Music Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Music Education

Messiah University’s Ph.D. in Music Education with a conducting cognate (tracks in wind, orchestral and choral) prepares experienced music educators to advance scholarship, leadership and artistic excellence through a flexible, online doctoral program grounded in Christian faith. Building on the university’s successful graduate music offerings, the program equips educators to conduct meaningful research, refine conducting expertise and serve diverse learners through innovative teaching practices. Rooted in Messiah’s mission of service, leadership and reconciliation, the program recognizes music’s unique ability to unite people across cultures and communities. Graduates are prepared to influence the future of music education as researchers, conductors, educators and servant leaders across church and society.

No-fee tuition

With Messiah’s no-fee tuition, there are no additional university charges for labs, courses, services or technology. While some programs may involve additional expenses such as materials, travel or other external costs that vary by student, you won’t encounter unexpected fees from Messiah. This approach allows you to clearly understand and plan for the tuition portion of your graduate education.

Deferred billing

Deferred billing is available for students with employer reimbursement. For more information contact Student Financial Services at gradfinancialserv@messiah.edu.

2026-2027

No-fee tuition per graduate credit hour: $820

Tuition cost for the entire program at the 2026-2027 rate is $49,200 ($820 x 60 credits).

Students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid. Tuition is subject to annual adjustment; historically, increases have averaged approximately 2-3% per year.

FINANCIAL AID How to apply for financial aid

Next steps for admissions

Applying for admission to a graduate program at Messiah University is the first step to making your personal and professional goals a reality.

Messiah University has the largest NASM-accredited graduate program in music in the U.S. and has been successfully educating music conductors and educators online for more than 10 years.

Academic excellence

Messiah University is a nationally ranked Christian university and provides all music conducting and education students quality academic offerings online and in a state-of the-art facility. The High Center for Worship and Performing Arts provides each graduate student the opportunity to refine their skills in a performance hall that has no equal. The facility boasts one of the most highly technologically advanced learning environments on the east coast.

Reputation

Messiah University has the largest NASM-accredited Master of Music in conducting program in the United States and the only accredited online Master of Music in conducting program in Pennsylvania. An innovator in online conducting technology and instruction, Messiah has been successfully educating graduate-level music conductors and educators online for more than 10 years.

Practical approach

Messiah University offers degrees that provide applicable knowledge in each course offered. As you progress through coursework, you’ll acquire knowledge that can be taken and used immediately in your own classroom, allowing you to become a better teacher and musician.

Faculty

Messiah’s music faculty are an engaged group of educators who are very experienced in public and private school education. Many of our faculty throughout their careers spent time teaching in the public/private schools. In addition, our faculty are currently active in schools providing services such as guest conducting, clinics and adjudication. As a graduate student, you will be studying podium effectiveness and music pedagogy from educators who work in public schools every week.

Flexibility

Due to advancements in technology, Messiah has been able to erase geographical boundaries that, until recently, prohibited teachers from studying music conducting and education in online environments. We are now able to offer degrees that allow students to continue to teach while studying. That opens the door to many who, until recently, did not have the abilities of leaving jobs to go back to school full time.