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Master of Music in Church Music

Master of Music in Church Music
Course Requirements
Admission to the Program
About the Graduate Program (School of Music)

Master of Music in Church Music

The Master of Music in Church Music degree program provides music study for students who wish to prepare for careers in church music ministry. Increasingly, churches expect musicians to have completed significant study in church music beyond the bachelor’s level as a prerequisite for service in professional music ministry positions. The School of Music is in a strategic position to respond to the needs of churches both within the Baptist denomination and of other affiliations by nurturing church musicians who are thoroughly prepared to meet the challenges of ministry through music. This degree has plan approval from the National Association of Schools of Music.

Campbellsville University is the only private college or university in Kentucky to offer the Master of Music in Church Music degree program.

All the courses offered in the Master of Music in Church Music curriculum are designed to go beyond the scope of courses in the undergraduate music student's experience. Graduate music students must complete coursework in foundational studies, methods and literature, and research seminar, while participating in applied music instruction and ensembles. The broad spectrum of this coursework helps to ensure that there is a fusion of musical and intellectual skills in students who understand the biblical, theological, and historical background as well as the practical concerns of church music ministry in the contemporary church.

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Course Requirements

1. The program consists of completing successfully 15 semester hours of church music courses, 9 semesters hours of music studies, and 6 hours of culminating project.

2. Each student must pass an entrance examination in music theory, music history and literature. Less than passing scores require enrollment in remedial classes.

3. No D grades and no more than 3 hours of C grades will count toward degree completion; no grade below B- will be allowed for applied study; the candidate must also have an overall 3.0 grade-point average for graduation.

4. A maximum of 12 semesters hours of graduate credit (excluding applied credit) may be transferred from other accredited graduate institutions if those credits match the course requirements of the graduate program. Approval of transfer credits will result from an examination of the transcript (accompanied by appropriate documentation) by the Graduate Music Admissions Committee.

5. A maximum of 6 hours may be taken by appointment.

6. Students will complete as a culminating project either a graduate recital or a master's thesis.

The degree program is designed so that it is possible to complete the requirements in a two-year period. In any case, the degree candidate must complete all requirements within an eight-year period from the time of completion of the first applicable course.

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Admission to the Program

  1. Admission to Graduate Studies
  2. A bachelor's degree in music, or permission from the Graduate Music Admissions Committee. A valid teachers' certificate if entering the music education program.
  3. Passing scores on the PRAXIS exam or the GRE (minimum score of 850).
  4. Two letters of recommendation, including one from an individual who can speak to the applicant's academic and/or professional capabilities and potential.
  5. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work from accredited institutions, confirming a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale overall. This includes professional education courses, if applicable, and the applicant's undergraduate major or academic emphasis.
  6. Completed application form, including an essay that discusses the applicant's interest in and commitment to graduate study.
  7. A recent recital or audition tape demonstrating performance skill.
  8. Applicants must pass an entrance examination in music theory, music history and literature, and demonstrate keyboard, voice, and conducting skills, or take appropriate steps to remediate any deficiencies.

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About the Graduate Programs of the School of Music

The Graduate Programs of the School of Music develop professional competence and productive scholarship in its students. The programs of study lead to a broad acquaintance with historical and contemporary states of learning, preparing students to make contributions to the advancement of their respective fields.

All School of Music graduate degree programs have been approved by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Council on Post-Secondary Education, and the Kentucky Department of Education.