You and the rest of the orchestra just took a curtain call, while the entire audience offered a standing ovation. It’s been another successful performance. You feel triumphant. What if you could help others have this sense of pride and excitement? Well, it’s entirely within reach. If you have a love for music and want to see other aspiring performers reach their full potential, then consider a doctorate in music education online. With this degree, you can become a tenured university music professor, a composer, or even the director of an entire music department. Furthermore, if you already hold a master’s in music or a related field, then you already meet most qualification criteria. Not only will you feed your passion, but also be of service to future generations.
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Doctorate in Music Education Online Program Options
It can be challenging to understand each of the doctorates in music education available. In this section, we will highlight the most prominent options for prospective students.
GetEducated's Picks
- Liberty University Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education
- William Carey University Doctor of Arts in Music
- Liberty University Doctor of Music Education
Education-Focused Degrees
Doctorate in Music Education (D.M.E.): This advanced degree prepares leaders in musical education settings. If you want to be equipped to teach music learners, then this doctorate has the tools. Not only is it a professional degree, but it also seamlessly blends practical aspects with musicology elements. A primary focus for this kind of online doctorate in music education is the needs of music learners. Therefore, it’s ideal for future postsecondary music professors, music directors, or curricular supervisors.
Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education (Ph.D.): A Ph.D. is an academic degree that tends to have a music theory, investigation, and research-driven curriculum. Moreover, there is greater emphasis on defending a well-researched dissertation. The goal is to create work that significantly contributes to the music field. Subsequently, graduates often find themselves in roles such as university music professor, academic researcher, or even as a K-12 district administrator specializing in music and fine arts.
Performance-Focused Degrees
Doctor of Arts in Music (D.A.): Similar to a D.M.E., this professional doctorate aims to prepare education leaders. However, there may be more emphasis on performance. In fact, music education may not be the central outcome of the degree. An online D.A. may have concentrations in performance, conducting, and music theory. Throughout one’s studies, students may perform or conduct recitals. Potential careers include composer and university faculty.
Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A): A doctor of musical arts online will emphasize performance, conducting, education, and music theory. It’s a professional degree that incorporates practical experiences into the curriculum. With this degree, doctoral candidates will be able to explore many potential careers. These include composer, university music professor, performer, or orchestral conductor.
Regardless of the type of doctorate you choose, it is imperative that it comes from an accredited institution. Accreditation, either regional or national, is a vital indicator of a school’s quality standards. If the department itself is accredited, then this is an even better sign of academic prowess. The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) is the primary national accreditor for collegiate music.
In addition, an online master's in music education is also an excellent degree. It’s a stepping stone to a doctorate and can lead to in-demand jobs. For example, a master’s will qualify you for K-12 teaching positions. However, programs may not include a teaching license. This means you would need to apply for one separately. You can also pursue certain leadership roles, such as music director.
Online Doctorate in Music Education: What to Expect
When considering a doctorate degree in music education, it’s important to know if you qualify for enrollment. Holding an accredited master’s degree is a universal requirement. Most programs seek candidates who have studied music, music education, or a related field. Also, a minimum GPA might be required. A typical application might ask for official transcripts, recommendation letters, a resume, a letter of intent, or a piece of scholarly writing.
Now that we’ve discussed admission requirements, let’s imagine you’ve been accepted. You are now enrolled in a doctorate in music online! So, what is this like? Let’s discuss program structure and online vs. in-person commitments.
Program Structure
Generally, students will complete coursework for their major, electives, and specialized classes to prepare for a thesis, dissertation, or final project. The structure of a curriculum depends on the type of doctorate. You can expect anywhere from around 40 to 50 credits of coursework, the majority of which will be fully online. This includes lectures, seminars, and workshops. Since each course is a hefty time and energy commitment, students may not take more than two per term.
Students will prepare for a qualifying exam as they advance through the program. At the same time, will begin thinking about their dissertation thesis, or final project. Each doctorate in music education online will have its own system for awarding a degree. Thankfully, the majority of programs even offer these phases online. Doctoral students are paired with a mentor, in many cases. This is usually a faculty member who provides support throughout the entire degree process.
All in all, the standard time doctoral candidates have to complete their program is up to seven years. Each program will have its own virtual platform for accessing course materials and for interacting with peers or faculty. In short, these programs will be rigorous and challenging. Even with a distance learning delivery, students will have plenty of opportunities for dialogue to bounce off ideas and to engage with peers
In-Person vs. Online Commitments
The amount of virtual learning per program is unique to each school. Generally, programs that boast a distance learning format attempt to make as much of the degree available online as possible. In certain programs, the only in-person element is a residency requirement. Residencies are on campus. They create space to share ideas, collaborate, receive mentorship, and are one-of-a-kind experiences. Some residencies are short and intensive – just a week long. Others may be for a few months in the summer. Depending on the type of doctorate, there may even be in-person musical performances.
3 Best Schools for an Online Doctorate in Music Education
Liberty University
Accreditation: NASM
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $37,543If your passion is music and your dream is to teach developing learners, consider Liberty University. This is a nonprofit institution with an excellent track record for online education. Their Doctor of Music Education program is a professional degree with a heavy emphasis on delivering practical knowledge. It is 45 credit hours in length and full-time students can finish in less than three years. You will gain advanced training in both teaching and leadership. Each program teaches a curriculum from a Christian worldview and the university invites applicants from all backgrounds to enroll.
The Liberty D.M.E. offers a diverse catalog of courses. Even better, each class comes in 8-week blocks and in a fully virtual online learning format. This flexibility is suitable for every kind of student. Their in-depth degree plan consists of foundational, advanced music education studies, electives, and research studies courses. Doctoral candidates will defend a thesis and pass a qualifying exam upon completion of all required coursework. Sample courses include Philosophies of Music Education, Historical Developments Influencing Music Education, and The Role of the College Music Teacher. Liberty has a generous credit transfer policy. You may transfer up to 50% of the degree’s credits from another accredited institution. Liberty offers a robust elective menu. You can take seminars in music from all around the world or immerse yourself in musical analytics.
Students will enjoy an affordable cost of attendance with this post-graduate degree. In fact, tuition rates have been frozen for eight years. Despite the online format, the goal of the program is a highly interactive learning ecosystem. In virtual settings, students can interact with their peers and faculty. Thanks to programs like Online Life and mentorship opportunities, distance learning students can also feel part of a community.
Students who enroll will gain a multitude of skills. For instance, classes instill a deeper understanding of the historical and sociological context of music. Learning outcomes for this doctorate in music education also include being able to design an effective music curriculum. You will learn about historical contexts, music theory, advocacy, and pedagogical skills. An education with Liberty can open doors to many rewarding careers. Although the focus of this program is to help students apply what they learn in primarily educational settings, the versatility of the degree can go beyond teaching. Graduates are eligible for roles as music directors, college professors, curriculum supervisors, and even band directors.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Music EducationBoston University
Accreditation: NECHE
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $48,120Boston University offers a competitive doctorate in music education online. They boast one of the premier D.M.A. music programs available. In fact, their online D.M.A. music program was the first of its kind ever created! Their Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education is a professional degree. You will sharpen your skills as a music educator, researcher, advocate, and innovator.
The Boston University online music education equips students for success. The program is practice-oriented and each class allows for creative thinking. Students will benefit from a highly experienced faculty with diverse musical influences. In a distance learning format, you will learn alongside many forward-thinking peers in a community that inspires growth. Since your classmates are other practitioners, BU encourages collaboration.
This online D.M.A. is 48 credit hours and takes 6 to 7 years to complete. These hours break down to Music Education Core coursework, electives, and a dissertation. There also is a qualifying exam in order to receive a degree. Students will be challenged and that’s by design. Not only will you learn new concepts, but you will gain expertise to be an influential leader. Courses will teach students about music theory, research methods, historical perspectives, and the use of scholarly writing techniques. A large elective catalog lets students focus on areas that drive them. For example, you can take Teaching Music in the Cloud to understand current music technologies. Other selections include Contemporary Issues in Music Education and Orchestration. Tailoring the degree with electives will make you a specialist in certain areas.
This program offers a unique learning experience – classes are a combination of synchronous and asynchronous. The greatest benefit here is that you can gain a doctorate almost entirely from the comfort of home. The only in-person requirement for the Boston University D.M.A. is a week-long residency on the BU campus at the beginning of the dissertation process. This consists of workshops and invaluable opportunities to interact with fellow doctoral candidates or professors.
Doctoral candidates will produce a dissertation that contributes a unique idea to the field. BU’s goal is to give students the resources to help them share valuable produced work with the music world. Your acquired knowledge will allow you to thrive as a music educator and support your student’s growth. In addition, this doctorate can serve as a gateway to career advancement within the music education field. Please note that licensure is not part of the program.
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Doctor of Musical Arts in Music EducationWilliam Carey University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $22,470William Carey University’s mission for 125 years has been to help its students find their calling. Similarly, the esteemed Winters School of Music prides itself in creating excellent musicians. Explore your passion and strengthen your knowledge with their Doctor of Arts (D.A.) in Music. This degree connects students to various teaching interest areas. Whether your dream is to become a university professor, advance your career in education, or grow into worship leadership, this online music doctorate provides a lot of value.
Once enrolled, you will become part of the “Carey Family.” This means that you will be seen as a person and receive exceptional academic support. The school’s faculty set the tone with their enthusiasm and dedication to learning. This Christian university blends worship and education to propel its students to success.
William Carey offers one of the most affordable online doctoral programs in music. Also, a 15-to-1 teacher-to-student ratio creates an intimate learning environment. Students can learn wherever is most convenient because the entirety of the degree is available online. Even with a virtual delivery method, it is possible to engage with peers. Using Canvas, it is easy to access course materials, lectures, and interactive forums to build a community with fellow learners.
Students can pursue a Music Education or Worship Ministry concentration. Regardless of the pathway you choose, this online doctorate in music consists of 51 credit hours. 27 of these hours are toward the D.A. in Music Major. Example courses include Evaluating Music Performance, History of Music Education, and Graduate Survey of Music History. 15 credits will focus on a student’s learning path and 9 will be electives. Choral Conducting and Administration of a Musical Unit are just some options available. Doctoral candidates must complete all required coursework, pass a qualifying exam, and either defend a thesis or submit two research essays.
During the course of the program, frequent live video assessments ensure that students grasp key concepts and hone a variety of aptitudes. Students will also showcase skills in public speaking, scholarly writing, research, performance, music theory, and critical thinking. Furthermore, this D.A. in music online will enhance your musicianship, understanding of multiple music practices, university-level teaching abilities. Additionally, you’ll gain expertise in your chosen concentration. Consequently, you’ll be well-equipped with the credentials to make a significant contribution to the field. Full-time students can expect to finish the required coursework in about two years, while the thesis and research articles may take six to nine months of that time.
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Doctor of Arts in Music
Jobs With an Online Doctorate in Music Education
A doctoral degree in music education provides numerous employment opportunities. One of the most prominent roles is that of a postsecondary professor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), university-level teachers had a median salary of $79,640 in 2021. The outlook for this role is promising, with a projected 12% employment increase over the next decade. Salaries can vary based on factors such as the type of institution, experience, and whether the position is full-time or part-time. Surprisingly, licensure isn’t mandatory for music faculty, and achieving tenure typically spans around six years.
Another avenue for those with a doctoral degree in music education is to venture into K-12 teaching. While public schools mandate a teaching credential or license, the rewards can be fulfilling. In 2021, salaries for kindergarten and elementary teachers hovered around a median of $61,350, while middle school and high school teachers earned roughly $61,320 and $61,820, respectively. The collective projected job growth for these roles stands at 5% over the next ten years.
Jobs Outside the Classroom
In time, professors might consider moving into administrative roles, such as becoming a department chair. Postsecondary Education Administrators enjoyed a median pay of $99,940 in 2022, with a positive 4% projected employment growth through 2032.
Besides academia, roles like Music Director or Composer are also viable options. These positions saw a median annual salary of $62,940 in 2022, with a projected 1% growth over the next decade. The earning potential varies widely, with the top 10% making as much as $165,760, while the bottom 10% earned around $31,750. Notably, there aren’t any stringent licensing requirements for these roles.
Lastly, for those inclined toward curriculum design and management, the role of an Instructional Coordinator might appeal. Tasked with supervising and managing an institution’s curriculums, these professionals might need a teaching license, especially for a position in a K-12 school. Salary, as of 2022, was a median of $66,490, with a 2% projected employment growth in the coming decade.
In essence, a doctoral degree in music education not only fuels one’s passion for music but also opens doors to diverse and rewarding career paths. Whether in academia, administration, or direct musical roles, the opportunities are vast, ensuring both personal fulfillment and professional growth for graduates.
Start an Online Doctorate in Music Education Today!
With a doctor of music education online, you will not only become a better scholar but also develop top-notch teaching skills. Whether your dream is to be a tenured faculty at a university or be a decision-maker for music policy, this degree will give you the keys. In this article, we explored how to get a doctorate in music education and laid the groundwork with some fantastic online programs. Consequently, you now have in-depth knowledge about this rewarding degree. The next step depends on you, of course. So, why wait? It’s time to take your love of music and professional career to the next level!