Master of Arts in Music Education (M.A.)
(Resident and Online Music Degree Options)
Purpose
The Master of Arts in Music Education provides advanced training for the music educator. The 39-hour graduate degree program is designed to provide four essentials needed for successful development of music education: Foundational Studies (9 hours); Concentration: Music Studies, Conducting, or Performance (18 hours); Music Education Studies (9 hours); and Research (3 hours).
The degree is designed to meet the needs of four distinct groups:
- Those currently working in the profession as music educators. Many states require that public and private school teachers continue to develop themselves educationally, and this often involves pursuing advanced degrees.
- Students currently completing their B.M., B.A., or B.S. in Music, B.M. in Music Performance, B.M. in Music with a Teacher Licensure, or B.M. in Music Education, who desire to continue their studies, better preparing them for the job market. The M.A. in Music Education also establishes academic credentials for those teaching on the primary, secondary, or college level.
- Teachers employed in public or private schools looking for educational alternatives that allow them to remain active in their current career. These teachers are often required to fulfill mandates for continuing education for the purpose of remaining current in the discipline, but are concerned about the realities of resigning from their job and relocating to an on-campus program of study.
- Students desiring to complete a Ph.D. in Music. The M.A. in Music Education allows students who have a B.M., B.S., or B.A. in other music disciplines (performance, worship, commercial music, songwriting, etc.) to be prepared to enter a Ph.D. program for Music Education.
The M.A. in Music Education helps students evaluate historical, philosophical, and methodological issues related to music education through a grid rooted in and formulated by a Christian worldview; and, demonstrates the “mission-centered integration of teaching and research.” Further, this degree program is designed to prepare students as scholars in the field of Music Education.
Concentration Options
Three concentration options are available for the MA in Music Education: Music Studies, Conducting, or Performance. The Music Studies Concentration is available for resident and on-line students. This concentration focuses on the broad application of music to the teaching profession.
The Conducting and Performance Concentrations are available for resident graduate students only. The Conducting concentration develops skills for leading ensembles while the Performance concentration develops skills for applied music using voice or instrument.
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Synthesize Christian worldview with a music education philosophy and methodology.
- Create strategies for music education through curricular design or research.
- Evaluate literature of the discipline and theories of music education for application to professional practices in the classroom.
Conducting Concentration
- The student will be able to direct a music ensemble using effective rehearsal strategies and advanced conducting competency.
Music Studies Concentration
- The student will be able to analyze, arrange, and conduct diverse musical styles.
Performance Concentration
- The student will be able to play an instrument or sing at an advanced skill level in solo or ensemble context.
Program Specific Admission Procedures
In addition to the general admission procedures, applicants to the Master of Arts in Music Education must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of an earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education e.g., SACSCOC, TRACS, ABHE, etc.) in one of the following areas: B.A./ B.S./B.M. in Music Education; Bachelor of Music Education; Bachelor of Music; B.A./ B.S. in Worship Studies; B.A./ B.S. in Music and Worship; or equivalent in music, music education, or music and worship.
- An undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be considered for enrollment in the program on a cautionary basis. The cautionary range will begin at a GPA of 2.5 through 2.99.
- TOEFL Scores for students who speak English as a second language (score of 600 paper –based test; 250 computer-based test, 80 internet-based test).
Transfer Credit
Transfer students will be required to submit transcripts for evaluation as per the normal process established by the University. Students may transfer up to 18 hours of coursework from an accredited institution. In order to be eligible for transfer, course work must have a minimum grade of B-, and must have been completed within the past 10 years. Credits from a prior degree on the same academic level earned through Liberty University are considered transfer credits.