Program Overview

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Music (Music Learning and Teaching), PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy program in music with a concentration in music learning and teaching is a world-class degree for musician-teacher-scholars who seek careers in musical and educational leadership. Students are immersed in an inclusive and multifaceted community of dynamic partnerships and research and teaching collaborations. They work with faculty members on creative projects that lead to independent and co-authored research publications, creative projects, and professional presentations.

Program Description

The program includes specialized study in music education, elective studies with scholars and artists in the Herberger Institute, and opportunities for transdisciplinary elective study with faculty and colleges across ASU. A plan of study is designed by the student in consultation with the faculty to support the student's career trajectory. Typical projects interrogate and broaden discourse and practice in music education, and challenge methodological and disciplinary boundaries to imagine what could be. The program concludes with dissertation research that springboards to the next phase of their careers.

At a Glance

• College/school: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

• 90 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation

Required Core

• MSI 601 Contemporary Topics in Music Research (2)
• MSI 602 Current Issues in Music Research (2)
• MSI 755 Historical Research in Music (3)
• MTC 520 Analytical Techniques (3)

Concentration

• 30 credit hours
• Electives: 29 credit hours
• Research: 6 credit hours
• Other Requirements: 3 credit hours
  • MUE 784 Internship (3)

Culminating Experience

• MUE 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information

Completion of diagnostic exams in musicology and music theory is required of all new graduate music students prior to enrollment in the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives. When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. A minimum of two semesters must be spent in continuous full-time residence at ASU.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• U.S. applicants:
  • Earned a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 credit hours or 90 quarter hours of their first bachelor's degree program
• International applicants:
  • Earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an institution in another country that is officially recognized by that country
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program
• Additional Application Information:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • School of Music, Dance and Theatre application (including curriculum vitae, personal statement, and a writing sample)
  • Official transcripts
  • Teaching demonstration video
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall:
  • Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 12/01, Type: Final

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Design individual teaching practices that are appropriate to a beginning faculty position in music education at college level.
• Implement a major independent research project that makes a unique contribution to the field of music learning and teaching.
• Apply research methods to conduct independent research.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have many possible career options and pathways. Musicians with expertise in performing, composing, teaching, researching, and arts advocacy are in high demand across many sectors and industries, including performing arts organizations, educational institutions, entertainment companies, health and wellness industries, and community arts organizations. Skills such as creativity, collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the focused discipline needed for success as musicians are all highly valued by a wide range of companies and professions.

Career examples include:

• Arts administrator
• Community arts advocate
• Community arts educator
• Performing musician
• Public or community school teacher
• Teaching artist
• University professor
• Worship music leader
• Youth development facilitator

Program Overview

The School of Music, Dance and Theatre graduate programs inspire and empower students to become creative leaders who transform society through music. Graduates become scholars, researchers, music and arts administrators, and public policy advisors to education and arts organizations or civic and governmental groups.