Department of Music Education

Programs

General Requirements

The content of all graduate programs in music education is determined, in part, by the background and goals of the individual student. Each program will include graduate courses in music, music education (choral, instrumental, or general) and professional education, and may include other graduate study as indicated by the student’s background and interests in consultation with a music education advisor. It is recommended that each student work closely with the music education graduate coordinator during the first year of graduate study and then with an academic advisor in music education in order to plan the program.

Degree requirements are noted on the official Plan of Study for the various degrees and tracks. These documents are available from the chairperson, graduate coordinator, or administrative staff in the Department of Music Education.

Graduate-level music education courses that meet requirements for specific State-approved certification programs (Class A, Class AA) are offered on a two-year rotation. Applicants for music education graduate degrees should anticipate that summer enrollment may be necessary to complete degree requirements. Questions concerning the rotation of course offerings should be directed to the Music Education Department; Box 870366; Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0366; (205) 348-6054.

Before 12 hours of graduate study are completed in any graduate degree program, students enrolled in music education graduate programs may be required, at the discretion of the department, to demonstrate professional competence in music theory and music history and, if requested, to perform a placement audition on their major instrument. Information about specific examinations can be obtained through the Music Education Office, Box 870366, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0366 (205) 348-6054.

Traditional Class A Certification in Music Education, MA in Secondary Education

The MA is designed to enhance the performance and pedagogical capabilities required to actively participate in creative activity as a performer, conductor, or educator while allowing for flexibility to address a variety of differences and directions. Graduates aspire to careers as advanced practitioners in Music Education and the innovative teaching of Music Education beyond undergraduate preparation. The degree is awarded to candidates who complete the course of study with distinction, demonstrating ability in teaching and musicianship.

The MA is designed to include a broad field of study in a major area of specialization. Selection and sequence of courses are contingent on the skills, background, and professional goals of the student. Each student’s program will include courses in music, music education, conducting, pedagogy, and professional education.

Admission and degree requirements for Secondary Education, MA (Class A Music Education certification)

Alternative Class A Certification in Music Education (Nontraditional, Initial Teacher Certification), MA in Secondary Education

The MA leading to Alternative Class A certification is designed to enhance the performance and build pedagogical capabilities required to actively participate in creative activity as a performer, conductor, or educator while allowing for flexibility to address a variety of differences and directions. Graduates aspire to careers as practitioners in Music Education beyond undergraduate preparation as a performer. The degree is awarded to candidates who complete the course of study with distinction, demonstrating ability in teaching and musicianship.

The Alternative Class A certification program is designed to include specific methods coursework, education classes, and study in a broad field of study in a major area of specialization. Selection and sequence of courses are contingent on the skills, background, and professional goals of the student. Each student’s program will include courses in music, music education, conducting, pedagogy, methods, and professional education.

Admission and degree requirements for Secondary Education, MA (Alternative Class A Music Education certification)

Class AA Certification in Music Education, EdS in Secondary Education

The EdS is designed to enhance the performance and pedagogical capabilities required to actively participate in creative activity as a performer, conductor, or educator while allowing for flexibility to address a variety of differences and directions. Graduates aspire to careers as advanced practitioners in Music Education and the innovative teaching of Music Education beyond master's-level preparation. The degree is awarded to candidates who complete the course of study with distinction, demonstrating ability in teaching and musicianship.

The EdS is designed to go beyond master's coursework to include a broad field of study in a major area of specialization. Selection and sequence of courses are contingent on the skills, background, and professional goals of the student. Each student’s program will include courses in music, music education, conducting, pedagogy, and professional education.

Admission and degree requirements for Secondary Education, EdS (Class AA Music Education certification)

EdD in Curriculum and Instruction (Music Education)

The EdD is designed to develop the performance, pedagogical, and research capabilities required to conduct applied research, prepare pre-service music teachers, and actively participate in creative activity as a performer or conductor while allowing for flexibility to address a variety of differences and directions. Graduates aspire to careers as advanced practitioners and leaders in Music Education and the innovative teaching of Music Education. The degree is awarded to candidates who complete the course of study with distinction, demonstrating ability in teaching, musicianship, scholarly study, and ability to conduct original research.

The EdD is designed to include a broad field of study in a major area of specialization. Selection and sequence of courses are contingent on the skills, background, and professional goals of the student. Each student’s program will include courses in music, music education, professional education, and research.

Admission and degree requirements for Curriculum and Instruction, EdD

PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (Music Education)

The PhD program is designed to develop the pedagogical, performance, and research capabilities required to independently conduct scholarly research, thoroughly prepare pre-service music teachers, and actively participate in high-level creative activity as a performer or conductor while allowing for flexibility to address a variety of differences and directions. Graduates pursue positions as collegiate teachers, conductors, performers, and researchers. The degree is awarded to candidates who complete the course of study with distinction, demonstrating ability in teaching, musicianship, scholarly study, and outstanding aptitude in conducting original research.

The PhD is designed to include a broad field of study in a major area of specialization. Selection and sequence of courses are contingent on the skills, background, and professional goals of the student. Each student’s program will include courses in music, music education, professional education, and research.

Admission and degree requirements for Curriculum and Instruction, PhD

Graduate work in music education is an option through the Curriculum and Instruction Department in the College of Education. Interested applicants should contact Music Education, Box 870366, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0366 (205) 348-6054, or speak with the Graduate Program Coordinator for Music Education by e-mail at chancock@ua.edu or phone at (205) 348-6335.