Frequently Asked Questions

Doctoral Cohort FAQs

Doctoral Cohort Program in College Music Pedagogy - FAQ's

Doctoral Handbook (Download)

What is the cohort program?

1. a unique offering designed for music faculty members holding full-time academic appointments who are interested in completing a doctoral program.
2. participants will combine course work taken in four six-week summer sessions in New York , with independent study and research course work taken during the year while the faculty member is fulfilling teaching responsibilities at the home institution. Participants will spend one weekend per academic semester in New York for seminar sessions (dates to be determined via consultation with participants.)
3. coursework is oriented specifically to faculty wishing to develop new skills and will build on competencies of eachparticipant.
4. program is designed to be completed in four years. It may be possible to complete the program more quickly, should participants spend more than six weeks at the college in the summer or spend a semester in residence at the college during the academic year.
5. ideal for faculty interested in exploring pedagogical issues in teaching music at the college level.
6. the program is a 90 hour program. Up to 36 credits of previous graduate work may be transferred into the program. An Ed.D will be awarded upon completion of requirements.
7. content, degree requirements, and standards of performance remain the same as those of our traditional doctoral programs.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The program is constructed so that you can complete the coursework in four summers by coming to only one summer session, plus a weekend during each semester during the academic year. If you are able to come to more than one summer session, you could complete your degree more quickly.

What kind of degree will I receive?

You will receive an Ed.D-CT degree: a doctorate in education with a specialty in college teaching.

How many credits can I take in one summer?

Nine credits per summer session, or a possible total of eighteen credits in one summer.

How many credits could I transfer into the program? How many are left?

You may transfer up to 36 graduate credits into the program, leaving 54 credits, or points, to complete.

How much is the tuition?

Tuition changes each year. Tuition for the 2008-2009 year was $1085 per point(credit).

Are there scholarships or assistantships available?

Some scholarship money has been available to students in this program. Assistantships may be possible, but are difficult because of the summer orientation of the program.

Where can I find housing?

Teachers College does maintain a housing office. Students have found accommodations in a variety of venues. If you are accepted to the program, we will provide you with housing contacts.

Are there required courses?

There are required areas of concentration in the degree, from which courses may be selected. Some courses will be offered during the summer session specifically targeted to help cohort students meet their degree requirements. Otherwise, you may select from a variety of course offerings that fit into the general required categories. You can get a sense of the kind of courses that are offered by looking at the website; the music courses are the same for the cohort & the Ed.D-CT.

I am a music theorist/composer/musicologist/solfege instructor. Is this program appropriate for me?

Yes, if you are interested in research in college pedagogy. As noted above, you will receive an Ed.D degree, as opposed to a Ph.D in your area.

I am a singer/conductor/instrumentalist/jazz performer. Is this program appropriate for me? Will I receive applied lessons?

Again, the program is pedagogically oriented, as opposed to performance. You can take applied lessons for credit with New York City professionals.

My schedule is very busy during the year. What if I can't attend the weekend seminar in NYC?

The weekend seminar is scheduled in consultation with the cohort students.

My university runs on a quarter system. Is this a problem?

Not generally, unless you wish to attend Teachers College for a semester during the academic year. You would then need to work out the timetable with your home institution.

I teach in the public schools. Is this program appropriate for me?

Probably not. The regular Ed.D program would be more appropriate.

I am an adjunct/part time professor. Is this program appropriate for me?

Given today's academic climate, you may well be eligible for the cohort program. If your academic responsibilities are extensive and you have appropriate experience, you will be considered for the cohort program.

Are there entrance exams? Foreign language requirements?

No.

Do I need transcripts? What about GRE's?

You do need transcripts, but not GRE's.

Where should I send my application?

The admissions office at Teachers College. The address is on the web or in the Teachers College catologue. Please indicate "cohort - Ed.D-C.T." on your application.

When is the application deadline?

It is best to submit your application by January 2. Your application may be considered later on a case-by-case basis.

Where can I obtain more information about the program or schedule a visit?

For further information please consult the Doctoral Handbook, found below.  Contact Nate Olson at his email: njo2108@columbia.edu, with questions or to schedule a visit. 

http://www.tc.columbia.edu/i/a/document/4159_Ed.D.C.T.Handbook.pdf