Achieving Expertise: A Guide to the Ph.D. in Music Education

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Music Education is an advanced degree designed for individuals seeking leadership roles in the field. It offers opportunities for scholarly study in the processes of teaching and learning music, emphasizing research-based perspectives. This article explores the requirements, curriculum, and career prospects associated with pursuing a Ph.D. in Music Education.

Program Overview

The Music Education Ph.D. program aims to equip candidates with the skills to develop and examine new knowledge in the field, preparing them for positions in higher education or other leadership roles within the profession. The curriculum typically includes courses, internships, and other experiences tailored to specific leadership roles in music education.

Curriculum Structure

The Ph.D. in Music Education typically consists of a combination of coursework, research, and practical experiences. The exact number of credits required varies based on a student’s previous experience and degrees, with a minimum requirement often around 47 credits, not including the dissertation project.

Core Coursework

Coursework often covers a range of foundational subjects, including:

History
Sociology
Psychology
Philosophy
Research methodologies

In addition to these core areas, students often have the opportunity for individualized course selections to align with their specific interests and career goals.

Areas of Specialization

Many programs allow students to specialize in a specific area of music education. Example areas of specialization for the Music Education Ph.D. program include, but are not limited to, the following:

Adult music education
Alternative ensembles
Arts education
Community music
Composition
Conducting
Dance and movement
Digital and distance learning in music
Early childhood
Education in specialty areas (choral, instrumental, elementary, secondary)
Educational administration
Educational policy studies
Gender Studies
Informal (vernacular) music education
Kinesiology
Music history
Music theory
Psychology
Sociology
Technology
Urban education

The candidate, in concert with the academic advisor, will declare an area of scholarly focus. The candidate and faculty advisor then develop a course of study appropriate to the focus. During the first year of study, students may opt to modify the course of study and/or focus in consultation with the advisor.

Dissertation

The program culminates in a dissertation project, representing a significant contribution to the field of music education. The dissertation requires independent research, critical analysis, and the development of new insights or knowledge. The topic and methodology are selected by the student in consultation with their 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.

Admission Requirements

Admissions are selective. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the PhD in Music Education degree program and the minimum requirements of the Graduate School. Prospective students 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.

Academic Prerequisites

Applicants typically need a Master's degree in Music, Music Education, Music and Worship, or a related discipline from an accredited institution. A graduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) is generally expected.

Read also: Music Education Programs

Teaching Experience

A student who is pursuing either of the above routes would need K‐12 teaching experience.

Standardized Tests

The GRE exam is not required. 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).

Additional Requirements

Depending on their interest and specialty areas, applicants may be required to audition for conducting or applied music faculty.

Financial Support

Financial assistance is available to qualified students through graduate assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships. Applications received and completed by a specified deadline (e.g., December 1) are often given full consideration for graduate assistantship funding.

Graduate Assistantships

Everyone who completes the application process (including interview and/or audition, if required) is automatically considered for an assistantship. Graduate assistants receive a full tuition waiver and an annual stipend. To be eligible for fellowships, scholarships and assistantships, graduate students are required to be enrolled full-time (at least 9 hours). All international students are also required to be enrolled full-time during each long semester, regardless of whether they receive funding from the Butler School of Music.

Program Structure and Milestones

Residency Requirements

Residency is essential to the acquisition of experiences necessary for success in the program and the profession. Students are required to spend a minimum of 3 years as a full-time, on campus graduate student (2 years of full-time master's work can be counted towards this requirement).

Candidacy

In addition to completing the course requirements below, students must complete a pre-candidacy portfolio. The portfolio should include a first year paper, second year paper, public lecture, and teaching demonstrations. Students must also pass a preliminary examination, successfully defend the dissertation prospectus, and obtain IRB approval in order to advance to candidacy.

Dissertation Defense

After an individual’s candidacy is approved, all Ph.D. Schedule and complete final oral defense. The defense may not take place in the last week of classes.

Skills and Competencies

The Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education program emphasizes advanced research and practical application of music education studies to the field of music teaching and learning. The program is designed to equip music education professionals with skills that will prepare them to assume leadership roles within various organizations in the context of music education.

Construct a culturally contextualized music teaching methodology that is informed by Christian ethics.
Formulate a philosophy of music education informed by the contexts of sociology, psychology, aesthetics, and a Biblical worldview.
Design and conduct original research that contributes to the discipline of music education.
Synthesize knowledge of the literature of the discipline with the professional practices of music educators through original research for the teaching environment.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a Ph.D. in Music Education are well-prepared for a variety of leadership roles, including:

University-level teaching positions
Research positions
Leadership roles in music education organizations
Curriculum development
Educational administration
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
Careers in music and interdisciplinary areas, such as the arts and humanities, special and adult education.

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 30 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. A new doctoral student may petition to substitute up to twelve credits of graduate level coursework completed at another institution for degree requirements at the University of Texas, subject to approval by the Butler School Graduate Studies Committee. This process must be completed during the first semester of enrollment, before the close of the fall advising period. Courses approved for substitution typically fall into the areas of music history, theory, literature, and pedagogy, as well as chamber music. To transfer in graduate level coursework from another institution, students should submit the Course Substitution Petition form (signed by their faculty area counselor), an unofficial transcript, and syllabi for any requested courses to the Graduate Coordinator. Under normal circumstances, transferred coursework should have been completed within the four academic years prior to the start of the doctoral work at UT. For students who completed an M.M. degree before coming to UT Austin, course transfer requests must be submitted in the first semester. If they have not been submitted by at least the advising period for spring classes (i.e.

Additional Program Information

Student Clubs & Organizations

Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts. There are more than 200 student organizations at Temple University.

American Choral Directors Association provides students opportunities to experience choral conducting through guest lectures and rehearsal practice, and offers opportunities to earn practical experience through various regional and state conferences.
National Association for Music Education is a conservatory chapter of the national organization of music educators. Semester activities include creating projects, presenting guest speakers and workshops, attending the PMEA All-State conference, participating in outreach activities, and learning to use various online music education resources.
OWLchestra Community Orchestra is a community string orchestra composed of students and community members who want to play music together in a low-stress environment.

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