Music Education
Request More Info
A Ph.D. in Education: Music Education opens graduates up to a wide range of career possibilities. Some go on to train the next generation of music students, become college professors and conductors, or oversee music programs in K-12 schools. The program is designed to help them achieve those goals.
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of education through methods courses, observing and teaching undergraduate classes, and supervising K-12 student teaching. The broad array of courses span different academic units and help integrate the necessary skills for becoming a researcher, educator and artist. This approach helps to refine goals, philosophies and methods, producing effective educators and leaders.
- Program Type: Doctorate
- Academic Unit: School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
- Degree Type: Doctor of Philosophy
- Standard credit hours: 60
- Delivery Mode: In-person
- Typical Program Length: 3 years
- Typical Course Load: 3-4 per semester
Why UMKC
Experiential learning experiences
Participate in career-related experiences, including teaching, supervising student teaching and conducting ensembles. Leverage community ties like the partnership between the instrumental music education component and Johnson County Park and Recreation District's 50 Plus program. The 50 Plus New Horizons Band, a musical group for older adults, was founded by UMKC and a Ph.D. student serves as conducting fellow.
Vibrant arts community
The UMKC Conservatory fosters a collaborative environment of artistic excellence. You'll benefit from close interactions in a vibrant metropolitan area that is rich in arts and educational opportunities.
Interest-based courses
The program's flexibility allows you to tailor studies to your specific career goals, including opportunities for teaching, conducting and research in a dynamic and supportive academic community.
After Graduation
Career options will vary depending on the focus of your studies and career goals. However, graduates may be prepared to pursue careers as music supervisors for K-12 schools, university professors, college choral conductors and other related roles.
Potential careers
- Music supervisor
- Postsecondary teacher
- Music education researcher
Where our students work
- Bradley University
- University of Houston
- University of Maine
- University of Nebraska
- University of New Hampshire
- University of Mississippi
- Temple University
- Towson University
$57,462
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Music Directors and Composers (27-2041.00)
Potential Courses
Professional Aspects of College Teaching
Designed for graduate students planning for careers in college teaching, this course covers preparation of job application materials; presentation of a master class; interviews with a search committee…
Advanced Choral Conducting — Styles and Techniques, Doctoral Level
Students will learn advanced choral conducting techniques, rehearsal strategy and performance practice.
Research for Music Teachers
This course examines common practitioner-based research designs used by music educators. Students will learn about and complete projects that utilize rigorous research design procedures and concepts.
Visit the Academic Catalog for a full listing of courses and descriptions.
Related Programs and Pathways
How to Apply
- Initial contact: Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact the program coordinator before applying to discuss their qualifications and the application process. This initial communication will help ensure alignment between the applicant's goals and the program’s offerings.
- Preliminary submission: Applicants should complete the online application, submit supporting materials and meet all admissions requirements listed in the Academic Catalog. Please be sure to pay applicable domestic or international program fees.
- Additional materials: After an initial review, some applicants may be asked to provide additional materials, such as further examples of scholarly work, letters of recommendation or a detailed statement of research interests.
- On-campus interview: If advanced to the next stage, applicants will be invited for an on campus interview, which may include:
- A formal interview with doctoral faculty members from the music education discipline.
- A conducting and rehearsal session with a campus ensemble to assess conducting and pedagogical skills.
- Participation in discussions to evaluate the applicant's research potential and alignment with program objectives.
Prospective students should note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission, as the final decision will be based on the overall strength of the application, interview performance and potential for distinction in the field of music education.
Have questions? Contact program coordinator, Joe Parisi, for additional information about this program.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: Dec. 15
Classes begin in August
Reduce Your Cost. Maximize Your Investment.
An amazing education shouldn’t break the bank, which is why we offer a number of automatic and competitive scholarships, grants and other financial aid opportunities — plus financial guidance from our expert advisors.