Music Education PhD | Temple University

PhD in Music Education

Develop university-level music teaching skills and research experience with the PhD in Music Education in the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple. This 60-credit doctoral degree is tailored to help music educators achieve advanced skills in research methods and teaching expertise. Learn to contribute to and apply research findings to the practice of music education. Graduates are well positioned to become leaders in the music education profession.

You’ll specialize in music education practice and research, focusing on skills development and accountability for diverse student populations in an evolving discipline. Each Music Education PhD student chooses a specific area of specialization. The Music Education PhD curriculum is designed for students with a range of expertise and focus.

Areas of Specialization

The candidate, in concert with the academic advisor, will declare an area of scholarly focus. The candidate and faculty advisor then develop a course of study appropriate to the focus.

Example areas of specialization for the Music Education PhD program include, but are not limited to, the following.

Adult music education
Alternative ensembles
Arts education
Community music
Composition
Conducting
Dance and movement
Digital and distance learning in music
Early childhood
Education in specialty areas (choral, instrumental, elementary, secondary)
Educational administration
Educational policy studies
Gender Studies
Informal (vernacular) music education
Kinesiology
Music history
Music theory
Psychology
Sociology
Technology
Urban education

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Faculty

Discover music education faculty in the Boyer College of Music and Dance.

Explore Boyer Faculty See faculty members in Boyer music education degree programs.

Classes & Curriculum

The course of study becomes the curriculum that guides the student and faculty advisor throughout the degree program. During the first year of study, students may opt to modify the course of study and/or focus in consultation with the advisor.

Required courses you must take during your program include

Music Teaching in Higher Education;
Psychology of Music Learning & Behavior;
Seminar in Graduate Music Education; and
Supervised University Music Teaching.

You must also take Doctoral Dissertation and complete an oral defense to culminate the program.

Learn more about Music Education PhD courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Professional Studies

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,239.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,652.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

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Student Clubs & Organizations

Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts. There are more than 200 student organizations at Temple University.

American Choral Directors Association provides students opportunities to experience choral conducting through guest lectures and rehearsal practice, and offers opportunities to earn practical experience through various regional and state conferences.
National Association for Music Education is a conservatory chapter of the national organization of music educators. Semester activities include creating projects, presenting guest speakers and workshops, attending the PMEA All-State conference, participating in outreach activities, and learning to use various online music education resources.
OWLchestra Community Orchestra is a community string orchestra composed of students and community members who want to play music together in a low-stress environment.

Learn more about clubs and organizations.

Accreditation

BC-MUED-PHD

Additional Program Information

School/College Site

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