The Department of Music offers two distinct graduate pathways for individuals seeking to advance their careers in music education.
Master of Arts (MA) in Music Education
For individuals who hold an undergraduate degree in music education, a teaching license, and have at least one year of classroom experience. This program supports advanced academic study and professional growth.
Master of Arts for Licensure (MAL) in Music Education
For individuals with an undergraduate degree in music (BA or BM) who wish to earn both a master's degree and a teaching license to teach music in the public schools.
Key Aspects
- Balanced Curriculum: A well-rounded program that integrates the study of philosophical, research-based, and theoretical approaches to teaching and learning music, alongside practical strategies for improving music education.
- Flexible Study Options: Complete either a final project thesis (Plan A) or a comprehensive exam (Plan B) to fulfill program requirements.
- Dual Credential Option (MAL): Simultaneously pursue a master's degree and P–12 licensure in music education.
- Flexible Completion Timeline: Full-time students can complete the program in 2 years (9 credit units per semester), while part-time students may take up to 5 years, with one class (3 credit units per semester).
Admission
Applicants with strong academic records from fully accredited universities and colleges are encouraged to apply to the School of Graduate Studies. Admission requires a recommendation from the department or professional school in which the applicant intends to study, and approval by the dean of graduate studies.
MA in Music Education
Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA from a completed undergraduate degree program in music education, a minimum of one year of successful school music teaching experience in group settings, evidence of strong written and spoken English skills, and a valid teaching license or certificate. After initial review, applicants may be invited to campus for an interview. The MA does not require a vocal or an instrumental audition.
MAL in Music Education
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in music (BA or BM) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and prior experience in working with children. The MAL requires a vocal or an instrumental audition.
For more information, please refer to the Graduate Applications page.
Program Requirements
MA in Music Education
Each student works closely with a faculty advisor to design a personalized plan of study. All students complete a final written project and oral examination that begins development in the earliest coursework and continues through the program.
- Plan A: Thesis
Students conduct original research, write a thesis (6 credit units), and orally defend the thesis document to the music education faculty. - Plan B: Comprehensive Exam
Students complete a comprehensive written exam (take-home and timed portions) and oral defense by week 10 of the final semester of coursework.
View program requirements in the General Bulletin.
MA for Licensure (MAL)
The MAL program spans six semesters and integrates graduate music education coursework with licensure requirements and student teaching. Students must complete a comprehensive oral exam (Plan B) by week 13 of the final semester of coursework, typically the semester before student teaching.
Additional requirements include:
- Piano proficiency (Basic Skills and Pedagogy requirement)
- Passing the Ohio Assessment for Educators exam
- Meeting state requirements, passing a criminal background check
- Eligibility to apply for an Ohio P–12 (transferable to other states)
View program requirements in the General Bulletin.
Additional Information
Teacher Education
Licensure programs are coordinated through Teacher Education (College of Arts and Sciences), the academic home for teacher preparation at CWRU.
Students pursuing teacher licensure in music education must follow the policies and requirements outlined in the Teacher Education Handbook: Teacher Licensure. This comprehensive guide provides essential information about the structure and expectations of the licensure process, including:
- Admission and retention requirements, such as GPA minimums, interviews, ePortfolio checkpoints, and field experiences
- Program outcomes aligned with Ohio’s Standards for the Teaching Profession (OSTP) and national InTASC standards
- Professional conduct expectations and good moral character requirements for state licensure
- Step-by-step guidance for student teaching, including application procedures, placement details, and responsibilities
- Information about required background checks and Ohio licensure exams
- The ePortfolio and edTPA performance assessments required for program completion and licensure recommendation
Students are expected to consult this handbook regularly to ensure they remain on track throughout the program and meet all necessary benchmarks for graduation and licensure.
View the Teacher Education Handbook
Graduate Policies, Music Handbook, and Advising
For graduate policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section in the General Bulletin.
Consult the Graduate Music Handbook for Department of Music policies, assistantships, expectations, deadlines, examinations, and support resources.
Additional advising tools and forms are available on the Current Graduate Students page.