COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Music Education requires a total of 30 units and is structured to prepare students for advanced professional practice in K–12 music education as well as community music settings, with additional preparation for academic research or further graduate study. The program includes 15 units of core courses, 9 units of specialized study, and a 6-unit culminating experience. Core courses include Methods of Music Research and Writing, which also fulfills the GWAR requirement, along with Seminars in Music History and Music Systems and Theory. Students then select two courses from Foundations of Music Education, Research in Music Education, or Directions and Issues in Music Education to strengthen their pedagogical and research foundations. The Area of Specialization accounts for 9 units and consists of graduate-level and approved elective coursework in a focused area chosen with advisor guidance, allowing students to deepen expertise in a specific aspect of music education or related musical study. The culminating experience consists of 6 units and may follow either Plan A or Plan B, both of which are supported by Written Culminating Exams that assess mastery of music history, theory, and specialization content. Plan A requires completion of a Master’s Thesis, while Plan B involves Supervised Graduate Study, both designed to demonstrate advanced scholarly or applied competence in music education. Overall, the program integrates research, pedagogy, and specialization to develop highly qualified music educators capable of leadership in educational and musical settings.