What You Should Know About This Degree
Music education is a bachelor’s-level entry field, meaning most individuals can obtain jobs with an undergraduate degree in music education. Like other teachers, music educators in public school settings must have a state-issued teaching license or certification. These regulations vary by state, and states may or may not recognize licenses awarded in other states.
Many master’s in music education programs are designed for individuals who already have teaching certification and therefore do not lead to certification for those who complete the degree. If you are pursuing a master’s in music education as a way to become a music instructor in a public school setting, be sure to select a program that meets your state’s requirements for licensure.
Salary ranges for music educators vary depending on the type of school setting, the geographic location, and other factors. These factors may affect a music educator’s salary more than their level of education, as indicated by reports from Payscale.com on salaries for music educators with a bachelor’s degree and those with a master’s degree. Individuals should take these factors into consideration when evaluating their return on investment in a master’s in music education degree.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Master’s in Music Education programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Many music education master’s programs are designed for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree, teaching certification, and teaching experience. Consider your educational and professional background when researching programs, and select a program that matches your qualifications and career goals.
- Are there any in-person requirements for this program? Most education programs, even those delivered online, require in-person teaching experience. For individuals who are currently working in school settings, you may be able to complete these requirements at your current job. Other programs may require on-campus attendance for special seminars or residencies. Look carefully at programs’ plans of study to identify any in-person requirements so that you can plan on accommodating them in your schedule and budget.
At this point, you should also be organizing your application materials and planning out how you will finance your graduate degree. Information about admissions requirements and funding resources are typically available on the school’s website, or you can contact their admissions and financial aid offices. If you are currently employed, find out if your employer offers any tuition assistance benefits.