Music Education, PhD

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education

The doctoral program in music education consists of the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education. The Ph.D. is tailored to meet the varying needs and interests of individuals seeking a terminal degree in Music Education. The Ph.D. is appropriate for students with a strong background and interest in research. The Ph.D. places emphasis on research and research methodology training. Students entering the Ph.D. program must have already completed a substantial thesis or research project as part of their master’s degree. 

Admission

For the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education degree program, consult the admission requirements stated on the School of Music’s website.

Graduate Teaching Experience

Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an essential part of the graduate experience.

Financial Aid

Fellowships, teaching, graduate, and research assistantships are awarded on a one-year basis, with continuation dependent upon success in the program. Specific information on application procedures is available from the Music Admissions Office, by phone (217) 244-7899, or by email.

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education

For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Handbook  and the Graduate College Handbook. 

MUS 534Doctoral Research in Mus Ed4
MUS 535Philosophic Inquiry in Mus Ed4
MUS 543Music Teacher Education4
MUS 544Doctoral Seminar in Music Education (Students must register every semester. Maximum of 2 hours applied toward degree requirements.)0-2
Music Education Electives6
A minimum of 6 hours of courses selected from the list below or other course(s) with the approval of the Music Education advisor.
MUS 529
Transformative Music Education
MUS 530
Critical Readings in Mus Ed
MUS 532
Curricular Perspectives on Music Education
MUS 533
Research in Music Education
MUS 539
Music in Higher Education
MUS 541
Chor Prog in Secondary Schools
Educational Psychology (EPSY)8
Courses approved by advisor; at least 4 hours must be taken in the College of Education
Educational Policy (EPOL or C&I)8
Courses approved by advisor; at least 4 hours must be taken in the College of Education
Research Methodology 12
12 hours of 500-level research methodology courses from the College of Education.
MUS 599Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree)16-32
Total Hours64

Other Requirements

Other requirements may overlap
Masters Degree Required for Admission to PhD? Yes
Qualifying Exam Required: Yes
Preliminary Exam Required: Yes
Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required: Yes
Dissertation Deposit Required: Yes
Minimum GPA: 3.0

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education

The PhD in Music Education at Illinois emphasizes professional preparation for careers as researchers, music teacher educators, and leaders in the field. Doctoral students enroll in courses that provide depth and breadth in research approaches, theoretical and scholarly analysis, and opportunities to conduct research studies under the guidance of faculty members in music education and across campus. Participation in the MOSAIC Consortium, an ongoing scholarly community of doctoral students and faculty, is a critical part of the doctoral experience at Illinois.

  1. Students in the PhD Program in Music Education will demonstrate knowledge of rigorous methods for conducting scholarly inquiry related to music teaching and learning. [Research]
  2. Students in the PhD program in Music Education will contribute to the discovery of new evidence or the exercise of critical judgment in research and scholarship, applying and synthesizing key methodological and theoretical perspectives from their research course preparation. [Research]
  3. Students in the PhD Program in Music Education will develop a research agenda for primary and secondary research emphases.[Research]
  4. Students in the PhD Program in Music Education will demonstrate their ability to plan, implement, and reflect on college-level teaching. [Music Teacher Education]
  5. Students in the PhD Program in Music Education will apply understanding of educational philosophy, curriculum design, methods of teaching and evaluation, and supervision of study teaching to undergraduate music teacher preparation.[Music Teacher Education]
  6. Students in the PhD Program in Music Education will exhibit leadership in areas of vital importance to the field, such as curricular reform, music teacher education, community music, and social justice. [Professional Leadership]

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education

School of Music

Director of School: Dr. Linda Moorhouse
Associate Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Reynold Tharp
Program Contact: Jenny Phillips
School of Music Website
School of Music Faculty
2040 Music Building, 1114 West Nevada Street, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-3459

College of Fine & Applied Arts

FAA College Website

Admissions

Overview of School of Music Admissions & Requirements
musicadmissions@illinois.edu
(217) 244-7899
Graduate College Admissions