The Doctor of Philosophy degree is offered in Music Education with Music Therapy Emphasis. The Ph.D. is a research degree requiring 60 credit hours beyond the Masters Degree, or 90 credit hours beyond the Bachelors Degree. This degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in music therapy-related research, college teaching positions in music therapy, or administrative positions.
The entire curriculum is built upon the clinical and research paradigm known as Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT). This model utilizes scientific evidence regarding human perception and production of music to treat diseases of the human nervous system and is becoming increasingly recognized and accepted by the medical community. Currently, the University of Miami is one of only three schools offering a Neurologic Music Therapy curriculum for the Ph.D.
Enrollment into this specialized program is limited. Acceptance is based on academic record, Graduate Record Examination scores, TOEFL scores (as appropriate), personal suitability, recommendations, and demonstrated clinical competency.
Early in the program, students must complete qualifying examinations in musicology, music theory and psychology of music. Throughout the program, students must demonstrate satisfactory completion of various requirements in music, music therapy, and research tools. When the majority of the courses have been completed, students must pass both written and oral comprehensive examinations. Students may then enter candidacy and are eligible to present their dissertation topic to their graduate committee for approval. The culminating event of this degree program is the oral defense of the dissertation.
A unique feature of this doctoral degree program is the allotment of 12 credit hours to courses in “Supporting Area Studies.” Students may devote these credit hours to courses that will enhance their clinical skills, research competencies or musical abilities. These doctoral level courses may be completed within the Frost School of Music, as well as many other divisions of the University, including psychology, neuroscience, or educational and psychological studies.
Major Area:
0 credits MED 610 Graduate Forum in Music Therapy
3 credits MED 664 Music Assessment
3 credits MED 663 Research Methods in Music
2 credits MED 680 Doctoral Seminar
9 credits Research Tools and Professional Education
1 credit Doctoral Research Project
12 credits MED 730 Dissertation
Other Studies in Music:
3 credits Musicology
3 credits Music Theory
3 credits Graduate Music Course
2 credits Performance Ensembles/Applied Music
Music Therapy Emphasis:
3 credits MED 629 Advanced Music Therapy Practice I
3 credits MED 630 Advanced Music Therapy Practice II
1 credit MED 684 Music Therapy Seminar
12 credits Supporting Area Studies
The curriculum for the Doctor of Philosophy degree meets the standards set forth by the National Association for Schools of Music and the University of Miami. This degree program is designed to prepare students for either advanced-level clinical practice, or additional opportunities in research or college teaching.
For more information on this degree program, please contact:
Shannon K. de l’Etoile, Ph.D., MT-BC
Program Director, Music Therapy
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
305.284.3943
