Music Education M.S.

Program Rationale:
The Master of Science in Music Education degree program is designed to provide the certified music teacher with professional training beyond the baccalaureate degree in music education, performance, composition, music theory, music history, and education. Graduates are expected to meet the challenges presented by the philosophical, pedagogical, theoretical, and musical aspects of the field through the development of the analytic and critical skills required to solve contemporary problems in various aspects of music and music education.

Program Learning Outcomes:
Students in the program are expected to:
• demonstrate knowledge about different philosophies of music education and develop a philosophical foundation for careers;
• demonstrate knowledge about current issues and trends in music education and education;
• demonstrate an ability to organize, interpret, synthesize, and evaluate knowledge in music, music education, and education;
• demonstrate competence in aural, written, and communication skills and an ability to disseminate knowledge in a scholarly, coherent, and organized manner; and
• understand and evaluate research in music education and conduct research.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally acrredited institution of higer education.  Applicants must also have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 point scale (where A is 4.00), or its equivalent, and good standing (3.00 GPA) in all post-baccalaureate course work.

The admissions application, application fee, and official transcripts from each college and university attended (except Central Connecticut State University) must be submitted to the Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Office.

In addition, the Department of Music requires the following:
• An application to the Department of Music
• An essay*
• A portfolio*
• A theory examination**
• Evidence of proficiency in technology***
• A Personal Interview

*For essay and portfolio requirements, refer to the Department of Music’s website at http://www.music.ccsu.edu or call Dr. N. Carlotta Parr, Coordinator of Graduate Studies, at (860) 832-3317.

Click here to download the Reservation And Application Form.  Once you have completed this form, please submit it to: CCSU Department of Music, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06050

If you have any questions, please e-mail Dr. N. Carlotta Parr

**While this examination is primarily a placement examination, a low score could influence the decision about an applicant’s acceptance.
***If a candidate does not provide evidence of proficiency in technology (notation and sequencing), he/she will be  required to take a notation or sequencing course as one of his/her electives (at least two credits).

Course and Capstone Requirements (minimum of 33 credits):

The student in the M.S. in Music Education program must complete Plan B—Comprehensive Exam and either Plan A—Thesis or Plan C—Special Project, both of which total 33 credits. Students selecting Plan C may complete either MUS 597A or MUS 597B.

Professional Education (3 credits):
One of the following:
EDF 500 Contemporary Educational Issues 3
EDF 516 School and Society 3
EDF 524 Foundations of Contemporary Theories of Curriculum 3
EDF 525 History of American Education 3
EDF 538 The Politics of Education 3
EDF 583 Sociological Foundations of Education 3

Music (21–27 credits):
Students must:
1. Take the following core courses (15 credits):
MUS 470 Musical Structure and Style
MUS 509 Comparative Musical Studies
MUS 504 Principles and Foundations of Music Education
MUS 510 Current Issues in Music Education
MUS 598 Research in Music Education

2. One of the following (2 credits): MUS 502, 503, 505, 506, 512, 551, 556, 557, 559

3. Take at least 4 credits from the following: MUS 501, 507, 508, 515, 540, 578, 579, 590, 591, 592A

4. Up to 6 credits in music education, music, or advisor-approved electives outside the discipline.

Culminating Project (3 credits):

Plan B: Comprehensive Exam* and one of the following:

Plan A: MUS 599 Thesis

Plan C: MUS 597A Capstone Project in Music

Plan C: MUS 597B Performance or Conducting Recital

*All students must take the Comprehensive Exam, as well as one of the other capstone options.

Note: Students enrolled in the following courses will be assessed an Applied Music Fee — $200.00 for 1/2 hour lesson and $400.00 for full hour lesson (MUS 578). Contact the department for additional information.

Note: No more than six credits at the 400 level, as approved by the graduate advisor, may be counted toward the graduate planned program of study.