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.

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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

Program Sheet

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.

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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.

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Philosophical and historical foundations of music education with concentration on trends, influences, developments, personalities, and materials in school music teaching in the United States.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Josh Byrd, D.M.A.

Josh Byrd, D.M.A.

Professor of Music & Director of Bands

Elizabeth Kramer, Ph.D.

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

In addition to meeting the university's Admission requirements, the applicant must hold a baccalaureate degree in music or the equivalent. Applicants seeking to enroll in the Master of Music in Music Education program must hold an undergraduate degree in Music Education or professional teacher certification in music. The Master of Music in Music Education program is 100% online. Students may use approved campus-based classes as electives.

Once an applicant has met Regular standards for graduate admission, he/she will be required to meet all departmental admission requirements for a Master of Music degree program. 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.

  • One statement of recommendation from an individual who can address the applicant’s academic, personal, and professional suitability for graduate-level work in Performance or Music Education, as appropriate, is required. 
  • Applicants for the Master of Music in Music Education program must also 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.

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.

Vocal Principals seeking the Master of Music degree in Performance are required to write an English translation of one short poem from song texts written in the original French, German, or Italian language. A text in one of the three languages must be translated. The applicant may use a hard copy foreign-language dictionary when taking the examination.

Graduate Applied Performance Evaluation

An Applied Performance Evaluation is administered to determine if the applicant meets minimum performance standards for admission to the Master of Music in Performance program. Minimum standards are evaluated through the applicant's presentation of a 20-30-minute entrance recital for the faculty, prior to the first term of enrollment. Applicants must provide their own accompanists.

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.