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MA and MA for Licensure (MAL) in Music Education

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 K–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.

Start Your Application

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.

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 a Multi-Age License in Ohio (transferable to over 40 reciprocating states)

Find detailed program requirements, course distribution, decision points, and outcomes in the General Bulletin. 

View the General Bulletin

Teacher Education

Licensure programs at Case Western Reserve University are coordinated through Teacher Education (College of Arts and Sciences), the academic home for teacher preparation.

Students pursuing teacher licensure in music education must follow the policies and requirements outlined in the Teacher Education Handbook: Teacher Licensure, which provides comprehensive guidance and essential structure throughout the licensure process.

The handbook includes information on:

  • Admission and Retention Requirements: Details on GPA minimums, interviews, ePortfolio benchmarks, field experiences, and progression through Decision Points.
  • Program Outcomes: Aligned with Ohio’s Standards for the Teaching Profession (OSTP) and national InTASC standards, these outcomes define the competencies and expectations for teacher candidates.
  • Professional Conduct Expectations: Includes requirements for maintaining good moral character and ethical conduct in alignment with state licensure policies.
  • Student Teaching: Step-by-step guidance on applying for and for student teaching, including placement details, timelines, evaluation criteria, and required documentation.
  • Background Checks and Licensure Exams: Procedures for completing BCI and FBA background checks and registering for Ohio’s required licensure assessments (Ohio Assessments for Educators).
  • ePortfolio and edTPA: Information on digital portfolio development and submission of the edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment), both essential components of the licensure recommendation process.

Note: Students are expected to regularly consult the Teacher Education Handbook and maintain close communication with their advisors and the licensure coordinator to ensure timely progress toward program completion and licensure.

View the Teacher Education Handbook

Advising and Student Resources