MusAD with a Major in Music Education

Admission Requirements

  • Completed application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts.
  • A non-refundable application fee.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • An example of scholarly writing such as a published article or research paper used for Master's work.
  • Personal statement indicating the applicant's purpose in pursuing graduate work, including career objectives.
  • Three (3) current letters of reference from music education scholars/leaders addressing your leadership abilities in music education and potential for success in doctoral studies.
  • Official test scores from either the Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE - Code 3082) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT - Code 2592) .
  • No audition is required for the MusAD in Music Education.

An applicant for admission to the MusAD program in Music Education should possess a master’s degree with a major in music or music education. Admission is based on a student’s professional profile.

Description

The MusAD in Music Education is a professional degree for people committed to leadership in music education policy and practice in a variety of settings both in and outside of schools.  The degree consists of three components: coursework, qualifying examinations, and dissertation. A new cohort of students is admitted each fall. Cohort members progress through coursework and weekly seminars together and attend research seminars each year. They also interact with all music education graduate students as part of a nationwide community of scholar/practitioners.  An overview of the MusAD in Music Education is available for download.

Coursework

Every student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 48 semester credits distributed as follows:

  • Music Education Major: 24 credits to include courses in foundations and research; and four semesters of doctoral seminar
  • Musicology and/or Music Theory: 8-12 credits
  • Approved Electives: 8-12 credits
  • Dissertation: 3-4 credits

The MusAD in Music Education is also offered online.

Program of Study

Qualifying Examinations

Qualifying Examinations are taken in music theory, musicology, and music education after completing all coursework. They require students to engage in rigorous independent study and to demonstrate via the exams that they can read and critique research, can design research studies, and are versed in the research and disciplinary traditions, literature, and vocabulary of the field.  Exams are given in theory, musicology, and music education.

Dissertation

The dissertation demonstrates a student's ability to utilize and conduct research.  It is the culmination of one's previous professional and scholarly activities and contributes new knowledge, information, analyses, syntheses, interpretations, or perspectives about music education.  It includes writing and oral defense of a research proposal, researching & writing the dissertation, and an oral defense of the dissertation before a committee of professors.

Residency

Residency requirements are met by both on campus and online students through full-time enrollment for one academic year, doctoral seminar, and participating in lectures, regional seminars, research projects, and residencies.

Financial Aid

All accepted students are considered for all available scholarships and assistantships. There is no financial aid application. For more information regarding financial aid, please visit the financial aid link.

Students taking fewer than 12 credits are charged at half the normal tuition rate for music education graduate courses and School of Education graduate courses that meet after 4 p.m. or on weekends.

Other Doctoral degrees for Music Educators

Doctor of Education (EdD) - offered by arrangement with the School of Education.

For information on this program, contact the Music Education Department at musiced@bu.edu.