Music Education

Master of Music Education, M.M.E.

The Master of Music Education (distance learning) (M.M.E.) degree will provide William Carey University with an opportunity to utilize distance learning in order to meet the educational needs and desires of music educators who may be unable to complete a traditional campus-based program of study due to geographic location or existing professional responsibilities. The M.M.E. may be completed entirely online.

The M.M.E. degree program provides an opportunity for music educators to further develop musicianship and enhance pedagogical expertise toward becoming master teachers. The program supports and advances the purpose of William Carey University which is to provide quality liberal arts and professional education programs within a caring Christian academic community. The individual student will be encouraged to develop their highest potential in scholarship, leadership, and service. Upon completion of the M.M.E., students will be eligible for an advanced license (AA) to teach in the state of Mississippi. It is left up to the individual student to determine how the M.M.E. may be utilized to obtain advanced licensure in other states.

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Program Overview

Applicant Prerequisites & Requirements

All students accepted into the M.M.E. program must have completed a bachelor’s degree in music from an institution accredited by NASM and must provide official transcripts as documentation. Students accepted into the program must either have a valid teaching license or provide documentation of passing scores on Praxis I (Core) and Praxis II (Music Content) examinations. Students must submit a writing sample, two letters of recommendation, and a government-issued picture identification card.

GPA Requirements

Entering students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 over the last 64 credit hours of coursework, which must be verified by submitted official transcripts. In the master’s program, students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0). This also applies to students with previous graduate study. A student whose GPA drops below 3.0 is placed on academic probation. Students may retake one, and only one, graduate course at William Carey University. Students may not improve their GPA by taking courses at other institutions. A student on academic probation must raise their GPA to 3.0 by the end of the following term enrolled or the student will be dismissed from the program.

Transfer Credit

A total of 6 semester hours of graduate study may be transferred from another institution and applied toward the Master of Music Education degree at William Carey University. Transfer credits apply only if they are a part of the overall degree plan. No graduate work carrying a grade of less than “B” will be accepted for credit. All transfer credits must meet the six-year limit on the completion of the degree. Independent study credit earned at another institution will not be accepted.

Comprehensive Examination

Each candidate for graduation from the Master of Music Education program will undergo a comprehensive examination, both written and oral, that will fully evaluate a student’s skills in musicianship, teaching, performance, and evaluation. Questions will also address philosophical, historical, and curricular perspectives in music education.

Final Project Requirements

All students will complete a research project under the guidance of a graduate faculty member. The project will focus on a pedagogical topic chosen by the student, in collaboration with the graduate faculty member, to enhance personal teaching skills, investigate current trends in music education, or evaluate historical practices in music education.

Residency

Students will meet residency requirements by enrolling in a minimum of 6 credit hours for two consecutive terms.