PhD in Music with an emphasis in Music Education

NAfME 2026

Excellence from our classroom to yours

OVERVIEW

  • This research-oriented program prepares educators for teaching and research roles in higher education. 

WHAT ARE THE OUTCOMES OF A PHD IN MUSIC EDUCATION?

  • Become highly qualified to teach at Tier 1, 2, and 3 higher education institutions
  • Prepare the next generation of musicians and scholars
  • Contribute to the field of Music Education through peer-reviewed research publications and presentations 
  • Collaborate in a scholarly community of student and faculty researchers 

WHY CHOOSE THE UGA MUSIC EDUCATION PHD PROGRAM?

  •  While at UGA, you will:
    • Refine your teaching as you prepare undergraduate students with research-based instruction 
    • Receive training and guidance in qualitative and quantitative methodologies from renowned faculty
    • Conduct research studies, publish in practitioner and research journals, and present at regional, national, and international conferences
    • Build your resume by highlighting your readiness to prepare future music educators and mentor graduate research at the Research 1 University level
    • Collaborate with faculty and peers to research and examine important issues impacting the field of music education 
    • Enjoy the culture of Athens, Georgia, and Hugh Hodgson School of Music – Go Dawgs! 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE DEGREE?

  • Most students finish the program in three years. This includes two years of coursework and approximately 1-2 years to complete the dissertation. 

ELIGIBILITY AND RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

  • Applicants must have a 3-year minimum of PK-12 teaching or equivalent competencies. 
  • At least two consecutive semesters of full-time status (enrollment for a minimum of 20 hours of consecutive coursework included in the program of study) must be spent in resident study on the campus of the University of Georgia. 
  • Resident credit used to satisfy requirements for another degree cannot be used to satisfy the requirements for this degree. 
  • A summer start (online) is highly encouraged and will provide eligibility to assist and tutor in future graduate courses.

APPLICATION MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Transcripts from all previous institutions
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of purpose and research interests  
  • Scholarly writing sample (from a master’s thesis or publishable article)
  • A video upload of you teaching or leading a rehearsal  
  • Three letters of recommendation 
    • Note: all application material is to be submitted electronically on the application platform.  

PLEASE CHECK OUR GRADUATE ADMISSIONS PAGE FOR LINKS AND DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS 

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

This degree is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).