Master of Music

Program Description

The Schwob School of Music offers two options for students seeking a Master of Music in Music Education degree: Pre-certification MM in Music Education and Summers-Only (Post-certification) MM in Music Education.

The Pre-Certification MM in Music Education degree program is designed for students who have an undergraduate music degree other than music education (Performance or Bachelor of Arts in Music) who wish to obtain a teaching license. This degree requires 31 hours of coursework at the undergraduate level in addition to the graduate requirements. A semester of full-time student teaching is also required. This degree will require enrollment during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Career Opportunities

The MM in Music Education degree is designed for music teachers wishing to improve their practice or for students seeking to complete doctoral-level work in music education in the future.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements for the Pre-certification Master of Music in Music Education

• Acceptance to the CSU Graduate School
• A completed undergraduate degree in Music (Performance or BA) from an accredited institution
• A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5
• Three letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s professional accomplishments and potential for successful graduate study
• A Personal Statement written by the applicant that addresses the applicant’s professional aspirations, why the applicant is pursuing a master’s degree in music education, and how study at the Schwob School of Music/Columbus State University will assist the applicant in achieving his/her professional goals
• A videotaped example of the candidate demonstrating musical achievement. This could be a video of the candidate performing on an instrument or voice or a teaching episode.
• Students seeking to study applied music (private lessons) must be admitted into the applied studio through an audition with the appropriate applied instructor.
• A successful interview with CSU Music Education faculty.
• The GRE is NOT required for the Master of Music in Music Education.

For a detailed admissions checklist, click here.

Summers-Only (Post-certification) Master of Music in Music Education

The Summers-Only MM in Music Education degree program is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in music education, a permanent teaching license, and at least one year of teaching experience. This program allows working teachers to maintain employment while obtaining a graduate degree in three summers.

Admission Requirements forSummers-Only (Post-certification) Master of Music in Music Education

• Acceptance to the CSU Graduate School
• A completed undergraduate degree in Music Education from an accredited institution
• A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5
• Valid teacher certification from a state board of education/licensing body
• At least one (1) year of full-time public or private school teaching by the time the applicant begins graduate coursework
• Three letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s professional accomplishments and potential for successful graduate study:
• one letter from the undergraduate institution or someone who has seen the candidate's academic work
• one letter from a colleague who has seen the candidate in a professional teaching or academic capacity
• one letter from a principal/administrator/fine arts coordinator who knows the applicant
• A Personal Statement written by the applicant that addresses the applicant’s professional aspirations, why the applicant is pursuing a master’s degree in music education, and how study at the Schwob School of Music/Columbus State University will assist the applicant in achieving his/her professional goals
• A videotaped example of the candidate teaching music in a classroom
• A successful interview with CSU Music Education faculty.

For a detailed admissions checklist, click here.

Proficiency Requirements

Both degree options require acceptable scores on two (2) of the four (4) proficiency examinations (written theory (2), aural skills, and music history) for admittance into the program; after a student is admitted, enrollment in remedial courses will be required for any remaining scores that fall below the acceptable level.  For more information

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstration of advanced competencies in music education.

• Knowledge and skills in  one or more fields of music outside the major such as performance, conducting, theory and analysis, and history and literature.  

• Acquisition of graduate-level perspectives on contemporary issues and problems in music education, which may include curriculum developments, teaching methodology, innovations, and multidisciplinary concepts.

• Ability to synthesize knowledge and skills in a substantial project that contributes to research in the field.

Additional Program Requirements

The MM program in music education is planned and delivered by the College of Arts in collaboration with the College of Education and Health Professions.  It is designed for those who currently hold a baccalaureate degree and teacher certification.  The program builds on this foundation of knowledge and provides greater breadth and depth in content and opportunities to develop a higher level of expertise in teaching.

Program of Study

Pre-certification Coursework
Students with an undergraduate music major in an area other than music education must complete the following 31 semester hours of course work prior to enrolling in courses at the 5000 level or above:
MUSE 4206 Secondary School Choral Methods
MUSE 4207 Secondary School Instrumental Methods
*Course taken during the student teaching semester

Area 1: Music Education Required Hours: 15
†MUSE 6116 Introduction to Research in Music Education
†MUSE 6115 History and Philosophy of Music Education
†MUSE 6718 Psychology of Music Teaching
†MUSE 6717 Curriculum Development in Music Education
Choose one of the following courses (3 hours):
MUSE 6998 Thesis Research
or
MUSE 6999 Comprehensive Examination

Total Hours Required: 32