M.M. in Music Education

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

1. Academic Qualifications:

• A completed bachelor's degree: Prospective postgraduate students must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Typically, this should be a four-year undergraduate degree.

• Minimum GPA: Rider University often requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent. 

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): An overall band score of 6.5 or higher is commonly required, with no individual band score below 6.0.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT: A minimum total score of 79 is required.

• DET (Duolingo English Test): Rider University accept a DET score of 100 or higher as evidence of English proficiency.

• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A PTE score of 53 or higher is accepted.

Rider University offers various scholarship opportunities to international students to help alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education in the United States. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, leadership qualities, and other criteria. 

1. Global Leaders Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is designed for international undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. It covers a significant portion of tuition costs.

2. Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship: International transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society may be eligible for this scholarship. It recognizes academic excellence and provides financial assistance.

3. Presidential Scholarships: Rider University awards Presidential Scholarships to top-performing international undergraduate students. These scholarships are highly competitive and provide substantial financial support.

4. Dean's Scholarship: Dean's Scholarships are available to international undergraduate students who have a strong academic record. The scholarship amount varies based on academic qualifications.

5. International Achievement Award: This scholarship acknowledges the accomplishments of international undergraduate students. It is based on a combination of academic achievement and extracurricular involvement.

6. Graduate Assistantships: Rider University offers graduate assistantships to international students pursuing master's degrees. These assistantships provide tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for work on campus.

7. Talent Scholarships: Rider provides talent-based scholarships for students with exceptional abilities in areas such as the arts, music, and athletics. International students with exceptional talents can apply for these scholarships.

8. Honors Program Scholarships: Students accepted into Rider's Honors Program may be eligible for additional scholarships, which recognize outstanding academic achievement and commitment to intellectual growth.

9. Corporate and Foundation Scholarships: Rider University has partnerships with various corporations and foundations that offer scholarships to international students. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria.

10. Study Abroad Scholarships: Rider encourages international students to participate in study abroad programs. Scholarships are available to support students who wish to study in another country as part of their academic experience.

It's important for international students to review the specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each scholarship.

Rider University offers a prestigious Master of Music (M.M.) in Music Education program. Graduates of Rider University's M.M. program in Music Education are well-prepared for a wide range of rewarding and impactful career opportunities in the field of music education.  

1. Music Teacher (K-12): The most common career path for M.M. in Music Education graduates is to become music teachers in K-12 schools. They may teach general music, choir, band, orchestra, or a combination of these disciplines.

2. Band Director: Graduates with a background in instrumental music can pursue careers as band directors, leading school bands and orchestras, and guiding students in developing their instrumental skills.

3. Choral Director: Those with a passion for choral music often become choral directors, conducting school choirs and fostering a love for singing and vocal performance among students.

4. Orchestra Director: Graduates with expertise in orchestral music may become orchestra directors, instructing students in playing string instruments and conducting school orchestras.

5. General Music Educator: Some graduates choose to teach general music education, providing students with a well-rounded music education experience that covers various musical concepts and skills.

6. Private Music Instructor: Graduates can offer private music lessons in their specialized instruments or voice, catering to students of all ages and skill levels.

7. Music Curriculum Developer: Music curriculum developers create educational materials, lesson plans, and instructional resources for schools and music education programs.

8. Music Supervisor: Music supervisors oversee music education programs in school districts, ensuring curriculum alignment and compliance with educational standards.

9. Music Education Administrator: Graduates with leadership skills may work as music education administrators, managing music programs, budgeting, and overseeing staff in schools or districts.

10. Special Education Music Teacher: Some graduates may choose to specialize in special education, providing music instruction to students with diverse learning needs.

11. College Professor: For those interested in higher education, becoming a college or university professor in music education is an option, teaching aspiring music educators.

12. Music Clinician: Music clinicians conduct workshops, clinics, and professional development sessions for music educators and students.

13. Music Therapist: Graduates can pursue careers as music therapists, using music to promote emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being in individuals with diverse needs.

14. Community Music Educator: Community music educators work with community organizations, offering music education programs and fostering music appreciation in the broader community.

15. Arts Integration Specialist: Some graduates may become arts integration specialists, integrating music and other arts disciplines into broader educational programs.

16. Music Technology Instructor: With the increasing importance of technology, graduates may teach music technology and digital music production.

17. Music Researcher: For those interested in academia, careers in music research involve conducting scholarly research in music education theory, practice, or history.

18. Music Assessment Specialist: Assessment specialists design and implement assessment tools to evaluate the effectiveness of music education programs.

19. Music Advocacy and Policy: Graduates can engage in music advocacy and policy development, working to support and advance music education at local, state, or national levels.

20. Conductor of Youth Ensembles: Some graduates may lead youth orchestras, bands, or choirs, providing young musicians with opportunities for ensemble performance.