WHAT COURSES WILL I TAKE?

The 30 credit Master of Music in Music Education includes required coursework in music, music education, and education, as well as a variety of elective options, all geared toward their contemporary application in the K-12 music classroom. At the conclusion of the degree, all students complete a major paper or project, guided by personal interest, expertise, and relevance. See below for a complete listing of courses in the program:

24 required credits – complete each of the following:

- 3 cr. MUSI 501: Analytical Techniques
- 3 cr. MUSI 502: Musicology
- 3 cr. MUSE 530: Music, Society, Education
- 3 cr. MUSE 531: Contemporary Issues in Music Education
- 3 cr. MUSE 532: Music Education Research
- 3 cr. EDCI 514: Mentoring New Teachers
- 6 cr. MUSE 575: Professional Paper/Project
 

6 elective credits - choose between 3-6 credits of music electives and 0-3 credits of education electives. Choose from the following:

- 1-2 cr. MUSI 595: Applied lessons; repeatable up to 6 cr.
- 3 cr. MUSI 540: Advanced conducting; repeatable up to 6 cr.
- 1-3 cr. MUSI 485: Composition; repeatable up to 6 cr.
- 1 cr. MUSI 548: Graduate ensemble; repeatable up to 6 cr.
- 3 cr. MUSE 542: Vocal Pedagogy
- 1 cr. MUSE 594: Seminar (Bandmasters); repeatable up to 6 cr.
- 1 cr. MUSE 594: Seminar (Choral Colloquium); repeatable up to 6 cr.
- 3 cr. MUST 544: Music Technology
- 3 cr. elective from Department of Education

WHEN ARE COURSES OFFERED?

You can search the MyInfo “Schedule of Classes” tool to see exact course offerings each semester; however, courses will generally be offered according to the following sequence:

- MUSI 501: Analytical Techniques; 3 cr., Summer 2022, then even Springs only
- MUSI 502: Musicology, 3 cr., odd Springs only
- MUSE 530: Music, Society, Education, 3 cr., even Summers only, starting Summer 2024
- MUSE 531: Contemporary Issues in Music Education, 3 cr., odd Summers only
- MUSE 532: Music Education Research, 3 cr., every Spring
- EDCI 514: Mentoring New Teachers, 3 cr., every Fall
- MUSE 575: Professional Paper/Project*, 3 cr., every Fall and Spring
- MUSE 575: Professional Paper/Project*, 3 cr. every Fall and Spring
- MUSI 595: Applied lessons, 1-2 cr., every Fall and Spring (arrange with instructor)
- MUSI 540: Advanced conducting, 3 cr., every Fall and Spring (arrange with instructor)
- MUSI 485: Composition, 1-3 cr., every Fall and Spring (arrange with instructor)
- MUSI 548: Graduate ensemble, 1 cr., every Fall and Spring (includes in-person component)
- MUSE 542: Vocal Pedagogy, 3 cr., odd Falls only
- MUSE 594: Seminar (Bandmasters), 1 cr., every Summer (includes in-person component)
- MUSE 594: Seminar (Choral Colloquium), 1 cr., every Summer (includes in-person component)
- MUST 544: Music Technology, 3 cr., even Summers only
- Elective from Department of Education, 3 cr., every Fall, Spring, and Summer

 

*Students enroll in MUSE 575 for two consecutive semesters during the 2nd half of their program (6 cr. total)

WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION DEADLINES?

All application materials are due:

  • April 15* for Summer or Fall enrollment
  • November 15* for Spring enrollment

*When materials are submitted after posted deadlines, applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

WHAT MATERIALS WILL I NEED FOR MY APPLICATION?

All prospective candidates will apply for the Master of Music in Music Education through the MSU Graduate School: You’ll need the following materials:

  • Online application and payment of a non-refundable application fee. The fee must be paid before the application will be processed. 
  • Transcripts from all universities attended, with degrees posted - All applicants must upload unofficial transcripts during this online application process, then later submit official transcripts. Candidates applying for admission to the MMME program must have completed a bachelor's degree in music education from a regionally accredited college or university, or completed a program leading to Teacher Certification in Music. Transcripts will be evaluated for rigor and academic fit. Current and previous students of MSU-Bozeman do not need to submit official transcripts. 
  • Grade point Average (GPA) - Official transcripts must document an undergraduate GPA (and post-baccalaureate GPA, if applicable) of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale).
  • Three (3) professional references - During the online process, applicants will be asked to provide information about their references. The electronic process will prompt each reference to submit a signed reference letter. All applicants to the MMME program must provide evidence of successful public school music teaching experience. Therefore, at least one of the three reference letters must come from an administrator or direct supervisor who has directly observed and evaluated the candidate’s teaching. This reference must be written on school, district, or program letterhead. Applicants who do not have a letter from a present supervisor must provide a written explanation identifying the specific reason(s) why they were unable to secure a letter of recommendation from their present supervisor. References from relatives are not acceptable.
  • Current resume/vita.
  • Written personal statement - Your written statement should be a maximum of 2 pages in length, typed, and double spaced. You will be required to upload your statement during this online application process. Your statement must address: 1) your personal strengths as an educator; 2) your professional goals for the future; 3) how you see the Master of Music in Music Education degree helping you achieve your goals; and 4) your ability to use technology to communicate professionally, produce high-quality products, and organize information.
  • International Applicants. In addition to the above, international applicants will be required to submit a variety of additional documentation including English proficiency scores. Please see the International application process page for further information.

Incomplete applications cannot be considered.

CAN I COMPLETE THE M.M. 100% ONLINE? WHAT IF I WANT TO COME TO CAMPUS?

Yes, the Master of Music in Music Education can be completed 100% online. Three elective courses have in-person components, these are MUSI 548: Graduate Ensemble, MUSE 594: Bandmasters Seminar, and MUSE 594: Choral Colloquium. All other courses are available 100% online. 

WHAT ARE THE TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE?

The MMME has specific requirements for technical competence and technical equipment. Because online courses at Montana State University are delivered via the Brightspace LE (D2L) learning management system, to ensure your computer meets the minimum requirements, please visit the automated System Check page. For more detailed information, visit the Platform Requirements for Brightspace page. Additionally, candidates must have the ability to use technology to communicate professionally, produce high-quality products, and organize information. Prospective graduate students must address these requirements as a portion of their required personal statement included in their Application for Graduate Admission. Any deficiencies must be corrected before students are accepted or enrolled.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

Montana State University online-only graduate tuition is very competitive for both in-state and out-of-state students. The tuition associated with the Master of Music in Music Education degree is the online graduate tuition and fee schedule. If you plan to graduate in two years, you will take 6 credits each for 4 semesters, and 3 credits each for 2 semesters (30 credits total). 

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?

At this time, the School of Music does not offer graduate teaching or research assistantships; however, please visit the Office of Financial Aid Services, and consider supplemental sources of funding and fellowship opportunities.

I DO NOT HAVE AN UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC EDUCATION DEGREE. HOW DO I GET CERTIFIED TO TEACH MUSIC?

The Master of Music in Music Education is designed for currently licensed teachers with public school music teaching experience. Montana State University does not offer a master’s degree leading to music licensure. If you hold bachelor’s degree and are seeking K-12 Music Licensure at MSU, you will need to complete all undergraduate music education requirements as an on-campus, post-baccalaureate student. Depending on your undergraduate coursework, you might need a total of 2-4 years of on-campus coursework, then a semester of student teaching. Requirements for the undergraduate music education program can be found in the MSU Catalog. If you are interested in applying as a post-baccalaureate student seeking music licensure, please see the MSU Department of Education's Post Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Program. Another option is to locate an undergraduate or master’s level online music education certification program from another state, then transfer your licensure to Montana.