The PhD in Music Education is an advanced academic degree designed for individuals who wish to pursue careers in higher education, research, or leadership within the field of music education. This program is ideal for those looking to make a significant impact in the field of music education through teaching, leadership, and scholarly contributions.
Key Aspects of a PhD in Music Education
This degree typically involves a combination of coursework, research, and teaching experiences, culminating in a dissertation that contributes original knowledge to the field. It emphasizes the development of each doctoral student through:
- Substantial Podium Time: Gain significant conducting ensembles, with ample podium time to develop your skills leading orchestras, bands, and choirs.
- Advanced Research Opportunities: Conduct and contribute innovative research to the field of music education, culminating in a dissertation that reflects your scholarly work.
- Mentorship and Collaboration: Work closely with expert faculty and fellow doctoral students in a supportive, research-driven environment.
- Professional and Leadership Development: Participate in conferences, workshops, and professional activities that prepare you for a successful career in higher education or educational leadership.
Preparing Future Leaders
The PhD program in Music Education prepares students for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving landscape of music teaching and learning, both within and beyond the school setting. Graduates of the program have consistently secured teaching positions as P-12 educators, university professors, researchers, educational consultants, artistic directors, or leaders in educational organizations.
Accreditation and Program Review
The PhD program in Music Education was reviewed by the Ohio Board of Regents in 2016, with the next review scheduled for 2024. The program's goals and objectives were revised in the summer of 2016 to ensure continued relevance and excellence in the field.
Admission
To be eligible for the PhD in Music Education, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A GPA of at least 3.0 from a completed graduate degree program in music education
- Valid teaching license or certificate
- A minimum of 3 years of successful school teaching experience
- Evidence of strong written and spoken English skills
After an initial review, applicants may be invited to campus for an interview and teaching demonstration.
For more details on the graduate application and audition process, please refer to the Graduate Applications page.
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 .
Music Handbook and Advising
Current graduate and professional students in music should review departmental policies and procedures in the Graduate Music Handbook. The handbook provides additional information regarding graduate assistantships, general expectations and responsibilities, program outcomes, decision points, performances, scholarly activity, outside work, prizes/awards, deadlines, petitions, examinations, advancement to candidacy, and student record-keeping.
Additional resources and forms are available on the Current Graduate Students page.