Music Education, PhD
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 designed to meet the unique goals of each student, with coursework planned in consultation with the academic advisor. A minimum of 60 credit hours is required, distributed across the following areas:
- Graduate Music Core (9-12 credit hours)
Courses in music theory, musicology, applied lessons, or ensemble performance. - Outside Cognate Area (6 credit hours)
Related coursework in disciplines such as psychology, sociology, behavioral management, or other areas aligned with the student’s research interests. - Music Education Electives (9-12 credit hours)
Additional MUED coursework, seminars, or independent studies that support advanced study in the field. - Dissertation (18 credit hours)
Original research contributing to the field of music education, culminating in the completion of a dissertation. - Graduate Music Education Core (15 credit hours)
Research-based courses in music education that form the foundation of scholarly inquiry in the field.
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
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Music Education Core | 15 | |
| Scholarship in Music Education | ||
| Philosophical Foundations of Music Education | ||
| Curriculum and Assessment in Music Education | ||
| Music Cognition | ||
| Qualitative Research in Music Education | ||
or MUED 641 | Quantitative Research Methods in Music Education | |
| Graduate Music Core | 9 | |
| Musical Analysis for Educators | ||
| History of Music Pedagogy | ||
| Additional Core or Elective a | 3 | |
| Course in music theory, music history and/or applied music suited to the student's interests and needs. | ||
| Outside Cognate b | 6 | |
| Courses in a related field outside of music education suited to the student's interests and needs. | ||
| Music Education Electives c | 9 | |
| Music education courses, seminars, and independent studies suited to the student's interests and needs. | ||
| Qualifying Exams d | 0 | |
| Successful completion of the written and oral qualifying exams. | ||
| Dissertation | 18 | |
| Successful oral defense of the dissertation. | ||
| Dissertation Ph.D. | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
- a
Must be approved by the music education faculty.
- b
Must be approved by the music education faculty.
- c
Must be approved by the music education faculty.
- d
This must be completed before work on the dissertation can commence.
Sample Plan of Study
If students intend to complete the degree in three years, they must adhere to the timeline demonstrated in this sample plan of study:
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MUED 440 | Scholarship in Music Education | 3 |
| MUED 442 | Curriculum and Assessment in Music Education | 3 |
| SOCI 406 | Logic of Social Inquiry | 3 |
| UNIV 400 | Professional Development for Graduate Teaching Assistants | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUED 420 | Technology Assisted Music Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| MUED 446 | Sociology of Music Education | 3 |
| MUED 441 | Philosophical Foundations of Music Education | 3 |
| MUHI 433 | Music of the Baroque | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUED 640 | Qualitative Research in Music Education | 3 |
| MUHI 450 | Topics in Music History | 3 |
| SOCI 444 | Health Disparities | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUED 443 | Music Cognition | 3 |
| MUED 641 | Quantitative Research Methods in Music Education | 3 |
| MUTH 422 | Musical Analysis for Educators | 3 |
| MUEN 382 | Case Concert Choir | 1 |
| MUAP 531 | Secondary Performance | 2 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUED 701 | Dissertation Ph.D. | 9 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUED 701 | Dissertation Ph.D. | 9 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |