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Master of Music Education (M.M.Ed.)

Master of Music Education (M.M.Ed.)

photo of Rebecca Atkins, assistant professor in the Master of Music Education program

As teachers, we’re lifelong learners. We’re always trying to improve so we can improve the lives of others.

Rebecca Atkins

Assistant Professor, Choral Music Education

Overview

Advance your career in teaching, academic research, and administration with an online Master’s in Music Education.  This program allows you to study 100% online and graduate prepared to continue on to doctoral studies or to assume academic leadership roles in instruction, curriculum design, mentorship, and research.  

This online master’s degree program is offered through the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music and is NASM (National Association of Schools of Music) accredited.  It is designed for musicians seeking to enhance their credentials, as well as for certified music teachers wishing to further develop their teaching and research expertise and increase their earning potential.  With a choice of emphasis on general, choral, or instrumental music, the online Master’s in Music Education (M.M.Ed.) provides the practical skills you need to expand your expertise.

How Long Does It Take To Earn An Online Master’s In Music Education? 

Beginning matriculation in the summer, this 100% online music education master’s program may be completed in as little as 14 months, which includes two full summer sessions, with some courses taken during the academic year. An extended matriculation plan is available upon advisement.

What Are The Benefits Of An Online Master’s In Music Education? 

The online Master’s in Music Education provides a flexible and convenient way to earn a degree while still meeting the demands of your busy schedule. Online students are granted the same access to online resources, library services, and technical support as all enrolled University of Georgia students to help ensure that you are equipped for success in every way. By earning a master’s degree in as few as 14 months you can change the trajectory of your music career, pursue advancement in your current role, or continue on to doctoral studies.  

Why Choose UGA Online’s Master’s In Music Education Program? 

As an online graduate of the University of Georgia, you become part of an extensive alumni network and a longstanding tradition of striving for excellence in every pursuit.  For over two hundred years, we have been on a mission of leadership and service, and today, we are ranked #16 among the nation’s top public institutions by U.S. News & World Report, with numerous online master’s programs ranked in the top 10 among programs nationwide.

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

This degree is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Admissions

Credit and Transfer

Total Credit Hours Required to Earn Degree:  33

Maximum Credit Hours Transferable into Program:  6

Master’s in Music Education Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must have obtained, or be eligible to obtain, certification to teach music in public/private K-12 schools, or, in the judgment of the Hodgson School of Music Faculty, have equivalent competencies for the online Master’s in Music Education program.

Application Checklist

  1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online.  Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International.
  2. Select Campus – Online
  3. Selected Intended Program – MMED, Music Education (School of Music)[MMED_MUED_ON] 
  4. Statement of Purpose – In a few paragraphs, please explain why you wish to pursue graduate study in music at UGA and how the degree to which you are applying will help you meet your long-term professional goals 
  5. Résumé or curriculum vita –  – Upload to the Graduate School application.
  6. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are
  7. Letters of Recommendation – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program. Preferably at least two of them are from faculty who have instructed the applicant in a previous program of study. The application will prompt your recommenders to submit their letters electronically.

Application Deadlines

Online Master’s in Music Education Application Deadlines

Domestic Applicants 

  • Summer: February 15 (applications received by this deadline will receive priority consideration)
  • Summer: May 1 (final deadline)

International Applicants

  • Summer:  February 15
  • International Applicants – must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Course registration deadlines vary per semester. The UGA Office of the Registrar website provides up-to-date information on registration dates. 

Cost

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.

Based on the 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person who had completed this program at the recommended pace would have paid $21,285 in tuition. Reference this sheet to identify the current credit hour rate for your program of interest.

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition. 

This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.

Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $411 per semester. 

Potential additional costs include:

  • Textbooks
  • Exam proctoring fees
  • Technology upgrades 

The complete cost of attendance can be found at https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/.

Financial Aid

Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance

Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section). 

Technology Requirements

  • Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and microphone are required.
  • High-speed internet access.

Curriculum

Master’s in Music Education Program Structure

This fully online program requires the completion of 33 credit hours and can be completed with an accelerated 14-month option or in two years.  Students pursuing this degree begin matriculation in the summer session. Please note there are alternative matriculation options available upon advisement.

Matriculation Plan

First Summer Semester (12 hours)

CourseTitleCredit Hours
MUSI 7030EResearch Design in Music Education3
MUSI 6150EMusic Theory3
EMUS 7300EIntroduction to Research in Music Education3
MUSI 6010ETrends and Issues in Music Education3

Fall Semester (6 hours)

CourseTitleCredit Hours
EMUS 7640EAction Research in Music Education I*3
EMUS 7100EPedagogical Efficacy3

Spring Semester (6 hours)

CourseTitleCredit Hours
EMUS 7650EApplied Project in Music Education*3
EMUS 7410EPsychology of Music*3

Second Summer Semester (9 hours)

CourseTitleCredit Hours
EMUS 7500EMusic Assessment and Policy3
MUSI 7330EMusic Curriculum and Supervision3
MUSI 6290E** ORMusic History Problems3
MUSI 6150E**Elements of Music Theory3

**MUSI 6150E is only offered during even years; MUSI 6290E is only offered during odd years

Offerings are Subject to Change

Written Exam and Oral Comprehensive Exam

* MUSI 7030E and *EMUS 7300E are Pre-requisites for this course

Faculty

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Testimonials

I knew that I wanted to be a chorus teacher from the time I was in the 6th grade. A teacher encouraged me, sent me to an honor choir, and made me feel that I had found something that I could be successful at. I remember thinking, I want to do this forever. I’ve known about UGA’s programs for a long time. There was never any other program that I pursued because I wanted to have a degree from such a prestigious and well-known institution. When the online program became available, I knew that it was for me!

Jenna Thayer, ’17

I wanted to truly see how I could improve as an educator. I have a passion for education and enjoy finding innovative and effective ways to engage meaningful music learning in my students. I wanted to expand my horizons and make a difference in my current and future students. Seeing results, even minimal, of the concepts and strategies I learned from my classmates, professors, and research articles provided a fountain of inspiration and motivation. I also was blessed in being hired to start the music program.

Jessica Tirado, ’17

Contact Information

Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7947.

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