Graduate Catalog 2025-2026

Musical Education (DMA)

The Doctorate in Musical Arts in Music Education (DMA) is the final stage in an academic education that aims to develop skills of a high artistic level considered necessary in the performance and practice of the discipline. Its components also include teaching, leadership and research as essential elements for a deep knowledge of the art of music.

The main objective of the DMA in Music Education is to prepare professionals for teaching positions at all educational levels and on the music scene. It also proposes to contribute to the stimulation, development and appreciation for quantitative and qualitative research as a way of analyzing and solving the problems that affect the profession. The Program integrates technology into the teaching and learning processes and the search for information.

Likewise, the Program aspires to contribute to educational improvement through the training of educators, researchers and leaders who strengthen the understanding of the importance of music in society and the quality of music education programs.

The San Germán Campus is authorized to offer this program.

Competencies Profile of Graduates

The Doctorate of Musical Arts in Music Education aims to prepare graduates capable of demonstrating the following professional competencies:

Knowledge

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  1. the theories and principles underlying the teaching of the field of Music Education.
  2. the theories, principles and models that underpin the management of educational institutions.
  3. methods for research in Music Education.
  4. the different geographical and cultural contexts in which Musical Education takes place.
  5. the processes to evaluate and select technologies for Music Education programs.
  6. current trends in Music Education model programs at the local and international level.
  7. historically significant events in the development of Music Education and their impact on society.
  8. Assessment and evaluation techniques for the proper functioning of Music Education programs.
  9. the techniques of analysis of the various styles and musical periods.

Skills

  1. Show vocal or instrumental performance of a high level.
  2. Formulate possible solutions to administrative and managerial problems.
  3. Develop effective strategies for the recruitment and retention of students in music education programs.
  4. Use cutting-edge technology to positively impact music education programs.
  5. Identify resources to raise funds for the development of music education programs.
  6. Use electronic resources to support research, teaching, and management in music education.
  7. Apply instructional design techniques for online courses.
  8. Design effective techniques for the evaluation and evaluation of music education programs.
  9. Apply advanced techniques for musical analysis.
  10. Analyze pedagogical approaches of the main instrument.
  11. Use advanced skills in vocal, instrumental and orchestral conducting.
  12. Develop their creative capacity showing a high degree of musicality when composing, arranging, conducting ensembles, and when executing their instrument.

Attitudes

  1. Assess historical events and legislation with an impact on Music Education.
  2. Recognize the importance of research in the development of knowledge and effective pedagogical practices.
  3. Value communication between peers that allows the development of new teaching approaches in their area of expertise.
  4. Demonstrate a professional and ethical attitude that allows for successful professional growth and performance.
  5. Value music education as a tool of social influence for the dissemination of culture.
  6. Recognize the importance of the value of music in all spheres of society.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to this program, the student must:

  1. Have a Master's degree in Music Education or a Master's degree in Music from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  2. Present evidence of passing: a minimum of 12 credits in music education at the master's level.
  3. Present to the Departmental Admission Committee:
    1. three (3) letters of recommendation written by teachers or immediate supervisors, in which the professional development of the applicant is evidenced.
    2. an essay of a minimum of 800 words describing his musical career and future professional plans.
  4. Hold an interview with the Admission Committee and receive a favorable recommendation.

Graduation Requirements

The student must meet the following graduation requirements:

  1. Complete all the requirements of the Program with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  2. Pass the comprehensive doctoral exam for which the student will have a maximum of three opportunities.
  3. Approve the doctoral dissertation.

Requirements of the Doctorate of Musical Arts in Music Education (DMA)

Core Requirements 18 credits
   Research: 6 credits
   Fundamentals: 12 credits
Specialization Requirements 12 credits
Operational Requirements 9 credits
Prescribed Distributive Requirements 9 credits
Total 48 credits

Core Requirements - 18 credits

Research component - 6 credits

MUED 7321Research Methods in Music I

3

MUED 7322Research Methods in Music II

3

Fundamentals Component - 12 credits

MUSI 7010Composers and their Selected Works

3

MUSI 7030Advanced Musical Analysis

3

MUED 7210Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Music

3

MUED 7650Emerging Technologies in Music Education

3

Specialization Requirements - 12 credits

MUED 7101Fundamentals and Perspectives of Musical Education I

3

MUED 7102Fundamentals and Perspectives of Musical Education II

3

MUED 7430Psychological and Social Aspects of Music

3

MUED 8020Design of Online Courses in Music

3

Operational Requirements - 9 credits

MUED 8960Research Seminar

3

MUED 8991Dissertation I

3

MUED 8992Dissertation II

3

Prescribed Distributive Requirements - 9 credits

Select 9 credits from the following, or any related area in MUSI, MUED or EDUC, with the approval of the program director or academic advisor.

MUSI 7012Musical Performance

3

MUSI 7025Chamber Assembly I, II

3

MUSI 7026Chamber Assembly I, II

3

MUSI 7500Advanced Direction

3

MUSI 8700Composition and Musical Arrangement

3

MUED 7015Instrument Teaching Models

3

MUED 797_Special Topics

3

MUED 7440Global Models in Musical Education

3

MUED 7540Administration and Supervision in Music

3

MUSI 8861Individual Project I, II

3

MUSI 8862Individual Project I, II

3