# 2026-2027 Course Catalog

**Source**: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/faa/music-education-phd/
**Parent**: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/

*for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education*

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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.

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## **Admission**

For the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education degree program, consult the [admission requirements stated on the School of Music’s website](https://music.illinois.edu/prospective-students).

## **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](mailto:musicadmissions@illinois.edu).

*for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education*

---

For additional details and requirements refer to the [department's Graduate Handbook](https://music.illinois.edu/graduate-handbooks)  and the [Graduate College Handbook](http://www.grad.illinois.edu/gradhandbook/).

Course List

     | Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [MUS 534](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MUS%20534 "MUS 534") | Doctoral Research in Mus Ed | 4 |
| [MUS 535](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MUS%20535 "MUS 535") | Philosophic Inquiry in Mus Ed | 4 |
| [MUS 543](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MUS%20543 "MUS 543") | Music Teacher Education | 4 |
| [MUS 544](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MUS%20544 "MUS 544") | Doctoral Seminar in Music Education (Students must register every semester. Maximum of 2 hours applied toward degree requirements.) | 0-2 |
| Music Education Electives | | 6 |
| 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](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MUS%20529 "MUS 529") | Transformative Music Education |  |
| [MUS 530](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MUS%20530 "MUS 530") | Critical Readings in Mus Ed |  |
| [MUS 532](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MUS%20532 "MUS 532") | Curricular Perspectives on Music Education |  |
| [MUS 533](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MUS%20533 "MUS 533") | Research in Music Education |  |
| [MUS 539](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MUS%20539 "MUS 539") | Music in Higher Education |  |
| [MUS 541](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MUS%20541 "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 599](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=MUS%20599 "MUS 599") | Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree) | 16-32 |
| Total Hours | | 64 |

#### Other Requirements

Grad Other Degree Requirements

 | Requirement | Description |
| --- | --- |
| 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*

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## **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](https://music.illinois.edu)\
[School of Music Faculty](https://music.illinois.edu/people/faculty/)\
2040 Music Building, 1114 West Nevada Street, Urbana, IL 61801\
(217) 333-3459

## **College of Fine & Applied Arts**

[FAA College Website](https://faa.illinois.edu/)

## **Admissions**

[Overview of School of Music Admissions & Requirements](https://music.illinois.edu/graduate-admissions)\
[musicadmissions@illinois.edu](mailto:musicadmissions@illinois.edu)\
(217) 244-7899\
[Graduate College Admissions](https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply)