PhD Music Education at University of Oregon

Programme overview

The PhD in Music Education prepares music administrators, teachers, researchers and educational leaders to think abstractly, carry out research and apply results in their areas of specialization. The program involves scholarly study of the philosophical and psychological foundations of music education and the processes of teaching and learning music, culminating in a dissertation.

Faculty: School of Music and Dance | Department: Music Education | Duration: 81 credits | Intake: Admissions currently closed; school anticipates resuming Fall 2028 | Location: Eugene, OR, United States

What you will study

Required courses include qualitative and quantitative research in music education, psychology of music, history of Western music education and repeated music education seminars, plus research development courses and dissertation proposal research. Students complete a diagnostic exam, comprehensive exam, 18 credits of dissertation, a public lecture and final oral defense, reaching 81 total credits.

Career pathways

Music administrators, teachers, researchers and educational leaders.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

School of Music and Dance (doctoral programs): applicants must have at least one degree in music education. Materials: resume showing at least three years of successful full-time elementary or secondary music teaching, statement of professional and personal goals, scholarly writing sample, concert or recital programs conducted (elementary/general applicants may substitute a unit plan or four-lesson series), a writing prompt essay of no more than six pages, an audition video of two contrasting pieces for choir or elementary/general applicants, a recent video of K-12 teaching and ensemble performances, an interview with music education faculty, and three references. GRE scores are not required. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 7.0 or Duolingo English Test 130 for doctoral applicants, or a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an institution in Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom. Application fee: $70 domestic, $90 international.

Requirements published at program group level.

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.

Each graduate programme sets its own application deadlines and required materials.

Graduate application fee: $70 for domestic applicants and $90 for international applicants for degree-seeking programmes; each doctoral programme sets its own deadlines.

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