The Master of Arts with Licensure (MAL) in Music Education at Case Western Reserve University is a distinctive graduate program designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in music and wish to earn both a Master of Arts in Music Education and initial Ohio Multi-Age (K–12) teacher licensure. This six-semester program combines advanced graduate coursework with extensive field experiences and student teaching, preparing graduates to become thoughtful, reflective, and effective music educators who inspire learners across diverse educational settings.
Key Aspects
Where Musicianship & Scholarship Meet Practice
- Integrated Curriculum
Study music teaching and learning through philosophical, historical, theoretical, and research-based perspectives while developing practical skills for today's classrooms. - Dual Credential Pathway
Earn a Master of Arts in Music Education while completing all requirements for initial Ohio Multi-Age (K–12) Music Licensure. - Extensive Field Experience
Apply what you learn through supervised field placements and student teaching in a variety of school settings. - Career Preparation
Graduate with the knowledge, confidence, and professional experience to teach music across K–12 settings and inspire learners in diverse communities.
Admission
Applicants with strong academic records from fully accredited colleges and universities are encouraged to apply through the School of Graduate Studies.
MAL in Music Education
Applicants must have:
- An undergraduate degree in music (BA or BM)
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Prior experience working with children
- A successful interview and vocal or 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.
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
- Meeting state requirements and 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.
Teacher Education
Licensure programs at Case Western Reserve University are coordinated through Teacher Education Program, which serves as the academic home for educator preparation.
Students pursuing teacher licensure in music education must follow the policies and requirements outlined in the Teacher Education Handbook, which provides guidance throughout the licensure process.
The handbook includes information on:
- Admission & Retention Requirements
GPA standards, interviews, ePortfolio benchmarks, field experiences, and progression through key program milestones. - Program Outcomes
Competencies aligned with Ohio's Standards for the Teaching Profession (OSTP) and Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards. - Professional Conduct
Expectations for ethical behavior, professionalism, and good moral character required for teacher licensure. - Student Teaching
Application procedures, placement processes, timelines, evaluation criteria, responsibilities, and required documentation. - Background Checks & Licensure Assessments
Requirements for BCI and FBI background checks and the Ohio Assessments for Educator (OAE). - ePortfolio & Performance Assessment
Development of a professional teaching ePortfolio and completion of the edTPA performance assessment as part of the licensure process.
Note: Students are expected to consult the Teacher Education Handbook regularly and work closely with their academic advisor and the Coordinator of Undergraduate & Graduate Studies in Music Education to ensure timely progress toward degree completion and Ohio teacher licensure.