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 scholarly paths towards a progressive model of music education for the 21st Century. Ph.D. graduates teach at universities and colleges nationally and internationally. They are leaders in the field, serving on major editorial boards, leading professional organizations, publishing in top peer-reviewed journals, and presenting at state, national, and international conferences.  

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

All applicants to the Frost School must submit the following items:

·       An online application

·       Application fee

·       Resume

·       Three letters of recommendation

·       Official transcripts from every post-secondary school attended

This graduate degree program also requires submission of certain supplemental materials, including:

·       Prescreen/performance

·       Teaching sample

·       Writing sample

·       TOEFL/IELTS score, as applicable

For more detailed information, please visit our Graduate Admission website.

Curriculum Requirements

Major Field Core Courses
MED 763Music Research Methods3
MED 780 12
Doctoral Seminar
MED 781Seminar in Qualitative Research in Music2
or MED 782 Seminar in Quantitative Research in Music
MED 795Doctoral Research Project1
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 830Doctoral Dissertation12
Other Studies in Music
Select 9 credit hours from MCY, MIN, MIP, MKP, MSJ, MSP, MTC, MTY, MUE, MUS, MVP courses9
Ph.D. Research Tools/Cognate
Select 12 credit hours by advisement12
Advisor Approved Electives
Suggested options include, but are not limited to:12
Psychology of Music
International Music Education
Cultural Diversity in Music Education
Vocal Methods and Materials in Music Education
Social Issues Music Learn
Community Music Programs
Music Learning and Curriculum
Music Assessment
Seminar on Music in Childhood
Seminar in Qualitative Research in Music
Seminar in Quantitative Research in Music
Doctoral Research Project
Total Credit Hours60
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

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
MED 763 Music Research Methods 3
Research Tools Elective 3
Music/Advisor Approved Elective(s) 4
 Credit Hours10
Spring
MED 760 Philosophy of Music Education 3
Research Tools Elective 3
MED 795 Doctoral Research Project 1
Music/Advisor Approved Elective 3
 Credit Hours10
Year Two
Fall
Research Tools Elective 3
MED 780 Doctoral Seminar 1
MED Emphasis Course (by advisement) 3
Music/Advisor Approved Elective 3
 Credit Hours10
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 Hours10
Year Three
Fall
MED 830 Doctoral Dissertation 6
MED 790 Teaching Music in College 1
Music/Advisor Approved Elective 3
 Credit Hours10
Spring
MED 830 Doctoral Dissertation 6
Music/Advisor Approved Elective 4
 Credit Hours10
 Total Credit Hours60

* 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

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
MTY 729 Advanced Music Therapy Practice I 3
MED 763 Music Research Methods 3
MED 780 Doctoral Seminar 1
Research Tools Elective 3
 Credit Hours10
Spring
MTY 730 Advanced Music Therapy Practice II 3
Graduate Music Elective 4
Research Tools Elective 3
 Credit Hours10
Year Two
Fall
Graduate Music Elective 3
MED 795 Doctoral Research Project 1
Research Tools Elective 3
Advisor Approved Elective 3
 Credit Hours10
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 Hours10
Year Three
Fall
MED 830 Doctoral Dissertation 6
MTY 784 Music Therapy Seminar 1
Advisor Approved Elective 3
 Credit Hours10
Spring
MED 830 Doctoral Dissertation 6
Graduate Music Elective 1
Advisor Approved Elective 3
 Credit Hours10
 Total Credit Hours60

* 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.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the Ph.D. program of the Frost School of Music is to:

  • Prepare students to become experts in the fields of music education and music therapy  
  • Prepare students to advance the field through innovative and important research in the field of music education and music therapy.  
  • Prepare students to serve the profession as thought leaders, researchers, policy-makers, and advocates in the field

Goals

The goals 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 trajectory;
  • 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 their schools and in the profession

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will become highly skilled and thoughtful researchers 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.