Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from this program will:

• Identify and summarize key theories and literature bases relevant to exploration of key educational issues.
• Integrate methods, theories, paradigms, concepts, etc. from both within and beyond one's primary emphasis area.
• Conduct educational research using investigation techniques appropriate to a topic and theoretical approach.
• Create effective oral and written presentations focused on educational theory and research.

The PhD program in Education supports academic rigor through a balanced curriculum, including foundational courses, advanced coursework, research seminars, and a comprehensive doctoral dissertation. There are three emphasis areas in this degree program: 1) Curriculum and Instruction; 2) Educational Leadership, Policy and Foundations; and 3) Music Education.

General Admissions Requirements for the Education Ph.D.

The general criteria for admission to the Education Ph.D. program are as follows:

• A grade-point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) covering all college work taken prior to the bachelor's degree, or a grade-point average of at least 3.5 covering all post-baccalaureate work completed to date.
• Recommendation for provisional or full admission by the doctoral faculty review group within the emphasis area.

The Education Ph.D. program does not consider GRE scores in admissions decisions.

Graduates of schools outside the United States may be considered for admission to the Education Ph.D. program, subject to the following criteria.

1. They must have completed a course of study at least the equivalent of a U.S. baccalaureate degree.
2. They must have above-average grades in previous college study.
3. They are required to establish proof of adequate English proficiency as part of the UMKC admissions process. Applicants from countries in which English might be one of the official languages, but is not necessarily the first language of the majority of the population, must attain a minimum composite score of either 79 on the iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or a score of 6.0 on the IELTS to be considered for admission. The results of the examination must be received in the UMKC International Student Affairs Office before the application deadline. Exceptions to this policy:
   • Non-native speakers who hold degrees or diplomas from post-secondary institutions in English-speaking countries, provided they have spent a minimum of two years in successful full-time study there and English was the medium of instruction.
   • International transfer students from other institutions in the United States or Canada who have spent a minimum of two years in successful full-time study.

​Specific emphasis areas may have more stringent admissions criteria (e.g., requirement of an earned Master's degree) or additional required admission materials (e.g., writing samples, references, interviews); please see specific emphasis areas' admissions requirements for further information.

General Program of Study Requirements

For each option, students will be required to take at least 36 credit hours in a discipline corresponding to their degree option, including both substantive courses and research methodology courses. At least twelve additional credit hours must be taken in a corollary subject area related to the student’s research and approved by the student’s supervisory committee. Students also take at least twelve dissertation hours in an education field. In total, the Education PhD is comprised of at least 60 credit hours. 

General Comprehensive Examination Requirements

To advance to degree candidacy, Education Ph.D. students are required to pass both written and oral components of a  Comprehensive Examination. The doctoral Comprehensive Examinations must be completed at least seven months before the date of graduation.

The following requirements must have been met before students can take the Comprehensive Examination(s):

1. Successful completion of all qualifying requirements and full admission to the School of Graduate Studies and the Education Ph.D. program.
2. Appointment of a research advisor and supervisory committee.
3. Filing and approval of the Ph.D. plan of study and completion of essentially all coursework or other study required for the degree.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from this program will:

• Identify and summarize key theories and literature bases relevant to exploration of key issues in music education.
• Integrate methods, theories, paradigms, concepts, etc. from both within and beyond music education.
• Conduct research in music education using investigation techniques appropriate to a topic and theoretical approach.
• Create effective oral and written presentations focused on music education theory and research.

Emphasis-Area Specific Admission Requirements

In addition to the general criteria, applicants to the Ph.D. in Education: Music Education Emphasis must: 

• Have an aggregate minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and graduate GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Submit a thesis or equivalent evidence of written scholarship.
• Have an acceptable on-campus interview with doctoral faculty members from this discipline.
• Demonstrate comprehensive musicianship by providing a video link which should include a rehearsal, performance, and classroom teaching. Each video should be between 5 and 10 minutes.
• Minimum of 3 years K-12 teaching experience.
• In most cases, students entering the Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Music Education will have earned at least one degree in Music Education or a related field. Students with backgrounds in music therapy are also encouraged to apply.

Alternate Admission Criteria

Applicants may ask to be considered under the following alternate admission criteria: 

• Have an acceptable off-campus interview with at least two UMKC music education/therapy doctoral faculty.
• Have two written recommendations from UMKC doctoral faculty.
• Demonstrated competence in alternative teaching experiences.
• Comprehensive musicianship evidenced by videotaped or live demonstrations in solo performance, ensemble performance/conducting, classroom teaching, or clinical applications.

Emphasis Area Program Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Pre-Dissertation Coursework
36 credit hour minimum, selected with advisor approval; see notes below		36
Corollary Coursework
Coursework taken outside of music education; selected with advisor approval		12
Dissertation
CONSVTY 5699	Dissertation Research	12
Total Credits		60

While total degree-hour requirements for the Ph.D. will vary depending on each student's career goals, previous experience and training, it is anticipated that for most students, course requirements will include 36 to 45 pre-dissertation hours. If a student has completed a bachelor's or master's degree in some area other than music education/therapy, additional work beyond this approximate range will most likely be required. Pre-dissertation course requirements will be designed to meet the student's specific academic and professional needs. Each student's previous work is considered, and a customized program of study is designed in consultation with a supervisory committee.

Pre-dissertation and corollary coursework will be selected to prepare students in the following areas:

Research

Two important goals for students in the Education Ph.D. program with a Music Education emphasis are developing research skills and increasing awareness of extant research literature. Students will become acquainted with research techniques, problems and literature in music education through introductory coursework. Additional research courses in the School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences and other academic units will provide advanced instruction for structuring research designs and analyzing data. Students in the program will assist their faculty mentors in research while developing a research agenda of their own. The number and nature of research classes included in each student's program of study will be determined by the student's background, goals and interests in consultation with their mentor and supervisory committee.

Teaching Techniques and Philosophies

Students may have varied career goals, ranging from training undergraduate music students or being a college professor/conductor to becoming a district music supervisor in a K-12 program, but all will be actively involved in the education process in some form. Ph.D. students will develop a comprehensive acquaintance with education at all levels by enrolling in methods classes, observing and teaching undergraduate classes at UMKC, and supervising student teaching in K-12 schools. Courses in the Conservatory, the School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences and other academic units will help students interpret and apply the techniques and philosophies they observe in the classroom. Building on this foundation, they will determine their own goals, philosophies, and teaching approaches as they become better teachers.

Seminars and Core Courses

In addition to the important areas of research and teaching, most students will need theoretical information to structure these teaching and research endeavors. Courses in theories of learning and seminars presenting contemporary research-based teaching techniques and methodologies will provide a knowledge base to facilitate their own teaching. Particular attention will be given to cultivating each student's critical thinking skills and nurturing multicultural values.