Master of Music, Music Education Specialization

Colorado State University

The Master of Music, Music Education Specialization is designed for elementary and secondary music teachers who already hold a K-12 State music-teaching license. Specifically, this program is designed to inspire and develop the next generation of leaders in the field of music education by developing and applying scholarly research skills in the field of music education, the in-depth study of advanced pedagogical expertise, and the impact of contemporary learning theory on K-12 music education. In this program, successful students will have the opportunity to gain content knowledge regarding the history and philosophy of music education, an understanding of how quantitative, qualitative, and historical music research is conducted, advanced skills in music analysis and interpretation, and a contemporary understanding of the pedagogy of music teaching and learning. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in CSU music ensembles to continue to develop as musical artists. Additionally, students are expected to be full-time students in residence and will most likely be given the opportunity to teach or assist with undergraduate music education coursework depending upon level of expertise and program demands. The degree coursework is designed to be completed over a time span of two years, and includes both on-campus and online coursework. Students in this program are expected to be in residence full-time during the school year and are encouraged to take advantage of the diverse summer elective offerings. All students in this program are strongly encouraged to undertake the Plan A Track, which involves one extra semester of coursework to write a master's thesis. The thesis distinguishes work in the program and prepares the student with the qualifications needed to pursue doctoral work in the future. Plan B Track students do not undertake a thesis.

College of Liberal Arts