Classes are small so that students receive individual attention from faculty who are vitally interested in issues of creative and critical thinking, philosophically based education, student-centered learning, issues of social context, and music technology. The Doctoral Research Center CSEME (Center for the Study of Education and the Musical Experience) engages graduate students in creative study side by side with faculty, a feature that makes this program especially innovative. All students in the PhD program receive full tuition and a living stipend so that they may fully devote themselves to research and study.

Graduate study in music education offers the flexibility to tailor your studies to your professional interests. After completing master’s study, many Northwestern graduates pursue advanced degrees or professional roles in research, conducting, pedagogy, or administration. Doctoral graduates are placed in prestigious colleges and universities worldwide to contribute to teaching, research, and professional leadership.