How many credits is the MA program?

The Master of Arts degree is 45 credits beyond the baccalaureate.

What courses do these credits include?

The only course specifically required is MUSED 501, Research in Music Education (3 credits). The rest of the program is distributed as follows:

• 12 credits in Music Education Core Coursework. This may include Psychology of Music, Musical Development, Comparative Music Education, or Ethnomusicology in the Schools, among many others.
• 18 credits in a major cognate area. This is an area of specialization chosen by the student. It may include advanced work (400 level or higher) in conducting, performance, ethnomusicology, history, composition or theory. Alternatively, two areas of specialization may be selected with 9 credits taken in each.
• 3-9 credits in a minor cognate area. Often, the minor cognate area is chosen from outside the School of Music. Courses (300 level or higher) may be selected from any area that complements the student’s specialization(s). Popular choices include special education, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and curriculum & instruction.

Is there a foreign language requirement?

There is no foreign language requirement for the MA in Music Education.

What are the finishing options?

Students may select either a thesis or non-thesis option.

The thesis option includes the writing and defense of a major research-based document of original scholarship. The thesis option does not require a final written examination.

The non-thesis requires compilation of a portfolio to be submitted prior to completion of the degree. In addition to papers, the portfolio may include projects, video tapes, audio recordings and other evidence of musical and scholarly development. The exact content of the portfolio is determined by the student and Supervisory Committee. This option requires a final comprehensive written exam and oral presentation.

What is a Supervisory Committee?

The Supervisory Committee--the Committee Chair, in particular--guides the student in identification of cognate areas, selection of coursework and development of the thesis or portfolio. The student must select the committee by the completion of 10 credits. Often, a student will first select a Committee Chair who will then assist in identifying additional committee members. Most committees consist of 3 members, though larger or smaller committees may be formed if appropriate.

Can I get assistance before I select a committee?

Absolutely. Any of the Music Education faculty can assist with questions or concerns and are always available for advising. Students are encouraged to meet with faculty members from the outset of the MA program.

How long does it take to complete the MA?

There are two recommended configurations for completing the MA degree:

• Students may attend full-time during the traditional 3-quarter academic year. In this case, the MA may be completed in two years.
• Students may attend full-time for two summers and the intervening academic year. In this case, the MA may be completed in a little over one calendar year.

Can credits taken outside the MA program be transferred?

Yes. Up to 6 graduate credits taken outside the UW may be applied toward the MA.

Up to 12 credits taken at the UW as a Graduate Non-Matriculating student may be transferred toward the degree. No more than 9 of these may be Summer-Only Non-Matriculating credits.

All decisions on transferred credit are the prerogative of the Supervisory Chair.

Is teaching experience necessary?

In most cases, at least one year of successful teaching experience is necessary for admission to the MA program.

Is financial assistance available?

Support in the form of scholarships, assistantships and fellowships is available. Awarding of financial support is highly competitive. The application deadline for financial awards is December 31.

How can I apply?

In addition to the application materials requested by the UW Graduate School, the following items should be submitted:

• Complete transcripts of all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate study.
• Three letters of recommendation from those familiar with the applicant’s musical, professional, and academic work.
• Statement of professional and educational goals (usually 1-2 typewritten pages).
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (general exam only).
• Videotaped sample of your teaching.
• TOEFL scores of at least 580 (for international students).

Though not required, a campus visit is recommended for all prospective graduate students.

To whom do I go for guidance on my academic program of studies?

For questions on specific courses to be taken, you will want to meet with one of the Music Education faculty members (Patricia Campbell, Steven Demorest, Steven Morrison). By the completion of 18 hours of coursework (or sooner), you will want to select one of these members to serve as Chair of your Supervisory Committee (see # 3). You can make an appointment with these faculty members by phoning (206) 543-5204, the Music Education secretary.

To whom do I go for advice on registration and records?

The School of Music advisors are located in the Advising Office, Room 116A, (206) 543-1239. The Advisor for Graduate students is informed of all School of Music, Graduate School, and University of Washington policies and procedures regarding registration, general requirements, and records.

How can I find out more information?

For general information on application and registration, contact Karin Stromberg, School of Music Graduate Advisor, Room 116A, (206) 543-1239, kstrom@u.washington.edu.

For information on the Music Education program, contact one of the Music Education faculty through Hidaat Ephrem, Music Education Office, Room 31, (206) 543-5204, hidaat@u.washington.edu.