COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Music Education program at The University of Southern Mississippi offers comprehensive graduate training through Traditional, Distance (online), and Track II Licensure pathways for students pursuing advanced careers in music education. Admission requires applicants to hold an undergraduate music degree or minor, maintain at least a 2.75 GPA in the final two years of undergraduate study, and achieve a “B” average in music courses. Students must also submit academic writing samples with citations, a statement of purpose, strong recommendation letters or complete an interview, and provide GRE scores for both regular and conditional admission. Diagnostic entrance exams in music theory and music history are required for most on-campus students to identify academic deficiencies, while online students complete required review courses through MUS 620X and MUS 630X. Students who do not pass the diagnostic exams must complete prerequisite coursework with at least a “B-” grade before advancing. Each student forms a three-member advisory committee consisting of a major professor, another faculty member from the major area, and a representative from music theory or history. The program also includes special problem courses requiring approval, extensive independent work, and faculty evaluation. A written comprehensive examination covering the major field is mandatory, and students may retake it once if unsuccessful. The Traditional and Distance tracks require 30 credit hours with at least 18 hours at the 600 level or above, including coursework in educational research, curriculum development, music education philosophy, electives, music history, theory, and ensemble participation. The online Distance program is structured for completion within 18–24 months and may include summer residency sessions. The Track II Licensure pathway is more intensive, requiring 51–54 credit hours, Praxis exams, technology assessments, piano proficiency, supervised teaching placements, conducting, instrumental or choral techniques, student teaching, and licensure preparation. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for graduation across all tracks, and grades below “C” are not accepted.