GRADUATE DEGREES
Master of Music Education
Visit the Penn State Music Education website
Program Goals
The master of Music Education degree program is designed to provide candidates with (1) a deeper level of musical skill and understanding, (2) an increased knowledge and skill in the pedagogy of music teaching, and (3) an appreciation and awareness of current issues in music education and their implications for research and practice.
The courses and experiences in this degree program are most meaningful for teachers who have taught music in K-12 settings beyond the student teaching experience. Therefore, we strongly encourage potential applicants to acquire a teaching position and gain some teaching experience prior to pursuing the M.M.E.
Program Description
This program requires a total of 30 credits. At least one-half of the 30 credits must be 500-level courses, and at least 20 credits must be taken at University Park. An oral examination in the major area must be passed near the completion of the program.
The 30-credit requirement is as follows:
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The Art of Music (10 credits)
Selection in music history
Selection in music literature
Selection in applied music, ensemble, theory, history, or literature
Music 466 Advanced Conducting
Music 432 Graduate Review of Twentieth-Century Analysis*
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Pedagogy (9 credits)
Music 541 Curriculum Development
Music 546 Assessment of Music Learning
Selection in College of Education or Psychology and Development Studies
Select one from:
Music 542 Teaching General Music
Music 543 Teaching Choral Music
Music 544 Teaching Instrumental Music
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Systematic Problem Solving (7 credits)
Music 540 Identifying and Interpreting Research
Music 559 Contemporary Issues in Music Education
(2 semesters required)
Music 550 Master's Research Seminar
Music 594 Master's Paper
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Electives (4)
Additional courses in The Art of Music, Pedagogy, or Systematic Problem Solving.
*Successful completion of the placement examination or the review course is required prior to enrollment.
Admission Requirements
1. A candidate applying for admission to the master of music education program should have completed a recognized bachelor's degree in music education, or a program leading to Teacher Certification in Music, with at least a 2.8 junior-senior grade-point average. In some instances, applicants without certification may work toward certification concurrently with a master’s degree. A typical bachelor's degree in music education includes the following:
a. 12-16 credits in music theory and analysis
b. 6-9 credits in music education
c. 12-15 credits in music education methods
d. Student teaching experience
2. Evidence of successful teaching or student teaching experience should be demonstrated. This evidence typically takes the form of a reference letter from an administrator or colleague who has observed your teaching. If you do not have teaching experience, then a letter from your cooperating teaching and/or university supervisor, as well as a copy of your final student teaching evaluation, are requested.
A candidate who is deficient in any area may be considered for admission, but must be prepared to make up the deficiency, without credit toward the degree, during the first year of graduate study.
Admission Procedures
The admission process begins with completion of the on-line graduate admission application (the new web address is http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/) and payment of the application fee. The application fee is non-refundable. Applications without fees cannot be processed. All other application materials including official transcripts and TOEFL score (international applicants only) must be sent to the School of Music.
The following items should be sent to the School of Music:
1. Two letters of recommendation;
2. A written statement answering the following questions:
What teaching experience have you had?
What are your greatest strengths as a teacher?
What area(s) of your teaching would you most like to strengthen?
What are your professional goals for the next 5-8 years?
How do you think graduate study at Penn State will enable you to meet your goals?
In summary, the following items MUST be received before an application can be reviewed:
□ Completed online Graduate School Application and paid application fee
http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/
□ Two sets of official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended*
(Transcript Request Form is available at web address below)
http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/
□ Two letters of recommendation (we do not have a recommendation form; the recommenders should use school or personal stationery.)
□ Personal statement addressing the questions under Admission Procedures
□ TOEFL score - official form (international applicants only)
□ Application for VISA Document and Financial Certification forms with financial guarantee information (international applicants only) (forms available online at
http://www.international.psu.edu/iss/pdf/VisaApp.pdf)
*An official transcript is an official listing from a university of all courses taken, including grades earned for each course. The transcript must also list the title of the degree and the date the degree was conferred, if the student has already graduated. If the transcripts do not list this information, then the original diploma must be included with the transcripts. International applicants must submit official or attested university records, with certified translations if the records are not in English. Notarized copies of the official transcripts are not sufficient.
Direct all inquiries and send materials to:
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
233 MUSIC BUILDING
UNIVERSITY PARK PA 16802-1901
Fax: 814-865-6785
E-mail: music-gr-adm@psu.edu