COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Music Education (BME) in Special Music Education at Wichita State University is a 120-credit-hour professional degree designed to prepare students for teaching music in inclusive and special education settings, combining advanced musical training with education-focused coursework and extensive applied learning experiences. Students begin with general education requirements and a strong foundation in applied music, including 14 credit hours in a primary performance medium and 4 credit hours in class piano or secondary performance study through sequential piano courses (MUSA 113P–116P). The program builds core musical literacy through MUSC 127 Musicianship I, MUSC 128 Musicianship II, MUSC 129 Aural Skills I, MUSC 130 Aural Skills II, MUSC 229 Aural Skills III, and MUSC 113 Introduction to Music Studies and Professional Skills. Students also complete theory and composition electives in areas such as jazz improvisation, post-tonal music, composition, counterpoint, and music technology to broaden analytical and creative skills. The special music education curriculum includes courses such as MUSE 231 Scaffolding Musical Understanding, MUSC 336 Survey of the Western Musical Canon, MUSC 523 Form and Analysis, and MUSC 641 Orchestration, along with conducting requirements through either instrumental or choral tracks. Ensemble participation is a major component, requiring seven credit hours of performance experience, along with recital attendance and a senior recital demonstrating professional musicianship. Students also complete focused electives, including practicum experiences, pedagogy options (voice, piano, or instrumental), and methods courses tailored to special education music instruction. The education sequence includes MUSE 171, MUSE 271, MUSE 311, MUSE 611, MUSE 617, and methods courses such as MUSE 303, MUSE 309, and MUSE 305, followed by intensive teaching internships in both elementary and secondary settings through MUSE 453 and MUSE 469, supported by a capstone requirement. Additional coursework in rehearsal methods and diversity ensures graduates are prepared for inclusive, real-world classroom environments.