Music Education M.S.
Program Rationale:
The Master of Science in Music Education degree program is designed to provide the certified music teacher with professional training beyond the baccalaureate degree in music education, performance, composition, music theory, music history, and education. Graduates are expected to meet the challenges presented by the philosophical, pedagogical, theoretical, and musical aspects of the field through the development of the analytic and critical skills required to solve contemporary problems in various aspects of music and music education.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Students in the program are expected to:
- demonstrate knowledge about different philosophies of music education and develop a philosophical foundation for careers;
- demonstrate knowledge about current issues and trends in music education and education;
- demonstrate an ability to organize, interpret, synthesize, and evaluate knowledge in music, music education, and education;
- demonstrate competence in aural, written, and communication skills and an ability to disseminate knowledge in a scholarly, coherent, and organized manner; and
- understand and evaluate research in music education and conduct research.
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Applicants must also have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 point scale (where A is 4.00), or its equivalent, and good standing (3.00 GPA) in all post-baccalaureate course work.
In addition to the requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, application to the Department of Music requires the following:
• An application to the Department of Music
• An essay*
• A portfolio*
• A theory examination**
• Evidence of proficiency in technology***
• A Personal Interview
*For essay and portfolio requirements, refer to the Music Department’s website or call the Coordinator of Graduate Studies, at (860) 832-3317.
**While this examination is primarily a placement examination, a low score could influence the decision about an applicant’s acceptance.
• For Spring admission you must complete the theory exam and interview in November
• For Summer admission you must complete the theory exam and interview in November
of the previous year, or January, or February of the matriculation year.
• For Fall admission you must complete the theory exam and interview by January,
February, or April.
Please refer to the Music department’s website to reserve a specific date for the interview/theory exam.
***If a candidate does not provide evidence of proficiency in technology (notation and sequencing), he/she will be required to take a notation or sequencing course as one of his/her electives (at least two credits).
The graduate application, application fee, and official transcripts are to be submitted to the Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Office. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Office from each institution attended except Central Connecticut State University.
Contact: 860-832-3317
Course and Capstone Requirements
The student in the M.S. in Music Education program must complete Plan B-Comprehensive Exam and either Plan A-Thesis or Plan C-Special Project, both of which total 33 credits. Students selecting Plan C may complete either MUS 597A or MUS 597B.
Professional Education:
One of the following:
| EDF 500 | Contemporary Educational Issues | 3 |
| EDF 516 | School and Society | 3 |
| EDF 524 | Foundations of Contemporary Theories of Curriculum | 3 |
| EDF 525 | History of American Education | 3 |
| EDF 538 | The Politics of Education | 3 |
| EDF 583 | Sociological Foundations of Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Music:
Students must:
Take the following core courses:
| MUS 470 | Musical Structureand Style | 3 |
| MUS 509 | Comparative Music Studies | 3 |
| MUS 504 | Principles and Foundations of Music Education | 3 |
| MUS 510 | Current Issues in Music Education | 3 |
| MUS 598 | Research in Music Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
One of the following:
| MUS 502 | Topics in Music Education | 1 TO 3 |
| MUS 503 | Topics in Instrumental Music Education | 1 TO 3 |
| MUS 505 | Topics in Pedagogy and Curriculum | 1 TO 3 |
| MUS 506 | Topics in Choral Music Education | 2 |
| MUS 512 | Topics in String Pedagogy | 2 |
| MUS 551 | Orff-Schulwerk Teacher Training Course Level I | 3 |
| MUS 506 | Topics in Choral Music Education | 2 |
| MUS 557 | Topics in General Music Education | 2 |
| MUS 559 | Topics in High School Music Curriculum | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 2 |
Take at least 4 credits from the following:
| MUS 501 | Topics in Music | 1 TO 3 |
| MUS 507 | Topics in Conducting | 1 TO 3 |
| MUS 508 | Topics in Choral Literature | 2 |
| MUS 515 | Topics in Digital Synthesizer Techniques | 2 |
| MUS 540 | Chamber Ensemble | 1 |
| MUS 578 | Advanced Applied Music or Conducting | 2 |
| MUS 579 | Topics in Improvisation | 2 |
| MUS 590 | Sinfonietta | 1 |
| MUS 591 | Chorus | 1 |
| MUS 592 | | |
| | Up to 6 credits in music education, music, or advisor-approved electives outside the discipline. | |
Culminating Project:
Plan B:
Comprehensive Exam: All students must take the Comprehensive Exam, as well as one of the other capstone options.
and one of the following:
Plan A:
Plan C:
| MUS 597B | Performance or Conducting Recital | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 33
Note: Students enrolled in the following courses will be assessed an Applied Music Fee - $200.00 for 1/2 hour lesson and $400.00 for full hour lesson (MUS 578). Contact the department for additional information.
Note: No more than six credits at the 400 level, as approved by the graduate advisor, may be counted toward the graduate planned program of study.