PhD Music Education at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Programme overview

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.

Faculty: College of Fine & Applied Arts | Department: School of Music | Study mode: full-time | Location: Champaign, IL, United States

What you will study

Requires 6 credit hours. Required courses listed include MUS 534 Doctoral Research in Mus Ed; MUS 535 Philosophic Inquiry in Mus Ed; MUS 543 Music Teacher Education; MUS 544 Doctoral Seminar in Music Education (Students must register every semester. Maximum of 2 hours applied toward degree requirements.); MUS 599 Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

For the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education degree program, consult the admission requirements stated on the School of Music’s website . 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

Domestic applicants: USD 16,092 a year (2026-27). Illinois resident rate. Tuition only for new and continuing graduate students, Fall 2026-Spring 2027 at full-time (12 credit hours per term). Non-Illinois U.S. resident tuition for this programme: $33,388. Excludes campus and mandatory fees, health insura Source

International applicants: USD 33,388 a year (2026-27). International rate. Tuition only for new and continuing graduate students, Fall 2026-Spring 2027 at full-time (12 credit hours per term). Excludes campus and mandatory fees, health insurance, housing and other expenses as the source states them separately Source

Not all graduate programmes offer admission in all terms; term availability is set by each programme of study.

Graduate applicants apply online through the Graduate College application; deadlines and term availability are set by each programme. Medicine, law and veterinary medicine applicants apply directly to their colleges.

Apply through the official page: https://music.illinois.edu/graduate-admissions

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