Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Field of Study: Music Education

Program Overview

The PhD in music education is an advanced academic degree designed for individuals who wish to pursue careers in higher education, research, or leadership in the field of music education. This program is ideal for those looking to make a significant impact on the field through teaching, leadership, and scholarly contributions.

Key Aspects

The 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
  Students gain significant experience conducting ensembles, with ample podium time to develop their skills leading orchestras, bands, and choirs. 
• Advanced Research Opportunities
  Students conduct innovative research, culminating in a dissertation.
• Mentorship and Collaboration
  Students work closely with expert faculty and fellow doctoral students in a supportive, research-driven environment.
• Professional and Leadership Development
  Students participate in conferences, workshops, and professional activities that prepare them for a successful career in higher education or educational leadership.

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 K-12 educators, university professors, researchers, educational consultants, artistic directors, or leaders in educational organizations.

Admission

Applicants with strong academic records from fully accredited universities and colleges are encouraged to apply to the School of Graduate Studies. Admission requires a recommendation from the department or professional school in which the applicant intends to study, and approval by the dean of graduate studies.

To be eligible for the PhD in Music Education, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A GPA of at least 3.0 from a completed graduate degree program in music education
• Valid teaching license or certificate
• A minimum of three years of successful school teaching experience
• Evidence of strong written and spoken English skills

After an initial review, applicants may be invited to campus for an interview and teaching demonstration.

For more information, please refer to the Graduate Applications page.

Advising and Student Resources

• Graduate Music Handbook
  A comprehensive guide to Department of Music policies, procedures, and deadlines.
• Current Graduate Students Page
  Access forms, exams, assistantships, travel, funding, and links to academic support services. 

Graduate Policies

For graduate policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

The PhD in Music Education is formulated to suit the needs of individual students with consent from their faculty 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). 

Qualifying Examinations and Advancement to Candidacy 

PhD students in the Music Education program meet with their academic advisor each semester to select the most appropriate trajectory for advancing through the program. Students are required to spend at least one year in full-time residency at Case Western Reserve University, maintaining 9 credit units of enrollment for two consecutive semesters. To remain in the program, students must meet GPA and professional standards each year.

Students have up to 4 years from their first semester of enrollment to finish their required coursework, and one additional semester to complete their qualifying exams and achieve candidacy. Candidacy is granted when students pass their qualifying examinations. Once candidacy is granted, students may enroll in MUED 701 and begin work on a dissertation proposal. 

The qualifying exam process includes two portions: a take-home portion and a timed portion, which must be defended together and successfully no later than Week 10 of the final semester of coursework. 

The Graduate Music Handbook outlines in detail the procedures and timeline for coursework, qualifying exams, dissertation completion and graduation.

Course Distribution

a

Course in music theory, music history and/or applied music suited to the student's interests and needs. Must be approved by the music education faculty.

b

Courses in a related field outside of music education suited to the student's interests and needs. Must be approved by the music education faculty.

c

Music education courses, seminars, and independent studies suited to the student's interests and needs. Must be approved by the music education faculty.

d

Successful completion of the written and oral qualifying exams. This must be completed before work on the dissertation can commence.

e

Successful oral defense of the dissertation.

Sample Plan of Study

If students intend to complete the degree in three years, they must adhere to the following timeline demonstrated in this sample plan of study: