The Ph.D. study program Music theory and education is set to prepare future scientific staff who will be able to work independently on their creative and scientific work in the area of music education and music theory. The study program is to systematically deepen the knowledge in the area of interest, provides results of music education/pedagogy and music and science research, including the current trends in music education which should develop specific musical competence to begin independent scientific work in the field. The study program provides a scientific framework for the area of research in music pedagogy in compliance with music theory. Program without specialization.

Highly customizable and rigorous, the Ph.D. program in Music Education prepares students to become deep thinkers, researchers, scholars, and innovative leaders in the field. Students work closely with the faculty to shape both their own professional path and the field towards a progressive model of music education for the 21st Century.

The School of Music prepares musicians for professional careers and leadership in music teaching, performance, composition, research, and related fields, offering more than 20-degree programs. With a combination of passion and pragmatism, nurturing and virtuosity, cost and value, depth and breadth of opportunity, the USC School of Music provide a perfect balance of high musical standards, a caring environment vested in student success, and career and musical life preparation.

Financing for this program may be available through grants, scholarships, loans (federal and private) and institutional

Students are expected to acquire either advanced composition or advanced conducting techniques by composing works or by conducting, and studying theory. In order to achieve this, students have to do practical and theoretical research in both areas, because these areas are closely related to each other.