Music Education

The School of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Admission Requirements

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.

The School of Music requires the completion of a recognized baccalaureate degree in music or music education, with a junior/senior grade-point average of 2.80 or higher (on a 4.00 scale). Admission to the M.M.E. program requires the completion of 12-15 credits in music education methods at the undergraduate level. Applicants are encouraged to submit evidence of successful teaching or student teaching experience. Admission to the Ph.D. requires an interview, submission of videotapes of teaching or conducting, and a portfolio of requested documents.

Additional requirements may include an interview in person or by interactive video to assess language skills.

The language of instruction at Penn State is English. English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) may be required for international applicants. See GCAC-305 Admission Requirements for International Students for more information.

Degree Requirements

Master of Music Education (M.M.E.)

Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-700 Professional Degree Policies.

The Master of Music Education degree provides the opportunity for advanced study in music, music learning and teaching, and teaching as reflective practice. The program requires one to two full-time year(s) of residency at the University Park campus. Fullfillment of degree requirements includes successful completion of 30 credits of course work at the 400, 500, or 800 level that includes a final project designed by the student with the guidance of a faculty member. Twenty credits must be earned at the University Park campus and 18 credits must be at the 500 or 800 level, with at least 6 credits at the 500 level.

 Required courses include upper-level (400, 500 or 800 level) course in music theory (2 cr. min)  and music history (3 cr. min.), at least one credit of music elective, one upper-level MUED course (3 cr.) (MUED 545, MUED 556, MUED 557 or MUED 558), one emphasis course (3 cr.)  (MUSIC 441W, MUSIC 442W, MUSIC 443W, MUSIC 444W, MUSIC 445W or MUSIC 446W), MUED 860 (3 cr.), one enrichment course (1-5 cr.) (MUED 547, MUED 597*, MUED 559, MUED 895* or MUSIC 460), one research course (2 cr. min.) (MUED 540, MUED 550, MUSIC 500 or CI 501), and one education elective (3 cr. min.) (EDPSY 421, EDPSY 524, SPLED 403A or SPLED 403B, EDUC 806 or EDUC 839, The courses that satisfy the music theory and music history requirements can be chosen from a list of approved courses maintained by the graduate program office. The culminating experience for the degree is a capstone project completed while the student is enrolled in MUED 860.

*MUED 597 and MUED 895 must be approved by the program to fulfill this requirement.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies.

The Ph.D. in Music Education is designed to provide opportunities for the highest level of scholarly study in the processes of teaching and learning music. Students are expected to develop and test new knowledge in the field of music education while preparing themselves for positions in higher education or other leadership roles within the profession. A qualifying exam, a doctoral dissertation, and comprehensive written and oral examinations are required.

Minor

A graduate minor is available in any approved graduate major or dual-title program. The default requirements for a graduate minor are stated in Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies and GCAC-700 Professional Degree Policies, depending on the type of degree the student is pursuing:

• GCAC-611 Minor - Research Doctorate
• GCAC-641 Minor - Research Master's
• GCAC-709 Minor - Professional Doctorate
• GCAC-741 Minor - Professional Master's

Student Aid

Graduate assistantships available to students in this program and other forms of student aid are described in the Tuition & Funding section of The Graduate School’s website. Students on graduate assistantships must adhere to the course load limits set by The Graduate School.

Courses

Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.

Music Education (MUED) Course List

Learning Outcomes

Master of Music Education (M.M.E.)

1. Demonstrate increased, enhanced and deepened knowledge and understanding of effective, responsive, and ethical music teaching and learning. (KNOW, APPLY/CREATE, PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE)
2. Read and critically analyze research and scholarly contributions to the field. (KNOW, APPLY/CREATE, THINK)
3. Be able to creatively adapt and apply new knowledge to their own teaching practices. (KNOW, APPLY/CREATE, COMMUNICATE, THINK)
4. Demonstrate increased depth and breadth of creativity in musicianship, musical practice and music production. (KNOW, APPLY/CREATE, COMMUNICATE, THINK)
5. Communicate major issues within music education and their application to effective and musical teaching and learning. (KNOW, APPLY/CREATE, COMMUNICATE, THINK, PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE)

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