Program Overview

Music Education MMEd

The Music Education MMEd program is designed for individuals who are currently teaching or involved in the professional world and want to earn their Master's in Music Education. This convenient and affordable online degree gives students the tools to improve their teaching techniques and offers the opportunity to address relevant topics in music education today.

Program-at-a-Glance (Graduate)

• Credit Hours: Total Hours - 30
• Cost per Credit Hour: $578.12
• Completion Time: 1-3 years (pending hours enrolled)
• Accreditation: NASM
• Special Requirements: Bachelor's degree in music education or an equivalent program that included student teaching and state licensure.

What can you do with a Master's in Music Education?

A Music Education MMEd gives students an advanced knowledge in pedagogy, curriculum development, and music theory, enabling them to make significant contributions to music education at various levels and in diverse settings.

Course Requirements

Undergraduate Prerequisite

• Completion of a bachelor's degree in music education at The University of Southern Mississippi or an equivalent program that included student teaching and state licensure.

Structure

• The Distance program can be completed in 18 to 24 months, taking 2 to 3 courses online during the fall and spring, and 3 to 4 courses during the summer.
• Some courses require a two-week intensive residency occurring at the end of June.

Special Examinations

• Students applying for the distance program must submit an example of writing (any research or report written in the last year or a 3 to 5-page literature review on a music education topic of choice) along with a cover letter requesting admission to the distance program.
• At least 18 hours of coursework must be at the 600 level or higher.
• A 3.0 GPA is required for graduation.
• To meet graduation requirements, no grade below a "C" is acceptable in any coursework attempted.
• No more than two (2) grades of "C+" or "C" across six (6) credit hours is allowable in any coursework attempted.

Course Details

• History and Philosophy of Music Education - 3 hrs.
• Select 1 course:
  • Educational Research: Interpretation and Applications - 3 hrs.
  • Introduction to Research in Music Education - 3 hrs.
• Select 1 course:
  • Developing a Student-Centered Curriculum - 3 hrs.
  • Curriculum Development in Music Education
• 15 semester hours (MED) Electives
• Music History Electives MUS 630 (may be required)
• Music Theory Electives MUS 620 (may be required)

Additional Note

Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin. Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.

Admission Requirements

• Acceptance into the master's degree programs of the School of Music requires expectations beyond those in the Graduate Bulletin.
• Admission to graduate study does not imply admission to candidacy for a master's degree.
• A maximum of nine (9) hours of graduate work earned before one has gained admission to the School of Music can be applied toward a master's degree.
• Members of all underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Students seeking regular admission to master's level programs at The University of Southern Mississippi must:
  • Hold a music degree or minor in the undergraduate degree.
  • Have a "B" average or better in music courses in the undergraduate degree.
  • Have a grade point average of at least 2.75 (A = 4.0) on the last two years of undergraduate study.
  • A sample of formal, academic writing to include citations.
  • Submit at least three strong letters of recommendation and/or undergo a successful personal interview.
  • Statement of Purpose

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

Diagnostic Examinations

• With the exception of the online Master of Music Education degree, all entering master's students for the Master of Music Education (MME) are required to take a Diagnostic Entrance Examination in music theory and in music history & literature.
• The purposes of this examination are 1) to determine whether the student has foundation-level deficiencies that need to be addressed in order for her/him to be successful in graduate courses and on the comprehensive examination; and 2) to provide information that will guide the student and his/her advisor in selecting useful and appropriate academic courses.

Advisory Committee

• By the end of the first term (semester) of full-time residence, the student and the major professor select those faculty who will serve as the student's Advisory Committee.
• Master's committees must include three members: 1) the major professor, 2) another professor from the major area, 3) a representative from Music Theory or Music History.

Comprehensive Exam

• A written comprehensive exam is required.
• The test will be prepared and graded by the student's Graduate Advisory Committee; it will cover the area of the major field.
• Master's comprehensive exams dates will be posted by the Coordinator of Graduate Studies in the summer of the ensuing Academic Year.

Accreditation

The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools of Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Additionally, the online Music Education degree is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).