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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Music Education

Objectives

Resources
Graduate Teaching Assistantship Application (pdf)
MU Graduate School (apply online)

Wendy Sims
Director of Music Education
School of Music
268 Fine Arts Building
Columbia, MO 65211-6120
email: SimsW@missouri.edu
phone: 573-882-3238

  • The candidate must give evidence of scholarly writing techniques and exemplary independent research capabilities.
  • A broad knowledge of music history and theory is essential with specific strengths in selected areas.
  • A deeper understanding of musical performance and performing competence in a selected area must be attained.
  • The candidate must demonstrate awareness of musical pedagogy, bibliographies, materials, and literature indicative of a broad comprehensive musicianship.
  • The candidate must understand the historical and philosophical foundations of education and these relationships within the context of music and music education.
  • The candidate will develop a mature concept of the scope and role of administrative, supervisory, and educational strategies in a program of music education.

Requirements

Special Requirements for Admission

Entrance into studies leading to a doctoral degree must be preceded by a master's degree in education, or a demonstrated equivalent appropriate to the degree being sought, from a college or university of recognized standing. Two years of successful teaching experience are required. Doctoral degrees in music education are offered through the College of Education's Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum and are fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Admission information is available from the Office of Graduate Studies, 205 Hill Hall, 573-882-2961.

Program of Study

The major advisor confers with the candidate and, with the assistance of the consulting committee, prepares a program of study in addition to the minimum requirements. Some specific guidelines for each degree program may be found in the discussion below.

Ph.D. in (Music) Education

The specific curriculum for any individual Ph.D. candidate is determined in consultation with the student's advisor and advisory committee according to guidelines established by the Graduate College, the College of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, and the School of Music. A residency is required, consisting of at least two semesters beyond the Master's degree in which the student registers for at least 9 semester hours, or three semesters of enrollment in at least 6 semester hours within an 18-month period.

The required dissertation is a major, original, scholarly research project that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the field of music education. The doctoral committee must approve a written proposal for the dissertation before it is undertaken, and the process concludes with an oral examination, or defense, related to the final document.

Comprehensive Examinations

Upon completion of all coursework, doctoral students are required to complete extensive written examinations. Questions are based on each student's unique program of study, and are developed by the doctoral committee members and/or other appropriate faculty members, as determined by the doctoral committee at the candidate's program approval meeting. After completion of the written exams, an oral examination is administered by the doctoral committee, during which the candidate may be asked to discuss questions pertaining to the written examinations and/or to answer additional questions posed by the committee members.

Reasonable Rate of Progress

Upon completion of the Comprehensive Examination, doctoral students are required maintain a reasonable rate of progress toward the completion of the degree. Students must complete the degree within five years subsequent to passing the Comprehensive Examination.

Selection, Training, Supervision, and Evaluation of Graduate Teaching Assistants

  • Selection
    Faculty members who have been assigned responsibility for graduate teaching assistants will thoroughly evaluate all applicants for appointment. Special consideration will be given to the applicant's preparation for teaching or work in the appointment area and to general musical achievement as evidenced by auditions, original compositions, term papers, teaching experience, grade point average, GRE scores, and/or personal-professional qualities as seen in letters of reference and/or in a personal interview. The University policy for evaluating the language skills of non-native speakers will be followed.
  • Training
    Faculty supervisors will provide orientation and training for all new graduate teaching assistants prior to the beginning of classes in the fall semester. This orientation and training will be sufficient in length and rigor to prepare each new graduate teaching assistant to be successful in the appointment.
  • Supervision and Evaluation
    All graduate assistants who have sole responsibility for teaching a class or lesson, or rehearsing an ensemble will be evaluated by the faculty supervisor. Multiple approaches will be used to supervise and evaluate graduate teaching assistants which may include, but not be limited to, observation of teaching, and review of course syllabi, class materials, examinations, students' repertoire and juries, and student evaluations of teaching. The supervising faculty member will provide written evaluations to each graduate teaching assistant at the completion of the first semester of teaching, and yearly thereafter, so that the latter will have a clear understanding of his/her strengths and those areas needing improvement. The faculty supervisor and teaching assistant will engage in frequent and on-going conversations about the teaching/assisting responsibilities.