Doctoral Degree in Music

Who is this program for?

The doctoral program in music is a PhD degree. It is focused on research and is perfect for individuals who aspire to deepen their expertise in music eduction, music theory, or musicology. Graduates typically pursue careers in academia, K–12 education, and non-profits, contributing to the cultural landscape as educators, researchers, performers, and/or leaders in the field of music.

Program Overview

The School of Music offers the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with specialty areas in musicology, music education, or theory.  The PhD program in Music at the University of Kentucky is designed for students who are passionate about advancing knowledge and scholarship in the field of music. Combining rigorous academic study with opportunities for original research, our program prepares future scholars, educators, and leaders in music disciplines. Students work closely with our distinguished faculty across a range of specialties to develop expertise, contribute new insights to the field, and shape the future of music scholarship and education. Whether you aspire to teach at the university level, publish research, or influence the broader music community, our PhD program provides the foundation for a meaningful and impactful career.

Our Accreditation

The University of Kentucky is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Visit the NASM website for more information.

Offered by the College of Fine Arts
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Credential
PhD
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Tuition / Credit Hour
Resident $825.50
Non-Resident $2,060.50

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What You'll Learn


Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

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Explore Funding Options

As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!

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Tuition Rate

For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace.

Arkansas

Arkansas

Virginia

Virginia

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Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.

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Things to do on this form:
Take away "Term" for Transfers - "Unknown Term"? As well as "Not in High School"
And the same for "Online"

Possibly remove the "Readmit" option.
Feel like it would be pretty easy to see if the person already exists in our system and has a program enrollment record associated with them, which would shift them from "Freshman" or "Transfer" to "Readmit"
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The University of Kentucky defines international applicants as those with citizenship other than the United States of America. Exception: Permanent Residents of the United States should complete a domestic application.

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