Degree: Master of Arts (MA)
Field of Study: Music Education

Program Overview

The Department of Music offers two distinct graduate pathways for individuals seeking to advance their careers in music education.

Master of Arts (MA) in Music Education
For individuals who hold an undergraduate degree in music education and a teaching license, and who have at least one year of classroom experience. This program supports advanced academic study and professional growth.

Master of Arts for Licensure (MAL) in Music Education
For individuals with an undergraduate degree in music (BA or BM) who wish to earn both a master's degree and a teaching license to teach music in the public schools.

Key Aspects 

• Balanced Curriculum
  Our well-rounded program integrates the study of philosophical, research-based, and theoretical approaches to teaching and learning music, alongside practical strategies for improving music education.
• Flexible Study Options
  Students complete either a final project thesis (Plan A) or a comprehensive exam (Plan B) to fulfill program requirements.
• Dual Credential Option (MAL)
  Students who choose this option simultaneously pursue a master's degree and P–12 licensure in music education.
• Flexible Completion Timeline
  Full-time students can complete the program in two years by taking three classes (9 credit units) per semester. Part-time students may take up to five years, taking one class (3 credit units) per semester. 

Admission

Applicants with strong academic records from fully accredited universities and colleges are encouraged to apply to the School of Graduate Studies. Admission requires a recommendation from the department or professional school in which the applicant intends to study, and approval by the dean of graduate studies.

MA in Music Education
Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA from a completed undergraduate degree program in music education, a minimum of one year of successful school music teaching experience in group settings, evidence of strong written and spoken English skills, and a valid teaching license or certificate. After initial review, applicants may be invited to campus for an interview. The MA does not require a vocal or an instrumental audition.

MAL in Music Education
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in music (BA or BM) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and prior experience in working with children. The MAL requires a vocal or an instrumental audition.

For more information, please refer to the Graduate Applications page.

Advising and Student Resources

• Graduate Music Handbook
  A comprehensive guide to Department of Music policies, procedures, and deadlines.
• Current Graduate Students Page
  Access forms, exams, assistantships, travel, funding, and links to academic support services. 

Graduate Policies

For graduate policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

Each student works closely with a faculty advisor to design a personalized plan of study. All students complete a final written project and oral examination.

The MA in Music Education has two options: Plan A, Thesis and Plan B, Comprehensive Exams.

Plan A, Thesis

Students write a thesis based on original research and defend the thesis in an oral examination. Students in Plan A receive 6 credit units for thesis research.

Requirements for Plan A, Thesis

Plan B, Comprehensive Exams

Students electing the Comprehensive Exam Option for the MA in Music Education must participate in a written exam and oral defense. The exam process includes two portions: a take-home portion and a timed portion. Both portions must be defended together and successfully no later than Week 10 of the final semester of coursework. 

The exam process is outlined in the Music Graduate Handbook.

Requirements for Plan B, Comprehensive Exam

Teacher Education and Licensure

Licensure programs at Case Western Reserve University are coordinated through Teacher Education (College of Arts and Sciences), the academic home for teacher preparation.

Students pursuing teacher licensure in music education must follow the policies and requirements outlined in the Teacher Education Handbook, which provides comprehensive guidance and essential structure throughout the licensure process.

The handbook includes information on:

• Admission and Retention Requirements
  Details on GPA minimums, interviews, ePortfolio benchmarks, field experiences, and progression through Decision Points.
• Program Outcomes
  Aligned with Ohio’s Standards for the Teaching Profession (OSTP) and national InTASC standards, these outcomes define the competencies and expectations for teacher candidates.
• Professional Conduct Expectations
  Includes requirements for maintaining good moral character and ethical conduct in alignment with state licensure policies.
• Student Teaching
  Step-by-step guidance on applying for and for student teaching, including placement details, timelines, evaluation criteria, and required documentation.
• Background Checks and Licensure Exams
  Procedures for completing BCI and FBA background checks and registering for Ohio’s required licensure assessments (Ohio Assessments for Educators).
• ePortfolio and edTPA
  Information on digital portfolio development and submission of the edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment), both essential components of the licensure recommendation process.

Note: Students are expected to regularly consult the Teacher Education Handbook and maintain close communication with their advisors and the licensure coordinator to ensure timely progress toward program completion and licensure.

Requirements for the MA for Licensure

Students enrolled in the MA in Music Education for Teacher Licensure program must complete a comprehensive oral exam (Plan B). The exam is to be finished no later than Week 7 of the final semester of coursework and is usually the semester before student teaching.

a

See the Required Methods and Secondary Instrument Courses by Music Education Focus Area (Music Education, BS).