Stand Out Academically and Artistically
With a Doctor of Arts in Music Education from UNC, you can get noticed by hiring committees at top universities and colleges. Alumni from our music education doctoral program hold faculty positions or are serving as deans in institutions all over the country. You’ll get outstanding training for a career in higher education and graduate with a degree that commands respect.
You’ll work with nationally recognized faculty in our music education program, while mastering contemporary techniques and practices in music instruction. Our supportive, collegial atmosphere fosters supportive relationships, so you can expect strong mentorship and one-on-one guidance to help you reach your academic and professional potential. You’ll also enjoy many opportunities to perform alongside nearly 500 outstanding collegiate musicians.
Degree Options
D.A. in Music Education
UNC’s music education doctoral program stands out for its intensive focus on the philosophy and psychology of music education. You’ll gain a comprehensive foundation in music literature, history, theory, and composition, while choosing an academic focus in educational leadership, psychology, community education, or a related area. The program totals 66 to 71 credits and takes about three years to complete. It culminates in a doctoral dissertation based on your original scholarship and research.
Take the next step! Explore courses, contact information and admission requirements.
Your Future in Music Education
Alumni of UNC’s music education doctoral program teach at top-caliber music schools across the country, including many in high-profile leadership roles. As a result, a UNC doctorate in music education commands enormous respect. You will be able to compete for attractive faculty jobs at top institutions that hold National Association of Schools of Music accreditation.
Consider UNC’s D.A. in Music Education if you want to:
- Work as university faculty in a music school
- Excel as a teacher and a musician
- Work with outstanding collegiate ensembles
- Build a solid foundation for future scholarship and research
You’ll learn:
- Classroom techniques for college-level teaching
- Advanced theoretical understanding of music pedagogy
- Deep content expertise in music theory, history and literature
Sample courses:
- Foundations of Music Education
- Curriculum Trends in Music
- Research in Music Education
- Psychology of Music Teaching and Learning
Beyond the Classroom
At UNC, you’ll belong to an extraordinary community of performers. The School of Music harbors many excellent performing ensembles, a number of which have earned national recognition. You’ll have opportunities to conduct, compose for, and perform with nearly 500 of the nation’s most talented young musicians.
Where can your degree take you?
- University faculty
- Independent scholarship
- Academic writing and publishing
Current Research
Dr. Nancy Glen
Reflective Journaling
Dr. Glen’s recent research has focused on capstone courses for music education students. She has studied the process of “reflective journaling” for its value both to students and to faculty.
Usually completed during the senior year, capstone courses provide students with an opportunity to interpret their own undergraduate experiences and synthesize concepts as they prepare to enter the professional workplace. The exercise can have positive effects upon their career development. At the same time, these journals can provide useful feedback for faculty and program assessment.
Working with undergraduates in UNC’s own BME program, Dr. Glen’s research has shown how reflective journaling not only encourage students to make meaning of their own experiences, but also help Music Education faculty improve their curriculum and pedagogy at the bachelor’s degree level.
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