Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy program is offered in Music Education, as well as in Music Education with Music Therapy Emphasis.
MUSIC EDUCATION
Highly customizable and rigorous, the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education prepares students to become deep thinkers, researchers, scholars, and innovative leaders in the field. Students work closely with the faculty in order to shape both their own professional path and the field as a whole towards a progressive model of music education for the 21st Century. Placement rate for our Ph.D. graduates is outstanding, and alumni teach at prominent universities nationwide and internationally. Furthermore, alumni regularly serve on editorial boards of major music education journals, and continue to publish and present widely.
MUSIC THERAPY
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is also offered in Music Education with Music Therapy Emphasis. This degree is designed to prepare students for careers in music therapy-related research, college teaching positions in music therapy, or administrative positions. Doctoral students work closely with music therapy faculty for the duration of this rigorous program, gaining experience in all aspects of music therapy clinical practice, education, and research. Faculty are experienced researchers and distinguished educators known internationally for their research and service to the profession. Additionally, students further their musical skills by studying with faculty who perform, compose, and conduct regularly in national and international venues. Finally, doctoral students have the opportunity to conduct research at multiple hospitals and agencies in the greater Miami area, including the world-famous Miller School of Medicine.
Admission Requirements
On-Campus Programs
Step 1 - Apply
- Apply online through CollegeNET
- Upload a prescreening (if applicable) through SlideRoom – check the Audition/Portfolio Requirements page for specific information
Step 2 - Submit Supplemental Materials
All supplemental materials must be submitted either via email to fsom.graddocs@miami.edu or via US Mail to PO Box 248165, Coral Gables, FL 33124.
- Transcripts – an official transcript from ALL post-secondary schools attended, regardless of if a degree was granted or not, must be sent directly to the Frost School of Music from the issuing institution in order to be considered official
- Applicants with international transcripts, please click here for specific instructions about approved evaluation services
- An official transcript is required for every school attended, even if it was only a single class
- Current University of Miami students applying to a new degree program must provide an official University of Miami transcript
- Three letters of recommendation - sent through CollegeNet as part of application submission. These do not need to be sent separately
- Resume - attached to the application at the time of submission. This does not need to be sent separately
- GRE Score - Please contact your program faculty for specific GRE information
- TOEFL/IELTS Score - Please click here for more specific TOEFL/IELTS information
- Teaching/Conducting Sample
- Writing Sample
- Prescreening/Audition/Interview
- Portfolio
Not all supplemental materials are required for all degree programs. Please see the Degree Program Requirements for specific requirements.
For information regarding specific program requirements, please see Application & Program Requirements.
Applicants are responsible for tracking the status of their application materials and should do so on CaneLink. Please allow at least two weeks for documents to be processed and marked as complete. If you are unable to access your CaneLink account, please check the CaneLink FAQ.
Step 3 - Audition/Interview/Upload Portfolio
Audition - If your program requires an audition, you will be contacted after the December 1st deadline to schedule a date. All performance programs require a prescreening and invitations to audition will be extended to those applicants approved by faculty review. Check the Audition/Portfolio Requirements page for specific requirements. Do not make travel plans until you receive a confirmation email from Frost Admissions.
Interview - If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted by department faculty to schedule a date.
Portfolio - If your program requires a portfolio, please upload it through SlideRoom. Check the Audition/Portfolio Requirements page for specific requirements.
Music, Media, & Industry Application Deadlines
If you are applying to Music Business & Entertainment Industries, Arts Presenting & Live Entertainment Management, JD/MM, or JD/MA programs, the following deadlines apply:
December 1 - International applicants and priority domestic applicants
April 1 - All JD/MM and JD/MA applicants
June 1 - Final application and supplemental materials deadline for domestic applicants
If you are applying to Music Engineering Technology or Media Writing and Production, the following deadlines apply:
December 1 - International applicants and priority domestic applicants
February 1 - Priority portfolio deadline
April 1 - Final application and portfolio deadline - all applications/supplemental materials/portfolios are due by this date
International Applicants
- TOEFL/IELTS - Test scores are required for international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received a degree from an accredited English-speaking institution. Additional information can be found under International Applicants.
- Applicants must submit a copy of their passport before a decision can be made. The name on your passport must match the name with which you apply.
If accepted, you will be contacted by the Office of Admission to submit documentation of financial responsibility.
Documents Required
Submit the following educational documents to an approved international credentialing evaluation service:
a) Official original diplomas and certificates in the original language, and
b) Official original transcripts in the original language (names of courses, grades, and hours of instruction) for every year of study.
Documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by professional, certified English translations. Translations supplement but do not replace, the official documents.
Type of Evaluation Required
The Frost School of Music is requiring international applicants to their programs to complete a course-by-course evaluation with GPA.
Where to Submit Documents for Evaluation
Josef Silny & Associates (JS&A), Inc. International Education Consultants, is the preferred evaluation service for international applicants to the University of Miami due to their competitive prices and high-quality service. Click here for more information, including the Application for Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials.
World Education Services (WES) is the second preferred evaluation service for international applicants to the University of Miami. Click here for more information, including the Application for Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials.
Please note that international applicants are not required to use the services of JS&A or WES exclusively, but the University of Miami requires that an international credential evaluation must be done by one of the approved evaluation vendors found on this list.
Evaluation Fee
Applicants are responsible for the evaluation fee.
Submission of Evaluation
The evaluation vendor is required to send all official copies of related documents to:
Frost School of Music
PO Box 248165
Coral Gables, FL 33124-7610
or electronically to:
fsom.graddocs@miami.edu
- Please click here for additional details
- Applicants who are applying with a current degree in progress will be required to have their final transcripts and diploma evaluated upon arrival at the Frost School. If applicants use Josef Silny for the initial evaluation, the Frost School will cover the evaluation. If applicants choose a different vendor, they will be responsible for the cost of the re-evaluation.
Decisions
Students are recommended for admission to the Frost School of Music by the faculty and admission committees. Final acceptance to the Graduate program is made after all materials requested by the Frost School of Music have been received and evaluated. Scholarships and/or Assistantships are awarded based on faculty recommendation. Admission decisions are sent out starting in late March.
Application Guidelines
- Applications are accepted for the fall term only
- Applications are accepted for only one degree program
- Graduate applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA for consideration
- Applicants must be in-progress toward completing or have earned the appropriate prior music degree(s) from a regionally accredited institution in order to apply for a graduate level music program. If you are accepted and decide to attend the Frost School, you will be required to provide a final transcript showing a conferred degree.
- The MM in Music Business & Entertainment Industries and the MA in Arts Presenting & Live Entertainment Management do not require prior music degrees. The MS in Music Engineering Technology is open to students who have completed an undergraduate degree in an appropriate engineering/science field.
- Current University of Miami students applying to a new degree program must provide an official University of Miami transcript
- Materials submitted in support of an application cannot be released for other purposes nor returned to the applicant
- For information on where to submit supplemental materials, please see our Contact Information
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Field Core Courses | ||
| MED 763 | Music Research Methods | 3 |
| MED 780 1 | 2 | |
| Doctoral Seminar | ||
| MED 781 | Seminar in Qualitative Research in Music | 2 |
| or MED 782 | Seminar in Quantitative Research in Music | |
| MED 795 | Doctoral Research Project | 1 |
| Music Education/Music Therapy Emphasis | ||
| Select one of the following Emphases: | 7 | |
| Music Education Emphasis: | ||
| Philosophy of Music Education | ||
MED Course(s) by advisement | ||
| Teaching Music in College | ||
| Music Therapy Emphasis: | ||
| Advanced Music Therapy Practice I | ||
| Advanced Music Therapy Practice II | ||
| Music Therapy Seminar | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| MED 830 | Doctoral Dissertation | 12 |
| Other Studies in Music | ||
| Select 9 credit hours from MTC, MCY, MMI, MSJ, MIP, MVP, MKP courses | 9 | |
| Ph.D. Research Tools/Cognate | ||
| Select 12 credit hours by advisement | 12 | |
| Advisor Approved Electives | ||
| Suggested options include, but are not limited to: | 12 | |
| Psychology of Music I | ||
| International Music Education | ||
| Cultural Diversity in Music Education | ||
| Vocal Methods and Materials in Music Education | ||
| Social Issues Music Learn | ||
| Seminar in Instrumental Music Education | ||
| Community Music Programs | ||
| Music Learning and Curriculum | ||
| Music Assessment | ||
| Seminar in Music Education | ||
| Seminar on Music in Childhood | ||
| Seminar in Qualitative Research in Music | ||
| Seminar in Quantitative Research in Music | ||
| Doctoral Research Project | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
| 1 | Students in this degree program take MED 780 two times, at 1 credit each for a total of 2 credits. |
*Doctoral Qualifying Exams must be complete prior to the defense of the Doctoral Essay/Dissertation proposal.
Music Education Plan of Study
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MED 763 | Music Research Methods | 3 |
| Research Tools Elective | 3 | |
| Music/Advisor Approved Elective(s) | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| MED 760 | Philosophy of Music Education | 3 |
| Research Tools Elective | 3 | |
| MED 795 | Doctoral Research Project | 1 |
| Music/Advisor Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| Research Tools Elective | 3 | |
| MED 780 | Doctoral Seminar | 1 |
| MED Emphasis Course (by advisement) | 3 | |
| Music/Advisor Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| Research Tools Elective | 3 | |
| MED 780 | Doctoral Seminar | 1 |
| MED 781 or 782 | Seminar in Qualitative Research in Music or Seminar in Quantitative Research in Music | 2 |
| Music/Advisor Approved Elective | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| MED 830 | Doctoral Dissertation | 6 |
| MED 790 | Teaching Music in College | 1 |
| Music/Advisor Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| MED 830 | Doctoral Dissertation | 6 |
| Music/Advisor Approved Elective | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
* This is a suggested Plan of Study. Your actual course sequence may vary depending on your previous academic experience as well as current course offerings. Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester to determine the appropriate course selection.
*Doctoral Qualifying Exams must be complete prior to the defense of the Doctoral Essay/Dissertation proposal.
Music Education with Music Therapy Emphasis Plan of Study
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MED 729 | Advanced Music Therapy Practice I | 3 |
| MED 763 | Music Research Methods | 3 |
| MED 780 | Doctoral Seminar | 1 |
| Research Tools Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| MED 730 | Advanced Music Therapy Practice II | 3 |
| Graduate Music Elective | 4 | |
| Research Tools Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| Graduate Music Elective | 3 | |
| MED 795 | Doctoral Research Project | 1 |
| Research Tools Elective | 3 | |
| Advisor Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| MED 780 | Doctoral Seminar | 1 |
| MED 781 or 782 | Seminar in Qualitative Research in Music or Seminar in Quantitative Research in Music | 2 |
| Research Tools Elective | 3 | |
| Advisor Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Graduate Music Elective | 1 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| MED 830 | Doctoral Dissertation | 6 |
| MED 784 | Music Therapy Seminar | 1 |
| Advisor Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| MED 830 | Doctoral Dissertation | 6 |
| Graduate Music Elective | 1 | |
| Advisor Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
* This is a suggested Plan of Study. Your actual course sequence may vary depending on your previous academic experience as well as current course offerings. Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester to determine the appropriate course selection.
*Doctoral Qualifying Exams must be complete prior to the defense of the Doctoral Essay/Dissertation proposal.
Mission
The mission of the Ph.D. program of the Frost School of Music is to:
- Provide the highest quality of music education and music therapy expertise
- Foster advancements in music teaching and music therapy practice, music education and music therapy research
- Serve the music education and music therapy professions as a resource for music teachers and music therapists, the music education/music therapy research community, the education community, and the university community, locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Goals
The objectives of the Ph.D. program in Music Education are to:
- Develop highly competent, independent researchers in the fields of music education and music therapy capable of developing a sustained research program;
- Prepare Ph.D. students to provide instruction to both undergraduate and graduate programs in their area of specialty (music therapy, instrumental music education, string music education, choral music education, and general music education); and
- Develop future collegiate faculty in the areas of music education and music therapy who will become leaders in the profession
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will become well-qualified producers of research in music education or music therapy.
- Students will demonstrate application of fundamental and specialized knowledge related to music teaching or music therapy practice.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to write publishable scholarly papers in their discipline (music education or music therapy) for various professional audiences.
