Doctor of Music Education (D.M.E.)

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Doctor of Music Education (D.M.E.)

Overview
What You Will Study
Careers
Benefits
Military

Ignite a Passion Among the Next Generation of Musicians with a Doctorate from Liberty University

Translate your talent and love for music into a rewarding career in music education. Through Liberty University’s Doctor of Music Education program, you can bring the gift of music to students of all ages.

The best music educators are the ones who have exemplary talent paired with a strong desire to make a difference in music instruction and research. Our goal is to help you take your talent and passion and use it to transform the lives of your students.

Doctoral-level music studies will provide you with advanced training in teaching practices and leadership methods that will set you up for success. Whether you are currently working as a music educator, or you are interested in pursuing a position in the field, our online doctorate in music education can help provide the necessary credentials for you to teach music from the elementary to the university level.

What Will You Study in Our Doctor of Music Education Degree?

  • Various philosophies of music education and the psychology of music
  • Current issues influencing the state of music education in schools
  • How the music educator builds community and culture 
  • Preparation for careers in music education administration

Throughout this degree, you will gain a historical understanding of music education in the United States while learning how to integrate teaching, theory, and research into your classroom. You will also engage in coursework and research connecting musical and educational teaching and learning methods.

Additionally, our online courses pair biblical applications with music education. Prepare with confidence so you can champion your faith in the highly impactful field of education with a reputable doctoral degree in music education. 

Career Opportunities for Doctor of Music Education Graduates

  • Band director
  • Curricular supervisor of music
  • Curricular supervisor of visual and performing arts
  • Music director
  • Music program administrator
  • University professor

Benefits for Students Pursuing the Online Doctor of Music Education

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your online Doctor of Music Education degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
  • Online undergraduate tuition rates have been frozen for the last 10 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university. 
  • By earning a degree from a school of music accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), your degree will be well respected in the music field.
  • You can complete this Doctor of Music Education program in as little as 2 and a half years!
  • You will complete an integrated thesis project that will demonstrate your expertise and ability to apply advanced knowledge applicable to music education from public and private K-12 schools to the college and university level.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour. Here’s how:

  • If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
  • If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!

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These rates are reflective of academic year 2024-2025. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

45

Credit Hours

Available Online

Class Type

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Jun 23, 2025

Accreditation

NASM

Areas of Interest

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