Program Overview

UNM is pleased to offer an online Master of Music degree with a concentration in Music Education. This program is designed specifically for currently licensed music educators to advance professionally in the teaching field. Many states require a Master’s degree within 5 years of obtaining a teaching license or as a credential for a level advancement.

The course of study is designed to help current teachers improve the quality of their instruction, increase their musical skills and knowledge, and to enhance their understanding of current issues in music education. An important goal of the course of study is to improve the student’s ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form. UNM’s Music Education program offers a comprehensive curriculum in music education that provides a strong practical, theoretical, and philosophical foundation.

Learn more about the UNM Department of Music.

NOTE: Obtaining this degree from the UNM College of Fine Arts does not guarantee approval for licensure by the State Public Education Department, as additional requirements exist for students seeking New Mexico Administrative Licensure. The University of New Mexico cannot confirm whether this program leads to licensure or advanced certification in your home state. Prior to applying for admission, contact your state board of education to assure that, upon completion of the program, you are qualified to obtain a license or other form of certification. Please contact the Department of Music for more details.

See what a UNM professor of music has to say about the Accelerated Online Master of Music Education in this recent blog post.

Learning Goals

A)   Develop advanced musical comprehension demonstrated by the abilities to work independently and make artistic and intellectual judgments in the area of specialization.

B)   Demonstrate professional competence in the area of specialization before peers and faculty.

C)   Engage creatively within our society, contributing to the advancement of musical cultures which are essential to a vibrant and diverse community.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

A1) Students will articulate and demonstrate advanced knowledge of the unifying elements and principals of music as well as its historical context.

B1) Students will develop and demonstrate skills that are characterized by musical, pedagogical and scholarly excellence. 

C1) Students will enhance the cultural life of New Mexico and beyond through scholarly academic writing, composing, teaching, conducting, and/or performing at a professional level.

Admissions

Tuition and Fees

The total cost per credit hour is $428.12 base tuition. There is a student technology fee charged each semester. It is $150 in the Fall, $150 in the Spring, and $20 in the Summer. There may be additional costs, depending on the class. Additional costs are often for textbooks, supplemental course materials, and proctoring fees.

Admission Prerequisites

  • Undergraduate degree in music education or post-baccalaureate teaching certification in music education from an accredited college or university, with evidence that the coursework included a practicum (practice teaching).
  • Required documentation including a letter of intent, writing sample, current CV/resume, evidence of teacher certification, a video demonstration of teaching, and three letters of recommendation.
  • Language Skills for International Students:  International Students must meet all UNM Graduate Admission Requirements including tests for English proficiency. For more information regarding international students, please see International Students and Online Education.

Please see the UNM Department of Music’s website for more detailed information about the program. Additional admissions requirements may be found on the Office of Graduate Studies website.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall 1st 8-week Term:  July 31
  • Fall 2nd 8-week Term:  September 30
  • Spring 1st 8-week Term: November 30
  • Spring 2nd 8-week Term:  January 31
  • Summer 8-week Term:  April 30

To apply for the program, in the Program of Interest section of the UNM Graduate Admissions Application, select the following:

College/School: College of Fine Arts

Department: Music

Program/Major: Music

Degree: MMU Music Education (Online Only)

Interest: Music Education

NOTE: Obtaining this degree from the UNM College of Fine Arts does not guarantee approval for licensure by the State Public Education Department, as additional requirements exist for students seeking New Mexico Administrative Licensure. The University of New Mexico cannot confirm whether this program leads to licensure or advanced certification in your home state. Prior to applying for admission, contact your state board of education to assure that, upon completion of the program, you are qualified to obtain a license or other form of certification. Please contact the Department of Music for more details.

Degree Requirements

The MMU with a Music Education Concentration is offered as a Masters Plan II (with Project) option. A student must complete a minimum of 31 credit hours to receive the degree.

About the Program

The Masters of Music (MMU) - Music Education Managed Online Program is designed for current teachers with valid teaching licenses.

To obtain an MMU with a Music Education concentration, students are required to complete:

  • 13 credit hours of required core courses
  • 12 credit hours of Music elective courses
  • 6 credit hours of free elective courses

With the exception of MUSE 598, which should be taken at the end of the program, these courses can be taken in any order and can be completed in as little as 18 months, taking two courses at a time.

 Special course sections are scheduled for Accelerated/Managed Online Program students and offered on a cyclical basis. Look for the courses in the current schedule of classes with a course comment that reads "Limited to managed online program students only." For more information, contact Olivia Tucker and George Nicholson.  

Required Courses (13 credit hours)

Course Number

Course Name

Credit Hours

MUSE 532

Introduction to Research in Music Education

3

MUSE 534

Seminar in Music Education

3

MUSE 550

Philosophy of Music Education

3

MUSE 598

Music Education Project (2 credit hour course repeated twice and taken at the end of the program of study)

4

Music Elective Courses (12 credit hours*)

Course Number

Course Name

Credit Hours

MUS 520*

Music Through the Masters

3

MUS 523*

Graduate Aural Skills Boot Camp

3

MUS 530*

Music Literature and Analysis

3

MUSE 577

Music Education and Diversity

3

MUSE 589

Creativity in Music Education

3

* Students must take one of the two theory courses from the above list (MUS 520 or MUS 523) and the history course (MUS 530) to fulfill the degree requirements. Students must choose two other courses from the list.

Free Elective Courses (6 credit hours)

Course Number

Course Name

Credit Hours

EDUC 542

Principles of Curriculum Development

3

EDUC 563

Mentoring Educators for Professional Growth

3

 

 

 Accelerated Online Program

At a Glance

Major Requirements: 31 Credit Hours
100% Online
Cost Per Credit Hour: $428.12
Length of Classes: 8 weeks

College/School: College of Fine Arts

Tuition: Program Details and Tuition & Fee Information

Contact

Website: Department of Music
Phone: Rick Robb or Olivia Torres-Jojola: (505) 277-9000
Email: online@unm.edu