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

Program Overview

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). 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.

Additional program information is available on the Department of Music Music Education webpage.

Admission

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 music teaching experience in group settings, 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 PhD admission process.

More information about the graduate application and audition process in music is provided on the Department of Music Graduate Application Procedures webpage.

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 Department of Music Resources for Current Graduate Students webpage.

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 an in-house 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.

Requirements

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: