Master of Education (MED/ALTA) Music

The Department of Music, which is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, provides programs in conjunction with the College of Education, leading to the Master of Education degree. The Master of Education in Music Education program provides training for Class A certification, Nursery-12th grades, in instrumental music or in vocal/choral music for teaching in public systems.

Admission to graduate study is first secured through The Murphy Graduate School. Students applying for admission must present the following:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a major in music or in music education;
2. A grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;
3. An acceptable GRE or MAT score presented upon admission, or during the first semester of residence;
4. M.Ed. students see requirements for admission to a teacher education program; and
5. Three letters of reference.

For graduate study in the Department of Music, further requirements specified by the Department of Music Graduate Faculty must be completed. These include:

1. An evaluative interview and audition with the graduate faculty of the Department of Music.
2. Completion of minimum requirements as established by an initial advisory examination in general music knowledge, music history, music education and music theory.

Evaluative Interview

Applicants will be asked to have an evaluative interview and diagnostic written examination in music content knowledge as part of the application process. The student should personally contact the Department of Music office to make arrangements for an evaluative interview with the Graduate Coordinator of the department. This interview will provide an opportunity for the student to express educational goals, interests or concerns and gain a solid understanding of his or her degree requirements. Additionally, the written advisory examination, which is diagnostic in purpose, will be scheduled. Questions concerning this examination may be asked during the interview.

Advisory Examination

The written advisory examination is administered during the evaluative interview. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts of general music knowledge, music history, music education and music theory.

The purpose of the examination is to assist in planning a course of study consistent with degree requirements and the student’s assessed needs and expressed interests. If serious deficiencies are discovered, applicants will be required to complete a written examination in order to devise a plan of remediation. This plan may include additional and/or remedial coursework. Unconditional acceptance in the program will be granted only after such remediation is completed.

Basic Exit Criteria for Advanced Degrees

Before a master’s candidate can be said to have fulfilled all degree requirements, the candidate must pass a comprehensive examination in music education and professional education.

Master of Education in Music (M.Ed.)

Vocal/Choral Emphasis or Instrumental Emphasis

The Master of Education in Music Education curriculum is designed to satisfy the certification requirements for the state of Alabama’s Class A teaching certificate as well as enhance the professional qualifications of those who have the Alabama Class B teaching certificate or its equivalent. Highly specialized, the Master of Education in Music Education curriculum involves three basic program components: professional education courses, music courses and support courses required for certification. The following credit hours are required for each component:

Professional Education 18+ Semester Hours
Teaching Field: Music 18 Semester Hours

Curriculum and Teaching (9 semester hours)
EDU 515Instructional Strategies for Teachers 3
EDU 504 Elementary School Curriculum 3
EDT 574 Computer-Based Instr Tech 3

Foundation for Professional Studies (6 semester hours)
Select one course
EDU 531 Modern Issues in Education 3
EDU 554 Contrasting Philosophies of Education 3
Select one course
EDU 541 Advanced Educational Psychology 3
EDU 527 Human Development and Behavior 3

Survey of Special Education (0-3 semester hrs.)
SED 500 The Exceptional Student in Inclusive Setting 3

Evaluation of Teaching and Learning (3 semester hours)
EDU 511 Statistical Techniques, Research, and Evaluation 3

Internship (if required) (3semester hours)
EDU 591 Practicum in Education 3

Teaching Field (18 semester hours)

Total Hours 36+

Must include at least 18 semester hours in each teaching field at the fifth-year level. For students who have not previously satisfied the special education requirement, a general survey course in special education (three semester hours) is required. Foundation and Professional Studies will be increased to nine semester hours for students completing the special education requirement. Electives may be reduced to three semester hours for students completing the special education requirement.

ALTA Master Of Music Education Alternative Class A Program

The Alabama State Department of Education has approved an ALTA Class A program for graduate students who present baccalaureate credentials with a degree in music other than the Bachelor of Music Education. Completion of this program, in instrumental music or in vocal/choral music, warrants the Master of Education in Music Education degree and state certification (Class A) for N-12 (Nursery through 12th Grade). In addition to the courses listed below, students may be required to complete additional undergraduate courses in music education.

Curriculum and Teaching (6)
EDU 515 Instructional Strategies for Teachers 3
EDU 504 Elementary School Curriculum 3

Professional Studies (6+)
EDU 500 Prep for Admission to TEP 0-1
EDU 554 Contrasting Philosophies (Choral Only) 3
EDU 586 Classroom Management 3

Survey of Special Education (0-3)
SED 500 The Exceptional Student in Inclusive Settings
(required if not previously taken) 3

Technology (3)
EDT 574 Computer-Based Instr Tec 3

Evaluation of Teaching and Learning (3)
EDU 511 Statistical Techniques, Research and Evaluation 3

Method of Teaching Reading (3)
REA 578 Reading in the Content Area 3

Internship (9)
EDU 566 Prof Internship N-12 9

Teaching Field (18)

Total Hours 48-51

Graduate Fees

Below are estimated tuition and costs for full-time graduate students residing on-campus during the 2017-18 academic year. Actual costs and fees may vary depending on enrollment and lifestyle decisions. You also may wish to review estimated tuition and costs for part-time graduate enrollment on our complete budget worksheet.

For a breakdown of fees by credit hour and by semester, download the 2017-18 Schedule of Student Tuition and Fees.