PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Master of Music Education (M.M.E.) degree provides the 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. supports and advances the mission of William Carey University, which is to provide quality liberal arts and professional education programs within a caring Christian academic community. The individual students 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.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The Master of Music Education degree at William Carey University will seek to enhance the field of music education by preparing program participants to meet the following objectives:
- improve the quality of elementary and secondary music instruction in the public and private schools throughout the United States and around the world;
- improve music education in community and junior colleges worldwide;
- improve aural and cognitive skills in performance assessment in both instrumental and choral music;
- improve appropriate selection of music and related activities to achieve mastery of curricular objectives, as well as state and national standards;
- improve selection of literature, both solo and ensemble, that represents the highest quality in composition and educational benefit, as well as the cultural diversity indicative of a global society;
- improve individual artistry in terms of conducting, rehearsal strategies, and performance; and
- improve personal awareness and application of best practices through identification and consideration of relevant research.
ADMISSION
In addition to the general admission requirements stated in the graduate catalog, entrance into the M.M.E. program is based upon the following requirements:
- All students accepted into the master’s program in music education must have completed a bachelor’s degree in music and must provide official transcripts as documentation.
- Entering students must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 over the last 64 credit hours of coursework, which must be verified by submitted official transcripts.
- Students accepted into the M.M.E. 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 of no less than 500 words describing learning and professional goals, two letters of recommendation, and a government-issued picture identification card.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL exam) is required of all applicants, international or U.S. citizen, whose native language is not English. A minimum score of 550 (or 213, computer-based) is required for admission.
- A total of six semester hours of graduate study may be transferred from another institution and applied toward the M.M.E. degree at Carey. 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.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Continuance toward degree completion is based upon the following requirements:
- Students must complete all required work within six years after enrolling in the graduate program.
- Students must enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours for at least two consecutive terms at any point during the six year time limit for degree completion.
- Students in the M.M.E. program must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0). This also applies to students with previous graduate study. A students 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. Students on academic probation must raise their GPA to 3.0 by the end of the following term enrolled or the students will be dismissed from the program. A total of six semester hours of graduate study may be transferred from another institution and applied toward the M.M.E. degree at Carey. 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.
- Proficiency in speaking and academic writing is a requirement for the M.M.E. degree. Students failing to exhibit an acceptable proficiency in this area may be asked to eliminate deficiencies by enrolling in a non-credit writing or communication course.
- The M.M.E. degree requires a minimum of 30 semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree.
- Each candidate for graduation from the M.M.E. program will undergo a comprehensive examination, both written and oral, that will fully evaluate the student’s skills in musicianship, teaching, performance, and evaluation. Questions will also address philosophical, historical, and curricular perspectives in music education.
- 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.
PROGRAM FEATURES
NASM Standards
The curriculum for the Master of Music Education will provide substantial development in the student’s major area through courses in research, foundations/principles, and curriculum development. A variety of elective courses will focus on specific pedagogical skills for enhanced effectiveness in the classroom. Advanced study in music theory, history, and literature will be required.
All students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of pedagogical skills as well as speak and write with authority within the context of history and current practices of music education. Individuals in the master’s program will be evaluated against a high standard for written and artistic performance.
Distance Learning
The M.M.E. program is a distance learning program, available fully online. Due to the distance nature of this program, students are required to have regular access to a laptop or other device capable of providing webcam use. Additionally, students must have a reliable internet connection that will stream live video in addition to providing access to online resources such as Canvas and a variety of research websites. The university information technology department provides support for students with questions regarding distance learning connectivity. Contact information for the IT department is available on the university website.
Students are expected to spend at least four hours per week per credit hour engaged in course activities. These activities may include, but are not limited to the following: video lecture viewing, class video conferencing, individual video conferencing, assigned readings, written discussion responses, project work, research, studio work, documented classroom application of course content, etc.
Breadth of Competence
Students in the M.M.E. program will broaden their competence beyond the teaching specialization through opportunities to engage in the study of other music-centric specializations. Musically and artistically, students will benefit from courses focused on theoretical concepts and how they relate to performance through knowledge of literature and development of conducting technique. Intellectually, students will be challenged by coursework in the area of music history and literature that will provide a musicological perspective that will inform pedagogical practice. Students will also engage in researchoriented study that will provide greater intellectual understanding of the processes that influence and lead to curricular decision-making.
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