At the Boston University School of Music, we proudly offer three online music education programs designed for working educators. Whether you’re local, living in Boston, or across the world, we promise you an online degree from BU will be a valuable asset to your scholarly toolkit, providing you with the skills needed to further your career.
The first step in applying is to contact our team by completing this learn more form, reaching out with questions via e-mail to cfaapply@bu.edu, or starting a BU CFA Graduate Application.
We’ll be in touch soon. In the meantime, we invite you to explore below for more information about application requirements.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Online Master of Music in Music Education
App Requirements
- Completed application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts. (Please follow instructions within the online application for submitting materials electronically by upload or mailing hardcopy.)
- Non-refundable application fee of $95.
- Two (2) current recommendations from immediate supervisors, music teachers, mentors, and/or undergraduate faculty addressing your leadership abilities in music education and potential for success in graduate studies. (Submitted electronically by referee.)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. (Electronic transcripts are preferred, must be sent to cfaapply@bu.edu.)
- Personal statement (1–2 pages) describing your purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU. (Upload)
- Current Resume. (Upload)
- An example of scholarly writing such as a research paper used for undergraduate work. (Upload)
- Please click here for English proficiency requirements.
- Please download an admissions worksheet to help keep track of your application pieces.
Non-Licensure Program: This program is designed for applicants who already possess a teaching license or simply want to learn more about music education, but do not desire licensure to teach in American primary and secondary schools.
Qualities of a Competitive Applicant
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree in Music or Music Education from a regionally accredited college or university
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Current or recent classroom teaching experience
- Complete application requirements
Transfer Credits
An admitted student may petition to transfer up to 8 graduate credits (taken within the last 5 years) from a regionally accredited college or university. Faculty review the petition, transcripts, and syllabi to determine if the coursework is equivalent to courses offered at BU. Transfer credit analysis is done for students only after they are admitted.
Online Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study Music Education
App Requirements
- Completed application for graduate admission to the College of Fine Arts. (Please follow instructions within the online application for submitting materials electronically by upload or mailing hardcopy.)
- Non-refundable application fee of $95.
- Two (2) current recommendations from immediate supervisors, music teachers, mentors, and/or undergraduate faculty addressing your leadership abilities in music education and potential for success in graduate studies. (Submitted electronically by referee.)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. (Electronic transcripts are preferred, must be sent to cfaapply@bu.edu.)
- Personal statement (1–2 pages) describing your purpose in pursuing graduate work, career objectives, and particular interest in BU. (Upload)
- Current Resume. (Upload)
- An example of scholarly writing such as a research paper used for undergraduate work. (Upload)
- Applicants must hold a Master of Music in Music Education or equivalent.
- Please click here for English proficiency requirements.
- Please download an admissions worksheet to help keep track of your application pieces.
Important note: The CAGS is not a pathway to the Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education at Boston University. It is a terminal certificate from our institution.
Qualities of a Competitive Applicant
- Completion of a master’s degree in Music Education or equivalent
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Current or recent classroom music teaching experience
- Complete application requirements
Transfer Credits
An admitted student may petition to transfer up to 8 graduate credits (taken within the last 5 years) from a regionally accredited college or university. Faculty review the petition, transcripts, and syllabi to determine if the coursework is equivalent to courses offered at BU. Transfer credit analysis is done for students only after they are admitted.
Online Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education
App Requirements
The submission deadline to be considered for Fall 2024 admission is January 10, 2024. The application opens September 1, 2023.
Qualities of a Competitive Applicant
- Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music or Music Education from regionally accredited institutions
- At least 3 years of music teaching experience at the primary, secondary, or university level
- Leadership through activities such as designing curriculum, mentoring new teachers, serving on executive boards of professional organizations, and publishing articles
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Complete application requirements
Transfer Credits
An admitted student may petition to transfer up to 16 graduate credits (taken within the last 5 years) from a regionally accredited college or university. Faculty review the petition, transcripts, and syllabi to determine if the coursework is equivalent to courses offered at BU. Transfer credit analysis is done for students only after they are admitted.
Tuition Deposit
If admitted to the Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education online program, a non-refundable deposit of $400 will be required to secure your spot. This deposit will be applied to your tuition in the first semester of your program. If this payment will be a financial hardship, please contact cfaapply@bu.edu to petition for assistance.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
MM & CAGS in Music Education Online Programs
School of Music admits six times per year (Spring I, Summer I, Summer II, Fall I) for MM & CAGS in Music Education online programs. Each online session lasts 7 weeks, which allows you to complete two courses in a traditional 14-week semester. Most students complete their master’s degree or certificate of advanced graduate study in less than two years.
Term |
Application Deadline |
Classes Start Date |
Spring I 2023 |
November 9, 2022 |
January 17, 2023 |
Spring II 2023 |
January 18, 2023 |
March 14, 2023 |
Summer I 2023 |
March 15, 2023 |
May 9, 2023 |
Summer II 2023 |
May 10, 2023 |
July 5, 2023 |
Fall I 2023 |
July 12, 2023 |
September 5, 2023 |
Fall II 2023 |
September 6, 2023 |
October 31, 2023 |
Spring I 2024 |
November 8, 2023 |
January 16, 2024 |
Spring II 2024 |
January 17, 2024 |
March 12, 2024 |
DMA in Music Education Online Program
BU admits one class per year for coursework starting each Fall for the DMA online program. Students take four credits each 7-week session and enroll in one course at a time.
Term |
Application Deadline |
Classes Start Date |
Fall 2023 |
January 11, 2023 |
September 5, 2023 |
Fall 2024 |
January 10, 2024 (app opens September 1, 2023) |
September 3, 2024 |