Music, Ph.D.
Pursue advanced study in preparation for university teaching, research, and other leadership roles in music education.
About the Ph.D. in Music
The Department of Music in the College of Liberal Arts offers the Ph.D. in Music with an emphasis in Music Education. Students may select an optional concentration in Music Education and Gender Studies to provide rigorous grounding in gender studies methods and theory.
The program is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced study in preparation for university teaching, research, and other leadership roles in music education. Students can individualize the program to fit their interests and background.
On this Page…
Program Information
Degree
Ph.D. in Music
Emphases
Music Education ;
Music Education and Gender Studies
Required Credit Hours
57
Program Type
Doctorate Program
Program Location
School
Graduate Program Coordinator
As you embark on an exciting journey of advanced study, research, and musical exploration, we are thrilled to have you as part of our vibrant and dynamic community. Our department is dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages creativity, academic excellence, and professional growth. We are excited to see the contributions you will make in your graduate study and look forward to supporting you in achieving your goals.
If you have any questions about the Ph.D. in Music, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Rhonda Hackworth
Associate Professor of Music Education
Ph.D. in Music Program Details
Learn about the Ph.D. in Music - the application process, courses you'll take, and the financial support available.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15 (for scholarships); March 1 (for admission and stipends)
The Department of Music welcomes applications from students with a master's degree in music or music education and 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution.
- Complete the Graduate School’s Online Application.
- Pay the application fee ($60).
- Submit official transcripts.
- Submit GRE scores (minimum quantitative score 146; verbal 142; writing 3.5)
- International applicants whose first language is not English may be required to submit scores from an acceptable English language proficiency test.
- Submit Supplemental Application materials directly to Rhonda Hackworth, Music Graduate Program Coordinator - at shackwo@olemiss.edu.
- Portfolio: a career narrative, a discussion of your goals, programs of your students’ performances, and a video of your own performances.
- Three letters of recommendation: provide contact information for three recommenders
- Journal article review (article information will be sent to the applicant)
- Video of applicant teaching students. We suggest two 10-minute examples showing your best teaching. This should not be a performance, but rather should show the applicant teaching and engaging students. Be sure that we get quality camera work so that we can see and hear the interaction with students.
- Evidence of at least 3 years of full-time teaching in music or other relevant experience in music.
Diagnostic Exams
All incoming graduate students are required to take diagnostic exams in music history/literature and music theory. The exams are offered the week before the start of school in the fall and spring semesters and during the first days of the first summer term. Students are required to take all exams at their first enrollment. Those students who neglect to take the exams at the required time will be reclassified to conditional admission status.
Additional details about the application process and diagnostic exams are found on the department website.
Students in the Ph.D. in Music with an emphasis in Music Education complete a minimum of 57 credit hours beyond the master's degree.
- 6 credit hours (2 courses) of Music Education Methods from:
- Mus 536: Kodaly Music Education in America
- Mus 551: Orff Level I
- Mus 523: Advanced Instrumental Directing
- Mus 524: Advanced Techniques of Choral Directing.
- Mus 548: Psychology of Music
- 3 credit hours of Musicology or Ethnomusicology
- 3 credit hours of Music Theory
- Mus 620 Introduction to Research in Music Education
- 12 credit hours of research in these areas
- experimental research
- qualitative research
- observation research
- statistics
- 9 credit hours of electives that may include applied pedagogy, music theory, composition, musicology, literature, ethnomusicology, or music education
- 18 credit hours of Dissertation (Mus 797)
Students must have already completed MUS 520: Introduction to Music Research and MUS 619: Foundations of Music Education, or their equivalent, as part of their master's degree. Otherwise, he or she must complete them before they finish the Ph.D. program.
Written and Oral Comprehensive Examinations
The exams will cover the course work for the degree. Students will prepare two research projects, a syllabus for an undergraduate course, and write essays on the philosophy of music education.
Dissertation Requirements
After passing the comprehensive examinations, the student must submit a prospectus.
Students completing the Music Education and Gender Studies Concentration must fulfill 18 credit hours of coursework in gender/sexuality, including
- 12 hours of required core Gender Studies
- G St 600: Gender Studies Methodology
- G St 601: Gender Theory
- G St 605: Feminist Pedagogy
- G St 641: Readings in Global History - Gender
- 6 credit hours of gender studies electives chosen in consultation with graduate coordinator
The comprehensive exam will include material related to gender studies and the dissertation must have a significant focus on gender/sexuality.
The Department of Music offers several graduate assistantships every year.
Doctoral Assistantships
Full-time PhD assistantships waive 100% of both the in-state portion of tuition and the out-of-state portion of tuition if applicable. Students with a graduate assistantship receive subsidized health insurance. Additional scholarships and fellowships could boost the value of the total package even further. Assistantship assignments are based on student interests and strengths and the needs of the department. Students must apply by March 1 to receive priority consideration. See the assistantship application form and additional information on the department website.
Department Scholarships
Complete and submit the department's Scholarship Application Form found on the department website for the Major Music Advantage program. The deadline is February 15 for full consideration.
Graduate School Funding
The Graduate School’s financial aid webpage lists a variety of funding possibilities, including summer support and a recruiting fellowship program that promotes academic excellence and access to graduate education to groups who are historically underrepresented. The Graduate School also provides, on a competitive basis, Dissertation Fellowships to a limited number of students nearing the completion of their doctoral studies.
Video: Get to Know the Department of Music
Hear firsthand from students, faculty, and staff about the Music program.
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
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