MusM with a Major in Music Education

Applicants must submit the following:

  • Completed application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts.
  • Non-refundable application fee.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • An example of scholarly writing such as a published article or research paper used for undergraduate work.
  • Personal statement indicating the applicant’s purpose in pursuing graduate work, including career objectives.
  • Three (3) current letters of reference from music education scholars/leaders addressing your leadership abilities in music education and potential for success in graduate studies.
  • No audition is required.

Application materials deadline: January 15

Apply Online

Submit Application Materials To:

Office of Graduate Admissions
College of Fine Arts
855 Commonwealth Avenue
Room 230
Boston, MA 02215

Description

The MusM in Music Education is a professional degree with two possible sequences: initial licensure or professional licensure.   The Initial Licensure sequence prepares students for entry into a career teaching music in primary and secondary schools.  It is only available on campus.  The Professional Licensure sequence is designed for music teachers who already possess a teaching license or those who simply want to learn more about music education but don't desire licensure to teach in American primary and secondary schools.  It is available both on campus and online.  An overview of the MusM in Music Education is available for download.

Initial Licensure Sequence

This degree program is designed for students with undergraduate degrees in music with majors other than Music Education.  The applicant must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a major in music with a minimum of 32 credits in the music major. It is only available on campus.

Every student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 32 semester credits distributed as follows:

  • Music Education Major: 16 credits to include courses in foundations, research, and curriculum
  • Musicology and/or Music Theory: 6 credits
  • Practicum (student teaching): 8 credits
  • Licensure coursework (e.g. methods classes, secondary instruments): determined based on a review of the applicant's transcripts.
  • Curriculum project: final project developed at the completion of all coursework

This program is approved for Initial Licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.   Students from other states will need to check with their state education departments regarding requirements for licensure in their state.

Students who pursue this degree full-time typically take 2.5 years to complete it.

Program of Study

Professional Licensure Sequence

This program is designed for students who already possess a teaching license or simply want to learn more about music education but don't desire licensure to teach in American primary and secondary schools.  It is available both on campus and online.

Every student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 32 semester credits distributed as follows:

  • Music Education Major: 16 credits to include courses in foundations, research, and curriculum
  • Musicology and/or Music Theory: 6-8 credits
  • Approved Electives: 8-10 credits
  • Curriculum project: final project developed at the completion of all coursework

This program is approved for Professional Licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.   Students from other states will need to check with their state education departments regarding requirements for licensure in their state.

Students who pursue this degree full-time typically take 2 years to complete it.

Program of Study

Financial Aid

All accepted students are considered for all available scholarships and assistantships. There is no financial aid application. For more information regarding financial aid, please visit the financial aid link.

Students taking fewer than 12 credits are charged at half the normal tuition rate for music education graduate courses and School of Education graduate courses that meet after 4 p.m. or on weekends.

Other Master's Degrees for Music Educators

Master of Arts (MA) - offered by arrangement with the College of Arts and Sciences.  An overview of this program is available for download.

Master of Education (EdM) - offered by arrangement with the School of Education

For information on these programs, contact the Music Education Department at musiced@bu.edu.