The Bachelor of Science in Music Education (BS) is a professional degree designed for students passionate about teaching music. This fully accredited program combines a rigorous curriculum with extensive hands-on teaching experiences to prepare you for a career as a skilled music educator. Graduates are eligible for the multi-age license in Ohio and over 40 reciprocating states.
We offer both full and partial scholarships for incoming undergraduate music education students.
Program Highlights
- Expert Faculty: Learn from seasoned music education professionals specializing in choral, general, and instrumental music. Our faculty are committed to supporting your growth as a future music educator.
- Experiential Learning: Gain practical experience through hands-on learning grounded in current research and best practices, ensuring you are well-prepared for real classroom environments.
- Early Fieldwork: Start your teaching journey from your very first courses, with continuous fieldwork opportunities throughout the program.
- Performance Opportunities: Enrich your musical experience by performing with exceptional ensembles, including orchestra, band, choir, early music, jazz, and popular music.
- Broad Education Experience: Enjoy a well-rounded education by exploring liberal arts subjects (humanities, literature, history, social sciences, foreign languages) alongside conservatory-level instruction in performance and music theory through our Joint Music Program with the Cleveland Institute of Music.
- NAfME Collegiate Chapter: Join an active student-led chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Collegiate, dedicated to your professional development as a future music educator.
- State-of-the-Art Resources: Benefit from advanced technology and a dedicated music education resource center to enhance your learning experience.
- Accredited Program: Earn your music education degree from a program approved by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), ensuring your education meets the highest standards.
Admission
Ready to shape the future of music education? Start your application today!
To apply for the BS in Music Education, submit the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir, along with the Music Arts Supplement, which includes a digital questionnaire and a video audition on your primary instrument or voice. A live interview and perfrmanace audition are also required.
For more details on the admission and audition process, please visit the Undergraduate Applications section.
Program Requirements
The BS in Music Education requires 127 credit units—108 credits in music, music education, psychology, and professional education, and 19 units in College of Arts and Sciences requirements. The program is designed to meet the Ohio Department of Education's requirements, preparing you for state-mandated teacher exams (Ohio Assessments for Educators) and teacher licensure. Graduates are eligible for the Multi-Age License in Music in Ohio and over 40 reciprocating states.
Find detailed program requirements, course distribution, and a sample plan of study in the General Bulletin.
Teacher Education and Departmental Honors
Teacher Education is administered through the College of Arts and Sciences, which houses the department and programs preparing students for teaching careers. Music education majors with a GPA of 3.75 or above and high scores on their Teacher Work Sample (TWS) may earn Department Honors by a vote of the music education faculty.
Additional information about the teacher licensure program for music education and departmental honors can be found in the General Bulletin.
Music Handbook and Advising
Current undergraduate music majors should review departmental policies and procedures in the Undergraduate Music Handbook and use the Advising Forms to track academic progress in all course requirements.
Additional resources and forms are available on the Current Undergraduate Music Majors page.