Students with instruments in grade school
Georgia State is a leader in Music Education
What does it cost?

Learn more about the cost of an online master’s degree, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study. For information on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to determine eligibility, visit the FAFSA tips page.

Georgia State is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible programs for all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student’s future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.

How long will it take?

This is a fully online Master of Music in Music Education degree comprising 36 credit hours that can be completed in two years.

Where will I take classes?
Online

All required classes to earn a degree can be completed online.

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall – June 1
  • Spring – November 15
  • Summer – March 1

Online Master's in Music Education

Contact the department
Graduate Coordinator of Music Education
Dr. Patrick Freer
[email protected]
404-413-5910

The online Master of Music in Music Education at Georgia State’s College of the Arts is designed for music teachers aiming to advance their knowledge and skills in music education. This fully online program blends advanced studies in music with pedagogical techniques tailored for both current and aspiring music educators. This program focuses on enhancing teaching effectiveness in school music programs. It covers:

  • Pedagogical strategies in music education.
  • Curriculum development for diverse educational settings.
  • Incorporation of technology in music education.
  • Research in music education to inform teaching practices.

The Master of Music program in Music Education prepares you to:

  • Enhance your instructional skills and strategies to foster musical understanding and appreciation in students.
  • Conduct and apply research to improve music education practices.
  • Utilize technology effectively in music education settings.
  • Lead and inspire in a variety of educational contexts, ensuring the highest standards of musical education.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural and philosophical contexts of music education.

Program Highlights

Advance Your Career with a Master's Degree in Music Education at Georgia State

The Master of Music in Music Education program at Georgia State University offers an opportunity for educators to enhance their expertise, embrace innovative teaching practices and make a lasting impact on the music education landscape. Interested applicants can learn more about the program and how to apply by contacting the Georgia State School of Music directly.

Learning Objectives

Graduates will be able to enhance music education through instructional innovation, research application, effective technology use, leadership in educational contexts and an in-depth understanding of the historical, cultural and philosophical foundations of music education:

  • Enhance instructional skills in music education.
  • Apply research to improve music education.
  • Utilize technology effectively in educational settings and develop leadership in educational contexts.

By achieving these learning objectives, graduates of the Master of Music in Music Education program will be well-prepared to make significant contributions to the field, whether through innovative teaching, impactful research, effective use of technology, leadership in various educational settings or advocacy for the intrinsic value of music education in society. These objectives underscore the program’s commitment to preparing educators who are not only skilled in music education but also capable of leading the charge in its ongoing evolution and advocacy.

Careers in Music Education

Graduates of the Master of Music in Music Education program are prepared for a variety of advanced roles within music education, including teaching positions at various educational levels, educational leadership, curriculum design and community music program direction. The program uniquely prepares students for success in both public and private educational settings, enhancing their qualifications for roles such as music educators, curriculum specialists and music education administrators.

Graduates may also find opportunities in educational consultancy, private instruction and involvement in external partnerships with educational institutions.

The music education sector offers diverse career pathways, with professionals contributing significantly to cultural development and educational innovation. Graduates are well-equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of music education, leveraging their advanced skills to impact educational practices and student learning outcomes.

Graduates find employment at the following:

  • Postsecondary Music Teachers
  • Music Directors and Composers
  • Music Education Researchers
  • Educational Content Developers
  • Music Therapy
  • Arts Administration

Program Details

A complete application to the online master of music, music education program includes:

  • Submitted Online Application – Online applications must be submitted by the deadline. Paper applications are not available.
  • Application fee – A non-refundable fee of $50 is required for each application. This fee must be paid online by credit card.
  • Personal Statement – A brief personal essay explaining the applicant’s interest in the program.
  • English Language test scores (International applicants only) – International applicants are required to submit official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) academic scores.
  • Two letters of recommendation – Letters should be submitted through the online application.
  • Upload Transcripts from each post-secondary college/university attended – Upload each transcript to the Academic History section of the online application before submitting your application or upload the transcript to your application status page under the Upload Materials section if your application has been submitted. Review the requirements for submitting transcripts before sending your submission. Failure to follow these requirements will delay your application processing.
  • Audition and/or portfolio for some concentrations.
  • Music theory placement examination.

The program consists of 36 credit hours, including core courses in music education, applied music levels, concentrations in areas such as choral conducting and music composition and a comprehensive examination in the form of a research or pedagogy project and a cumulative paper and portfolio.

Required courses include:

  • Computer Applications in Music
  • Foundations of Music Education
  • Seminar in Music Teaching and Learning
  • Research in Music Education
  • Curriculum and Assessment in Music Education

For a complete list of courses and up-to-date curriculum requirements, please visit the course catalog.

At Georgia State University, we understand that students come to our institution from a range of financial backgrounds. We value the investment our students make in their education and we aim to provide access to scholarships and aid opportunities that can support students through their academic journey.

Music education, master of music degree students are eligible for the Donald S. Gingrich Scholarship in Music Education and the TRISPRO Scholarship. In addition to these scholarships, Georgia State students also have access to the Scholarship Resource Center – a support tool established in 2011 to help students seeking financial assistance find scholarship opportunities.

Learn more about tuition rates or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to determine the investment required for your course of study.

The Master of Music in Music Education program at Georgia State University prepares graduates with a robust blend of skills and knowledge essential for advancing music education in various contexts. Graduates emerge with an advanced understanding of music pedagogy, integrating innovative teaching strategies and research methodologies to cater to diverse learning environments. The program emphasizes the importance of technology in education, equipping students with the ability to incorporate digital tools into their teaching practices, enhancing both engagement and learning outcomes. Leadership forms a core outcome, with graduates ready to influence curriculum development, program design and policy, advocating for music education’s critical role within the educational landscape.

The program also instills a profound respect for global and cultural diversity in music traditions, urging graduates to adopt inclusive and culturally responsive teaching methodologies. This global perspective is complemented by a commitment to community engagement, where graduates are encouraged to develop outreach programs that extend music education to underserved areas, promoting broader access and appreciation of music across communities. Furthermore, the emphasis on ethical and reflective practice ensures that graduates approach their profession with integrity, continually evaluating and refining their approaches to meet the highest educational standards.

Through comprehensive coursework and practical experience, graduates of the MMU in Music Education program are poised to become innovative leaders and advocates for music education. They are prepared to navigate and address the challenges of contemporary music education, driving forward with initiatives that enrich the educational landscape, contribute to scholarly discourse and foster a lifelong love for music among learners of all ages. This preparation underscores a commitment to excellence, innovation and inclusivity in music education, equipping graduates to make significant contributions to the field and impact future generations.

Contacts

Graduate Coordinator of Music Education
Dr. Patrick Freer
[email protected]

Administrative Specialist, Graduate
[email protected]

School of Music
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Atlanta, GA 30303

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Atlanta, GA 30303