Master of Music in Music Education

This program is for educators who hold Rank II certification, or Rank III and wish to obtain a master's degree.

Teachers in Kentucky must obtain Rank II certification within 10 years of completing their bachelor's degrees. The program is state-approved for this purpose, but doesn't certify students for public school teaching unless Rank III certification was already earned. The degree also prepares non-certified musicians with bachelor's degrees for further studies in college-level teaching.

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Course Requirements

Master of Music in Music Education Degree Plan

Music Education - 15 Credit Hours

• MUS 540 History & Philosophy of Music Education 3 hrs
• MUS 544 Methods of Research in Music 3 hrs
• Choose one:
  • MUS 545 Instrumental Methods and Literature 3 hrs
  • MUS 546 Choral Methods and Literature 3 hrs
• Choose two:
  • MUS 640 Psychology of Music 3 hrs
  • MUS 590 Independent Study in Research 3 hrs
  • MUS 547 Current Methodologies and Assessment 3 hrs
  • ED 610 Curriculum Theory 3 hrs

Music - 12 Credit Hours

• MUS 501 Survey of Music Theory 3 hrs
• Applied Music 2 hrs
• Ensemble Participation 1 hr
• Choose one:
  • MUS 520 Music in the Classic Period 3 hrs
  • MUS 521 Music in the 19th Century
  • MUS 522 Music in the 20th Century 3 hrs
  • MUS 523 Music in the United States 3 hrs
  • MUS 524 Music in World Cultures 3 hrs
• Choose 3 hrs from the following:
  • MUS 542 Research in Voice Science 3 hrs
  • MUS 543 Advanced Conducting 3 hrs
  • MUS 643 Advanced Conducting II 2 hrs
  • Applied Music 2 hrs
  • MUS 691 Graduate Recital 1 hr
  • Ensemble Participation 1 hr

Professional Education- 3 Credit Hours

• ED 640 Supervision of Instruction 3 hrs

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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.