several weeks after the complete dissertation is drafted and distributed to the committee, there is a final oral exam, composed of a public presentation and a closed question and answer “defense” with the committee. After passing the examination the student works with the advisor and sometimes members of the committee to make any final revisions   required, and   deposits the completed document electronically with the Graduate School.  

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School of Music

Doctor of philosophy in music education, earn your phd in music education.

The PhD program in music education is designed to prepare students for careers in teaching, research, or administration in:

• Teachers of music education or music therapy classes
• Band, chorus and orchestra directors
• Administrators of music departments
• Music supervisors
• Research and curriculum consultants
• Directors of city or district school music programs

Music therapy and music education

Music therapy students may obtain the PhD in music education and apply courses from the music therapy program. Applicants whose background and career goals are focused on music therapy should contact  Abbey Dvorak  to discuss admission requirements and curricular options.

Dr. Cohen and Dr. Dvorak will co-advise students with a music therapy emphasis on program requirements (including curricular requirements, comprehensive examinations, research expectations, and assistantships).

View PhD in Music Education + Music Therapy program information.

How to apply to the program

Application procedures.

See  G raduate Admissions Process  for a list of required application materials expected of all graduate applicants. Additional requirements for the PhD program are:

• 3.50 graduate grade-point average in graduate school
• Scores from the General Aptitude Test (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical portions, not the Music specialty test) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are requested but not required
• Holding, or being qualified for, a valid teaching certificate
• A minimum of two years of successful music teaching experience
• Materials/documentation attesting to teaching success, academic and musical abilities, and writing ability (Master’s thesis or term papers)
• An interview

View full requirements and apply

Transfer credit

Coursework completed at other accredited graduate institutions may be accepted toward the degree if such credit duplicates required or elective coursework at the University of Iowa.

Teaching assistantships

A limited number of teaching and research assistantships are available to students with K-12 school teaching experience. An on-campus interview is expected for applicants wishing to be considered for a teaching assistantship. Please contact the music education area head about scheduling. Students applying for assistantships should write to the music education area head for further details. Priority is given to applications received by Feb. 1. Applicants need to supply a copy of teaching certificate or documentation that a certificate can be obtained.

Requirements and program planning

The Graduate College requires that a PhD contain a minimum of 72 post-baccalaureate semester hours with at least 39 semester hours (27 coursework + 12 dissertation) earned while registered at the University of Iowa. Additionally, the music education/therapy areas require the completion of a minimum of 36 semester hours of post-master’s degree, graduate-level coursework in consultation with and approved by your advisor.

This information is intended to assist in your course planning but is not intended to serve as an official guide to graduation requirements. To confirm progress toward graduation, you should consult your advisor.

Download course checklist

Music education core courses

• Introduction to Research in Music (EDTL:4640), 3 semester hours
• Foundations of Music Education (EDTL:5610), 3 semester hours
• Foundations of Music Therapy (EDTL:6690), 3 semester hours
• Psychology of Music (EDTL:4630), 2 semester hours

Topics seminars

Minimum of 12 semester hours required; Topics Seminars in Music Education (EDTL:7600, EDTL:7040), Music Therapy (MUS:6690), or another specialization-related area approved by your advisor.

Statistics and research methods

15 semester hours total required; The music education PhD follows the College of Education PhD research requirements. Doctoral students must demonstrate proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies: 2 quantitative, 2 qualitative, and 1 additional course agreed upon by the student and their advisor.

Intermediate statistics course

3 semester hours required; Students who have not previous completed an introductory statistics course may be required to complete Introduction to Statistical Methods (PSQF:4143) as an elective to fulfill the prerequisite for these courses.

• Selected Applications of Statistical Methods (PSQF:6242), 3 semester hours
• Intermediate Statistical Methods (PSQF:6243), 3 semester hours

Research methods coursework

12 semester hours required:

• Advanced Research in Music Education–Quantitative (EDTL:7640), 3 semester hours
• Introduction to Qualitative Research (EDTL:----), 3 semester hours
• Qualitative
• Additional choice

Qualitative research options

• Qualitative Research Design and Methods (EPLS:7373)*, 3 semester hours
• Essentials of Qualitative Inquiry (RCE:7338)*, 3 semester hours
• Qualitative Research Methods for Teaching and Learning (EDTL:7070)*, 3 semester hours
• Qualitative Educational Research Methods (PSQF:7331)*, 3 semester hours
• History Theory and Interpretation (HIST:6003), 3 semester hours
• Research in Cross-Cultural Settings (EPLS:5195), 3 semester hours
• Introduction to Historical Research Methodologies (EPLS:5240), 3 semester hours
• Critical Discourse Analysis (EDTL:7071), 3 semester hours
• Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis (EDTL:7072), 3 semester hours
• Ethnographic Methods, Theories, and Texts (EDTL:7073), 3 semester hours
• Ethnographic Field Methods (ANTH:6115), 3 semester hours

*These are introductory courses and should only be taken if the music education qualitative research was not available during the student’s coursework plan.

Quantitative research options

• Research Process and Design (EPLS:6206), 3 semester hours
• Survey Research and Design (EPLS:6209), 2 semester hours
• Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis (EPLS:6370), 3 semester hours
• Correlation and Regression (PSQF:6244), 3 semester hours
• Design of Experiments (PSQF:6246), 3 semester hours
• Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Models (PSQF:6249), 3 semester hours
• Introduction to Multivariate Statistical Methods (PSQF:6252), 3 semester hours
• Single Subject Design Research (EDTL:7953), 3 semester hours

Mixed methods research and program evaluation options

• Mixed Methods Research (EPLS:7392), 3 semester hours
• Mixed Methods Research (EDTL:7410), 3 semester hours
• Program Evaluation (EPLS:6266), 3 semester hours

21 semester hours total required, including:

• Introduction to Statistical Methods (PSQF:4143)*, 3 semester hours

*Students who have completed a similar statistics class in their master’s program may be exempt from this course.

Comprehensive examination

The student must apply to complete the comprehensive written examination after finishing their required coursework.

This written examination will cover scholarly and research areas to be determined in consultation with the exam committee members.

Students will be provided with guidelines about the format and preparation for this examination after they have applied for examination and consulted with their advisor and committee members.

Dissertation

• PhD Thesis (MUS:7950), 12 semester hours
• Oral defense of the dissertation

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http://music.uoregon.edu

The University of Oregon offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Data-Driven Music Performance and Composition, Music Composition, Music Education, Music Theory, and Musicology.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• The doctoral degree program in music education emphasizes the preparation of music administrators, teachers, researchers, and educational leaders who are able to think abstractly, generalize knowledge, carry on research and apply research results to their own areas of specialization, and communicate effectively both orally and in written form. The program involves the scholarly study of the philosophical and psychological foundations of music education and the processes of teaching and learning music, culmination in a dissertation.

Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education

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Graduate Studies

Washington State University offers a two-year Master of Arts in Music degree. The School of Music graduate program, fully accredited by NASM, consists of approximately 25 students every year. Many of the program’s graduates find employment in the music field or continue their education at outstanding doctoral programs across the country. Though selection of an emphasis is not required, four emphases are available: performance (including conducting), composition, jazz, and music education. The emphasis in music education does not lead to teacher certification in Washington state.

Application

To receive primary consideration for matriculation in the fall semester, applicants should complete the Graduate School application by the priority deadline of January 10 . An interview/audition, arranged with the appropriate faculty, occurs after that priority deadline but should happen no later than late February. Please note all applicants must have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 to be admitted to the Graduate School. Additionally, the School of Music expects applicants to have a 3.00 GPA in their core music courses (music theory, ear training, and music history) and hold an undergraduate degree in music from an accredited college or university.

Application Materials

• WSU Graduate School online application
• This is a 3-4 paragraph statement in which you describe your personal and professional goals, musical experience, and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree at WSU.
• If there are other aspects of your life you would like the faculty to know, this is the place to describe them.
• Your resume should outline your educational and professional experiences.
• Here is where you can list your performances, repertoire performed and/or studied, compositions, current and former teachers, or other activities that highlight your achievements.
• In the online Graduate School application, you will provide the names and email addresses for three references.
• Each reference then receives a system-generated email with instructions for how to upload their letter.
• If not attached to the online application, send them directly to the WSU Graduate School.
• These components are arranged with the appropriate faculty.
• When possible, the applicant auditions and interviews on the WSU Pullman campus.
• A recorded audition may be submitted in lieu of a personal audition.
• Interviews can be conducted via Zoom.
• These are administered online after the priority application deadline.
• Descriptions of these exams along with study guides are found here ( https://music.wsu.edu/graduate-studies/orientation/ ). Please note: The School of Music does not require GRE exam scores.

Supplemental Application Materials

The following are examples of supplemental application materials required by the School of Music in addition to the online Graduate School application. Any materials relevant to your application should be sent to Graduate Program Coordinator Dr. Chris Dickey ([email protected]) shortly after you have submitted your online Graduate School application.

• All applicants submit YouTube recordings of their performance skills to demonstrate readiness to study at the graduate level.
• MA applicants are proving their ability to participate in large ensembles or, in the case of pianists, accompanying class.
• The recording should be approximately 10-15 minutes in length and visibly show you performing the music.
• Submit 3-5 PDF scores (along with recordings if possible) of their compositions.
• Submit a teaching philosophy statement.
• Applicants are encouraged to cite specific examples and educational methods.

Diagnostic Exams

All entering graduate students (Pullman and Global campuses) are required to take diagnostic placement examinations in music theory, aural skills, and music history. These examinations, administered through Canvas, are used to help evaluate a student’s readiness for graduate-level academic courses, plan their course of study, and to identify any remedying deficiencies. Descriptions of these exams along with study guides are found here ( https://music.wsu.edu/graduate-studies/orientation/ ).

Funding Opportunities

Teaching assistantships are available to qualified applicants. These packages cover tuition and come with health insurance and a living stipend. To be considered for a teaching assistantship, we recommend indicating your interest in your online application’s personal statement. After the priority deadline has passed, applicants will receive a questionnaire from the Graduate Program Coordinator to gather information about an applicant’s interests and potential teaching assistantship duties. We recommend submitting your online application by January 10 (for fall admission) and completing your audition/interview by the end of February. Assistantship offers begin in early March and continue until all positions have been filled. If your application is not complete by the end of February and you wish to be considered for an assistantship, please contact Dr. Chris Dickey ( [email protected] ) for an update on the status of our assistantship offers.

Additional Funding Sources

The Graduate School operates the Research Assistantships for Diverse Scholars and Campus Visitation Program (RADS). This program assists graduate students who are US students from underrepresented/underserved communities and aims to increase graduate student diversity in degree programs at Washington State University. If you meet the eligibility requirements found on the Graduate School RADS website , please contact Dr. Chris Dickey ( [email protected] ). The deadlines associated with the RADS program are earlier than deadlines for admission to the School of Music.

International Applicants

International applicants must be able to provide evidence of English language proficiency. The Graduate School International Requirements website contains the most current application requirements for international applicants. If you are an international applicant, consult that page to determine how you will demonstrate English language proficiency.

Global Campus Online MA in Music Degree

The Washington State University School of Music offers a completely online Master of Arts in Music degree through the Global campus. All courses are taught by WSU faculty asynchronously to meet the needs of the students. Available emphases for the online degree include music education, composition, and jazz. The degree may also be completed without an emphasis. Currently, the performance emphasis is not available for Global campus graduate students. The online degree can be completed at your own pace. All graduate students have 6 years to complete the requirements for the degree. Teaching assistantships and scholarships are not available for students pursuing an online graduate degree.

For more detailed information, follow this link ( https://online.wsu.edu/online-degrees/music-ma/ ).

Five-Year Master of Arts in Music Education Degree

If you are currently an undergraduate music education student at Washington State University and would like to one day earn a graduate degree, you may be qualified to complete the Master of Arts in Music degree (music education emphasis) in one year by beginning graduate coursework in your senior year. Though not a requirement, students attending WSU who entered with a completed associate’s degree or other college-level credit may find this program particularly beneficial. Because the coordination of this degree plan is time-sensitive, interested students should contact Dr. Chris Dickey ( [email protected] ) as soon as possible or no later than the second semester of their junior year to discuss the application process and the course plan. Please see a suggested timeline here .

Curriculum Requirements

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Music degree (Pullman and Global campuses) include at least 30 credit hours of approved graduate work. 14 of these hours constitute a required core. In addition, 4 credits of MUS 700/702 are required. The remaining credit hours are electives. Electives could include applied lessons, recitals, composition seminar, conducting seminar, literature, languages, and special topics courses.

The structure and design of the program normally require 2 years (4 semesters) of study. Graduate students may count up to 6 credits of approved 300/400-level courses for their degree. Students who choose the performance emphasis (including conducting) must complete a Graduate Recital (MUS 522). The performance emphasis is currently not available for a Global campus graduate student.

Core curriculum for all Master of Arts in Music students:

• MUS 560—Introduction to Graduate Studies in Music (2 credits)
• MUS 553—Seminar in Music Theory (2 credits)
• MUS 550—Seminar in Analysis (2 credits)
• MUS 561—Seminar in Literature of 20th and 21st Century Music (even spring semesters; 2 credits)
• MUS 563—Seminar in Literature of the Classical/Romantic Eras (face-to-face odd spring semesters; 2 credits)
• MUS 566—Seminar in Literature of the Baroque Era (odd fall semesters; 2 credits)
• Pullman campus students enroll in 500-level applied lessons and/or ensembles
• Global campus students enroll in MUS 597 (Performance Studies for Distance Learners)

MUS 700 and MUS 702 Projects

Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Music program are provided flexibility for completing the thesis (MUS 700) or non-thesis (MUS 702) requirement. The MUS 700/702 project, under the guidance of a faculty committee, allows students to research, compose, arrange, perform, or conduct as part of the project. Interdisciplinary projects are dependent on the student’s interests and available collaborators from other appropriate academic units.

Click here to download the graduate music program policies and procedures.

Dr. Chris Dickey Graduate Program Coordinator

Thinking about graduate school, download the school of music graduate learning outcomes.

• Graduate Degree Programs

PhD in Music Education

The PhD in Music Education is for individuals who wish to teach at the college level or obtain positions of leadership in school music programs (P-12). Students admitted to this program will have a previous degree in music education, hold a valid teaching license/certificate, and have at least 3 years of teaching experience in school music settings.

A core of studies centered on philosophy and research is supplemented by coursework in music and related fields. The program focuses on encouraging each doctoral student to develop to their fullest capacity through individual research projects, independent studies with music education faculty members, presentations at professional conferences, and publications in music education research journals. Every effort is made to plan a program based around the needs and interests of students while maintaining standards of musical and scholarly excellence.

The PhD program in Music Education prepares students for music leadership positions at a time when music teaching and learning – both in and out of the schools – is experiencing great change. Graduates of the music education doctoral program consistently secure faculty positions in college and university music programs, community music schools, and K-12 settings.

The PhD program in Music Education was reviewed in 2016 as required by the Ohio Board of Regents. The next review will take place in 2024. These program goals and objectives were revised in the summer of 2016.

Applicants with good academic records from fully accredited universities and colleges will be considered for admission to graduate study at Case Western Reserve University. Admission must be recommended by the department or professional school of the university in which the applicant proposes to study and must be approved by the dean of graduate studies. 

Applicants for the PhD in Music Education must have (a) at least a 3.0 GPA from a completed graduate degree program in music education, (b) a minimum of 3 years of successful school teaching experience, and (c) evidence of strong written and spoken English skills. After initial review, applicants may be invited to campus for an interview and teaching demonstration. There are no vocal or instrumental auditions associated with the MA admission process

More information about the graduate application and audition process in music is provided in the  Graduate Application Procedures .

Graduate Application Procedures

Program Requirements

The PhD in Music Education is formulated to suit the needs of individual students with consent from their academic advisor. A minimum of 60 hours of coursework is required, including the Graduate Music Education Core (15 hours of research-based coursework in music education); the Graduate Music Core (9-12 hours of music theory, musicology, applied lessons, or ensemble performance); the Outside Cognate Area (6 hours of related coursework in psychology, sociology, behavioral management, or another outside disciple that interest students); Music Education Electives (9-12 hours of MUED courses, seminars, or independent studies); and the Dissertation (18 hours).

Find detailed program requirements, course distribution, and a sample plan of study in the  General Bulletin . 

Autumn Quarter 2024 Time Schedule