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

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

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.

BC-MUED-PHD

Additional Program Information