Master of Music with a concentration in Music Education
The Master of Music in Music Education concentration is intended for those individuals who seek advanced training in music education. Students qualify for a Georgia PSC-5 music teaching certificate on completion of this disciplinary master's degree: it does not contribute to a Georgia PSC-4 teaching certificate. This program is also intended for individuals who wish to pursue doctoral study and seek music teaching positions in higher education.
For more information, please see the Academic Catalog.
The Music program at the University of West Georgia is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. All instruction is delivered by a distinguished artist-teacher faculty with extensive credentials and professional experience. Faculty members have regional, national, and international reputations in performance, teaching, research, and creative activities. The Music program website includes a program guide, as well as other vital information. CONTACT: Dr. Elizabeth Kramer, ekramer@westga.edu.
Career Opportunities
Link to Additional Career Information:
https://www.buzzfile.com/Major/Music
External Resource
Program Location
Online
Method of Delivery
100% online
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
This program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required: 30
Maximum Hours Transferable into program: 6
A transfer credit evaluation will be completed by the UWG Transfer Team (transfer@westga.edu). Course application to a program is subject to review by the department.
Graduate students may be able to reduce their cost through prior learning, previous degrees earned at UWG, or transfer credits. We have created a tool to help students estimate their tuition costs.
This program is offered entirely online. Though a student may choose to sign-up for a face-to-face elective or core course, one can earn this degree completely online.
Save money
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited university of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen. In addition, online courses and programs can mean a huge cost-savings in many non-evident ways: No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Regardless of state residency, out-of-state non-resident students are not charged non-resident tuition for online course credit hours.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-Face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, they will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For the cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
Coursework
Each of our courses in fall/spring are a full semester (14-15 weeks). Summer course durations vary.
The list includes Electives in Supportive Graduate Courses: (choose 9 credit hours)
Electives must be approved by the advisor. Electives include studies in music history/literature, music theory, analysis, composition, music technology, music education, education, performance, pedagogy, thesis, and recital. Up to nine credit hours may be taken in MUSC 6999 Thesis in Music.
General
Students will become successful consumers of research through the introduction of principles of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods designs. Within these categories of research, students will learn the foundations of action research and single subject research.
A study of research materials, methods, procedures, and designs in music and music education, including research and data analysis techniques and the application of findings. Students have the opportunity to examine research topics that exploit their professional interests and goals. Includes a research project component.
Philosophical and historical foundations of music education with concentration on trends, influences, developments, personalities, and materials in school music teaching in the United States.
Philosophies, theories, principles, and concepts of learning and their implications for the teaching and learning processes in music education. The current status of learning theory as applied to music education will be evaluated.
Focus on important and timely topic in music education. May be repeated once witha change of subject matter. The student will: 1. Research a current trend in music education policy or practice. 2. Prepare a plan of action utilizing the research of the selected topic appropriate to the music education classroom. 3. Collaborate with peers to evaluate potential for effective practice in today s classroom.
In-depth study of selected topics in music history and literature ranging from studies on specific style periods to studies of individual composers or genres.
In-depth study of musical elements (eg: pitch, duration, texture, timbre, form, and intensity) and their interaction with works of all styles. Includes visual and aural analytical studies on the music of various composers.
Josh Byrd, D.M.A.
Professor of Music & Director of Bands
Elizabeth Kramer, Ph.D.
Professor of Music & Program Coordinator of Music Graduate Studies
Guidelines for Admittance
- All graduate applicants must complete the online Grad Application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
- Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process.
- International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Graduate Admissions Office.
Program Specific Admittance Guidelines
Departmental Admission Requirements
- Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in Music Education, or an undergraduate degree in Music PLUS professional teacher certification in Music.
- An undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- One statement of recommendation from an individual who can address the applicant’s academic, personal, and professional suitability for graduate-level work in Music Education
- Submit a written personal statement of 400-500 words. Possible topics may include goals in pursuing a graduate degree, personal philosophy of teaching, or experiences that have prepared you for an advanced degree.
Any graduate courses completed prior to Regular Admission may apply to a Master of Music degree program after a student has successfully met all departmental admission requirements.
Graduate Music Diagnostic Examination
The Graduate Music Diagnostic Examination in music history and music theory is administered to determine whether the applicant meets competency standards for graduate study in music. Competencies are evaluated in:
- Music History
- Musical Styles (aural identification)
- Music Theory/Analysis
- Aural Skills
The exam is taken at an approved, proctored testing site, either on the West Georgia campus or at a remote location. Testing fees are the responsibility of the candidate. A minimum score of 60% correct response on each section of the examination is required for passage. It may be taken a maximum of three times.
Application Deadlines
See The Scoop for more specific deadlines.
Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School
Admission Process Checklist
The Graduate Studies Application Process checklist is available here
One exception: If you will not ever be traveling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.
Contact
Graduate Admissions
678-839-1394
graduate@westga.edu
UWG Graduate Admissions
Mandeville Hall
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton, GA 30118-4160
The Department of Music website includes a program sheet, as well as other vital information.
Dr. Elizabeth Kramer
ekramer@westga.edu
Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School
* Application, app fee, and document deadline; Dates may vary for Readmit, Transfer, and Transient students.
See The Scoop for more specific deadlines.
- Demonstrate professional competence in the communication and dissemination of knowledge and the ability to produce scholarly works in music and music education.
- Demonstrate the ability to use research, research methods, and knowledge about issues and trends to improve practice in schools and classrooms; and an understanding of different models and approaches to learning.
- Demonstrate the ability to relate principles and theories from the conceptual framework(s) to actual practice in classrooms and schools and to create meaningful learning experiences for all students.