Program Details

Program requirements

The program is comprised of at least 60 credit hours, including:

  • 36 hours of primary focus coursework
  • 12 credit hours of corollary coursework
  • 12 dissertation research hours

Complete course listing on Academic Catalog

Program benchmarks

The program has several notable benchmarks, including:

  • Musical proficiency: Demonstrate advanced musicianship in performance, conducting and scholarship. 
  • Teaching excellence: Showcase effective pedagogical skills in both classroom and ensemble settings.
  • Intellectual distinction: Display intellectual capacity in original scholarship and professional leadership.

Costs, aid and funding opportunities

Cost is a major consideration when deciding whether to continue your education. Please contact the program coordinator to learn more about our two assistantships, which are awarded based on availability.

We also encourage you to learn more about costs and financial aid and funding opportunities that can make earning your degree more affordable.

Estimated costs  International student costs  Financial aid  Funding opportunities

Application Details

Application procedures and requirements

  1. Initial contact: Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact the program coordinator before applying to discuss their qualifications and the application process. This initial communication will help ensure alignment between the applicant's goals and the program’s offerings.
  2. Preliminary submission: Applicants should complete the online application, submit supporting materials and meet all admissions requirements listed in the Academic Catalog. Please be sure to pay applicable domestic or international program fees.
  3. Additional materials: After an initial review, some applicants may be asked to provide additional materials, such as further examples of scholarly work, letters of recommendation or a detailed statement of research interests.
  4. On-campus interview: If advanced to the next stage, applicants will be invited for an on campus interview, which may include:
    1. A formal interview with doctoral faculty members from the music education discipline.
    2. A conducting and rehearsal session with a campus ensemble to assess conducting and pedagogical skills.
    3. Participation in discussions to evaluate the applicant's research potential and alignment with program objectives.

Prospective students should note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission, as the final decision will be based on the overall strength of the application, interview performance and potential for distinction in the field of music education.

Application deadlines

 

Still Have Questions?

Email our program coordinator.

Joseph Parisi, Ph.D.

Music Education Ph.D. Program Coordinator and Curators' Distinguished Professor of Music
Email: parisijo@umkc.edu
Phone Number: 816-235-2919