Applying for PhD Degree

Applicants should begin by completing and submitting the online application available on The Graduate School web site. Applications for the PhD in music education, musicology, and music theory/cognition are due December 31.

In addition to the online application, the items below should be completed:

1. Graduate Record Examination (GRE).  Official GRE scores are required for applicants to all music PhD programs.  Official scores must be taken no more than five years before the intended quarter of entry and must come directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS).  Personal copies are not considered official, nor are “attested” or notarized copies.  Please instruct ETS to send scores to The Graduate School, code #1565.
   
   
2. Certifying English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS).  Much of your success in graduate study will rely on your ability to understand, read, write, and speak English.  If you native language is not English, you must certify your proficiency in the English language in one of the following three ways:
   
   
1. Provide official scores for either the TOEFL or IELTS exam.  The test must be taken no more than two years before the intended quarter of entry.  For the TOEFL, you must score 600 or higher on the paper-based test, 250 or higher on the computer-based test, or 100 or higher on the internet-based test to be considered proficient.  For the IELTS, you must receive a score of 7.0 or higher to be considered proficient.
   
   Personal copies are not considered official, nor are attested or notarized copies.  However, it is to your advantage to include a paper copy of your score report in your Supplemental Information Packet.  This helps the Bienen School verify your scores quickly, should there be any delay in receiving the official report.
   
   The Graduate School’s school code for TOEFL is 1565.  Those taking the paper-based exam should select department code 01.  When prompted, IBT test takers should request that their scores be sent to The Graduate School and then select the program name that most closely matches their program of interest.  If no match is available, the test taker may choose option 99.
   
   
2. Provide official transcripts verifying an undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution or equivalent, where the language of instruction is English.
   
   
3. Provide official transcripts verifying a graduate degree from an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English.

Supplemental Materials

All supplemental materials should be forwarded to the Office of Music Admission and Financial Aid.

Two official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended that record all courses taken, grades received, and degrees earned.

In addition, each program requires the following:

Music Theory/Cognition

A research paper of at least 15 pages (typed, 1” margins, double-spaced, 12 point font) demonstrating your potential to work on an advanced level.

Music Education

1. An essay of six or seven pages (typed, 1” margins, double-spaced, 12 point font) discussing the following:
   
   Of the major issues, problems, and trends currently discussed in the field of music education,
   
   1. Which do you think are the most important issues for the future and how do you envision becoming involved in leadership activities which address these issues?
      
      
   2. How will your study here enhance your goals?
      
      
2. Examples of previous writing projects
   
   
3. Two additional letters of recommendation that speak to your teaching ability
   
   
4. A video recording of your teaching is desirable

Musicology

A research paper on a topic related to music history.  The paper should be at least 15 pages (typed, 1” margins, double-spaced, 12 point font) that demonstrates your ability to discuss music in both historical and analytical contexts and includes appropriate scholarly references.

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