: A music education Ph.D. student teaching in front of a group of musicians with instruments.

Music Education, Ph.D.

Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education

Scholarly studies in the processes of teaching and learning music.

The Music Education Ph.D. program offers advanced study in the processes of teaching and learning music from a research-based perspective. It is designed for individuals seeking greater breadth and depth in the music education profession and/or careers in higher education and music administration.

Program Application Deadline

Applications received and completed by December 1 will be given full consideration for graduate assistantship funding. Applications received by February 15 will be given full consideration for admission and potential funding.

To be assured full consideration, please review all details on program and admission requirements, and ensure that you apply by this deadline.

Earn a Ph.D. in Music Education at Penn State

Investigate the processes of teaching and learning music from a research-based perspective.

The Music Education Ph.D. program consists of courses, internships, and other experiences designed to prepare individuals for specific leadership roles in music education. Courses include history, sociology, psychology, philosophy and research, as well as individualized course selections. The exact number of credits required in the program will vary according to a student’s previous experience and degrees, but the minimum is 47. The program culminates with a dissertation project that is not included in the minimum credit requirement. At least one academic year of full-time residency is required, and a portion of the course work can be completed through summer study.

This program is designed to provide opportunities for a high level of scholarly study in the processes of teaching and learning music. Candidates are expected to develop and examine new knowledge in the field of music education while preparing themselves for positions in higher education or other leadership roles within the profession. This program accepts rolling admission with first priority for funding to applicants who apply prior to December 1.

: Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.

The School of Music requires the completion of a recognized baccalaureate degree in music or music education, with a junior/senior grade-point average of 2.80 or higher (on a 4.00 scale). Admission to the M.M.E. program requires the completion of 12-15 credits in music education methods at the undergraduate level. Applicants are encouraged to submit evidence of successful teaching or student teaching experience. Admission to the Ph.D. requires an interview, submission of videotapes of teaching or conducting, and a portfolio of requested documents.

Additional requirements may include an interview in person or by interactive video to assess language skills.

The language of instruction at Penn State is English. English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) may be required for international applicants. See GCAC-305 Admission Requirements for International Students for more information.

https://bulletins.psu.edu
: https://bulletins.psu.edu
: Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.

Music Education (MUED) Course List

https://bulletins.psu.edu
: Graduate assistantships available to students in this program and other forms of student aid are described in the Tuition & Funding section of The Graduate School’s website. Students on graduate assistantships must adhere to the course load limits set by The Graduate School.

https://bulletins.psu.edu

Next Steps

Ph.D. Handbook (PDF) Apply Now

Is the Ph.D. in Music Education right for you?

This program is designed to provide opportunities for a high level of scholarly study in the processes of teaching and learning music. Candidates are expected to develop and test new knowledge in the field of music education while preparing themselves for positions in higher education or other leadership roles within the profession.

This program accepts rolling admission with first priority for funding to applicants who apply prior to January 15. The Graduate Record Exam general test (GRE) is required for admission.

A music education Ph.D. student shows a blue and white Penn State Nittany Lions garden flag to an older individual sitting on a couch.

Learn more!

We know that it’s important to make sure that a Ph.D. program is the right fit, that’s why we’ve compiled facts and figures and had current Ph.D. candidates frame their experiences for you. To find out more about this amazing program, visit the Music Education Ph.D program focus website.

Music Ed Ph.D. Focus Website

A Penn State School of Music student conducts an ensemble of elementary school students during a pre-researsal of the tenth anniversary Partners in Music concert held at Eisenhower Auditorium.

Considering the Ph.D. in Music Education? Consider this.

You’ll delve deeper into the processes of teaching and learning music.

Upon completion, you will be prepared for careers in higher education or music administration.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn from other music educators with a range of experiences.