PhD Music at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Programme overview

The Ph.D. program is offered with an area of emphasis in music education, piano pedagogy, or vocal pedagogy. The Glenn Korff School of Music boasts a comprehensive faculty and an accommodating array of facilities.

Department: Music | Duration: 90 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall and Spring (see deadlines) | Location: Lincoln, NE, United States

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate Studies requirements for all programmes: online application, unofficial transcripts (all college-level records for international applicants), and verification of English proficiency if the applicant's native language is not English. Programme-specific: GRE (optional) Refer to the Music Graduate Application Guide for full details. Minimum English proficiency: Paper TOEFL 600, Internet TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.0. Resume/CV For Music Education specialization: Resume/CV Personal Statement: Statement of purpose. Portfolio: Video Screening. First prepare your videos with content as described here and post them to a video-hosting platform (e.g. YouTube), then create a PDF with links to these videos and upload the PDF in this application's Portfolio upload slot. Video samples of teaching showing at least two different teaching settings, not to exceed 10 minutes. Include a brief narrative describing the context of the educational environment (i.e. class being taught, level of learners, goals and objectives, etc.). Writing Samples: Can be copies of theses, articles, grants, etc. Other Upload: Cover Letter of Application. Interview: Applicants may be asked to complete an interview in person, by phone, or by video conference. For Piano Pedagogy specialization: Resume/CV Personal Statement Portfolio: Video Screening. First prepare your videos with content as described here and post them to a video-hosting platform (e.g. YouTube), then create a PDF with links to these videos and upload the PDF in this application's Portfolio upload slot. 1) Video Screening Playing: 3 contrasting piano pieces. Deadlines: For all graduate degrees, please apply by December 1 for the following Fall term (e.g. Dec. 1, 2025, for the Fall 2026 term). Auditions to accompany your application should be completed or submitted by 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Intake: Fall and Spring (see deadlines)

Duration: 90 credit hours

Apply through the official page: https://go.unl.edu/gradapp

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