The Master of Arts (MA) in Music Education is designed for licensed music educators who hold a bachelor's degree in music education and have at least one year of successful classroom teaching experience. This program supports advanced academic study, professional growth, and continued development as a practitioner and educational leader.
Key Aspects
- Comprehensive Curriculum
Explore philosophical, historical, theoretical, and research-based perspectives on music teaching and learning while strengthening practical approaches to curriculum, instruction, and assessment. - Two Degree Completion Options
Choose between a thesis (Plan A) or a comprehensive examination (Plan B) to complete the degree. - Flexible Timeline
Complete the program full time in two years (9 credit units per semester), or pursue the degree part time over a period of up to five years (3 credit units per semester) while balancing professional responsibilities.
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.
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.
Program Requirements
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.
Find detailed program requirements, course distribution, decision points, and outcomes in the General Bulletin.