Music Education
The online Master of Music in Music Education program at Kent State University provides advanced training for music educators seeking to deepen their expertise and refine their teaching practices. This program explores music theory, instructional strategies, and contemporary issues in music education, empowering graduates to inspire and engage students of all levels. Designed for working educators, the program offers flexible learning that allows professionals to grow their skills and impact in music education.
Music Education Master’s Degree Program Overview
The Master of Music degree in Music Education is designed to offer teachers of choral, instrumental and general music the opportunity to develop and refine their professional skills. The degree program allows for enhancement and specialization relative to music teaching and learning in contemporary school contexts. The program is not intended to provide licensure and is constructed for those who have a music education background with the desire to improve the student and teacher experience in music classroom settings.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Develop and apply knowledge of foundational principles of music education (history, philosophy, sociology, psychology); research methods and practices; music technology; methods of music education in instrumental, choral and general music contexts; western music theory and history; and world music.
- Exhibit scholarly writing skills focusing on comprehensive knowledge of research methodology.
- Demonstrate reading, research, writing and critical-thinking skills related to contemporary music education contexts.
Program Structure
31 minimum total credit hours: 21 credits (7) MUS major requirement courses, 6 credits (2) MUS Pedagogy Specialization elective courses, 4 credits (1) culminating requirement course.
*With the capstone project, students complete a 12-week, individual research investigation comparable to a master’s thesis.
Accreditation
National Association of Schools of Music; National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Program FAQs
What items are required in my application?
Among the admission requirements of a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, an active U.S. teaching certificate or license, at least one year of full-time music teaching experience in a K 12 classroom environment completed before beginning coursework, and a resume, a goal statement and three letters of recommendation are also required.
The goal statement is an opportunity for the faculty reviewers to learn more about you and your goals. You can also share how this degree will help you obtain your goals. Be sure to submit your best writing. We want to see not only that you have great reasons for pursuing the degree but also that you can clearly articulate those reasons. You might consider having a colleague or advisor read over your goal statement before you submit it to make sure that you’ve communicated clearly. It would be especially helpful to have someone with a graduate degree look at it.
Three letters of recommendation are also required. Try to get letters from a diverse group of people. They should not all be from teacher colleagues. We are looking for two things from these letters: evidence of your effectiveness as a teacher and an assessment of your potential to succeed as a graduate student. Find people to write these letters who can provide information on one or both of those things.
After I submit my application, how quickly will I hear back?
It can take about two business weeks for application packets to be reviewed. Applications are reviewed by program faculty who understand your previous college and teaching experiences.
When can I start the Online Master of Music in Music Education?
You can start the program in the Fall (August), Spring (January), or Summer (May) semesters. Check the application deadline for each semester so you can start when you want to.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, there is an application fee of $45; however, if you attend an informational webinar, you can receive a waiver code. Sign up for a webinar.
Does this program qualify for financial aid?
Yes, our program qualifies for Financial Aid, and students can apply for the FAFSA at https://www.kent.edu/fbe-center/fafsa. Students must be enrolled in at least four credit hours to be eligible.
Kent State also offers payment plan options for the Fall and Spring semesters. As of now, summer is not an option. Click below to learn more about payment plan options: https://www.kent.edu/fbe-center/payment-options-overview.
Is the Master of Music in Music Education program 100% online?
Yes, the program is offered online, allowing students to complete their coursework from anywhere while balancing their professional and personal responsibilities. If the student is interested, the program does offer the opportunity to come to our campus in Ohio for intensive but optional summer courses.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The program can typically be completed in two years of full-time study. Part-time options are available for those who wish to progress at a more flexible pace.
What if I need additional support during this program?
You will have a dedicated academic advisor throughout your program. They will help you with selecting and enrolling in courses and working through any concerns that arise.
The faculty are committed to your success. A faculty coordinator will contact you regularly with program updates and helpful advice. The faculty who teach your classes will be either the full-time faculty at Kent State or adjunct faculty who we trust and who are located elsewhere. All faculty in the MMME program are experienced teachers and understand online learning.
What is the focus of the Master of Music in Music Education (M.M.) program at Kent State University?
The program is designed to enhance the teaching skills and leadership potential of music educators by providing advanced knowledge in curriculum development, instructional strategies, and music technology. It emphasizes practical applications of music pedagogy, advocacy, and research to help educators inspire and engage their students effectively.
Who should consider enrolling in this program?
This program is ideal for:
- Current K-12 music educators looking to advance their skills and career opportunities.
- Private music instructors seeking to expand their knowledge and teaching techniques.
- Aspiring music education leaders interested in curriculum development and advocacy.
- Music professionals looking to integrate new teaching methodologies and technology.
Do I need a teaching license to enroll?
No, a teaching license is not required for admission. However, the program is best suited for those with teaching experience or aspirations to work in educational settings. Please note that the music faculty will evaluate the entire set of submitted materials. Do not let a lack of a teaching license stop you from applying!
How does the online format benefit working professionals?
The online format offers:
- Flexible scheduling to fit around work and personal commitments.
- Asynchronous coursework, allowing students to study at their own pace.
- Immediate application of concepts to current teaching practices.
- Networking opportunities with educators from across the country.
Can I apply what I learn in my current teaching position?
Yes, the program is designed to provide practical, real-world applications that can be implemented in your classroom immediately, helping you enhance student engagement and instructional effectiveness.
What career opportunities are available after completing the program?
Graduates of the M.M. in Music Education program can pursue careers such as:
- Music program director or supervisor
- K-12 music teacher with advanced credentials
- College or university music instructor (with further certification)
- Arts administrator or community program coordinator
- Curriculum developer for music education programs
Music Education Master’s Degree Program Admissions Requirements
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
- Bachelor’s degree in music education from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s)
- Current and valid state teaching license earned from an accredited U.S. university program
- One year of full-time teaching completed before beginning coursework
- Résumé
- Goal Statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
- Minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 50 PTE score
- Minimum 100 DET score
1International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.
Program Courses
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| MUS 52131 | MUSIC OF THE UNITED STATES | 3 |
| MUS 61170 | MUSIC ANALYSIS | 3 |
| MUS 62171 | MUSIC FROM WORLD CULTURES | 3 |
| MUS 63241 | INQUIRY IN MUSIC TEACHING I | 3 |
| MUS 63242 | INQUIRY IN MUSIC TEACHING AND LEARNING II | 3 |
| MUS 67243 | TECHNOLOGY FOR MUSIC TEACHING | 3 |
| MUS 63274 | FOUNDATIONS OF MUSIC EDUCATION | 3 |
| Pedagogy Specialization Electives, choose from the following: | 6 | |
| MUS 63261 | ADVANCED STUDIES IN TEACHING CHORAL MUSIC | |
| MUS 63262 | ADVANCED STUDIES IN TEACHING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC | |
| MUS 63263 | ADVANCED STUDIES IN TEACHING GENERAL MUSIC | |
| Culminating Requirement | ||
| MUS 63099 | CAPSTONE PROJECT 1 | 4 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 31 | |
1With the capstone project, students complete a 12-week, individual research investigation comparable to a master’s thesis. Under the supervision of a capstone advisor, students synthesize knowledge through the development of a curricular project applicable to the student’s specific area of teaching. A prescribed description outlines requirements, goals, objectives, procedures and assessment. Activities include student reading-research-writing, preparation of a project outline and drafts, regular interaction with a research mentor and evaluation of conclusions for the final submission. The project’s goal is to support students to critically analyze and improve their own music teaching and learning skills in classroom settings. The project is reviewed and evaluated by a graduate committee of music education faculty.
Graduation Requirements
| Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
|---|---|
| - | 3.000 |
- No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
- Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Music Education Master’s Degree Program Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $655 | $1,965 | $20,300 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $665 | $1,995 | $20,600 |
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
*Out-of-state/International tuition includes a surcharge of $10 per credit hour for all students enrolled in an online program.
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Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
