Master of Music in Music Education
The M.M. music education degree is designed to cultivate continued development of professional competence beyond the baccalaureate degree. High levels of musicianship and pedagogical expertise are integrated into a comprehensive program of study. Unique to the degree in music education are four degree options that enable students to pursue individual interests and talents. At the core of each of the 30-hour degree option is coursework that immerses students in the foundations and research of music education, performance studies, music history, and music theory. To complete the degree, students can select from the following four options of coursework and culminating projects:
- Field Study Option: This degree option emphasizes teaching and includes opportunities to integrate performance studies and research, with a school-based field study that demonstrates application of knowledge and skills from graduate study as a culminating project.
- Recital Option: This degree option emphasizes performance studies and includes opportunities to integrate research and teaching with a representative public recital that demonstrates advanced performance competence as a culminating project.
- Thesis Option: This degree option emphasizes research and includes opportunities to integrate performance and teaching with an original thesis that demonstrates advanced research and writing competence as a culminating project.
- Certification Option: This degree option is designed for persons who obtained an undergraduate degree in music other than music education. Coursework (including student teaching) leads to a professional certificate (K-12 music, West Virginia) and is combined with a Master’s degree in music education, with the generation of a professional portfolio as a culminating project. Students begin the program with a series of undergraduate courses that are necessary for certification.
Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education
The Doctor of Philosophy curriculum in music education prepares students for careers as teachers in higher education. A main purpose of the program is to develop skilled and knowledgeable professionals who will challenge the present and enrich the future with significant contributions to the field through teaching, research, and service. Acceptance into the doctoral program is competitive. A prospective doctoral student in music education is required to have completed appropriate undergraduate and master’s degrees in music or their equivalent at institutions of recognized standing.
Division of Music Graduate Manual (2007-2008)