M.S. in Music Education

Postgraduate Programs Entry Requirements:

• Academic Qualifications: International students applying for postgraduate programs at Auburn University should hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The minimum academic requirement is a score of 80-86% or above in the qualifying examination.
   
• English Language Proficiency:  
  • IELTS: A minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required.
  • TOEFL: A minimum score of 79 on the internet-based test (iBT) is required.
  • PTE: A minimum score of 55 is required.

These scholarships recognize academic achievements, leadership potential, and diverse backgrounds. 

1. International Merit Scholarships: Auburn University offers merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership skills, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria. The scholarships are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study and provide partial tuition coverage.

2. Global Scholars Program: The Global Scholars Program is a prestigious scholarship program at Auburn University. It is designed for academically talented international students who demonstrate exceptional leadership abilities, community involvement, and a commitment to global issues. Selected students receive a comprehensive scholarship package that includes full tuition, housing, and a stipend.

3. Cultural Diversity Scholarships: Auburn University recognizes and values the diversity of its student population. The Cultural Diversity Scholarships aim to support underrepresented international students who contribute to the university's cultural and global perspectives. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition and living expenses.

4. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments and colleges within Auburn University offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships may be discipline-specific and require students to major in a particular field of study. Students are encouraged to explore departmental websites and contact their respective academic units for information on available scholarships.

5. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students may have the opportunity to work as graduate teaching or research assistants within their academic departments. These assistantships provide a stipend, tuition remission, and valuable professional experience. Graduate students can inquire about assistantship opportunities when applying to their respective graduate programs.

6. External Scholarships: Auburn University also encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities provided by governments, organizations, and foundations. The university's Office of International Programs provides guidance and resources to help students search and apply for external scholarships.

It is important for international students to carefully review scholarship eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and any additional requirements specified by Auburn University. The university encourages early application submission to be considered for the available scholarships. 

Graduates of Auburn University's Master of Science (M.S.) program in Music Education are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to pursue diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the field of music education. Auburn University's M.S. program in Music Education prepares graduates for diverse and dynamic careers in music education, arts administration, music therapy, curriculum development, instructional design, music technology, research, and academia. With its emphasis on pedagogy, specialization tracks, research, clinical experiences, technology integration, leadership, and professional development, the program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to excel as music educators, advocates, leaders, and innovators in the field of music education, making a positive impact on students, communities, and society as a whole.

1. Music Educator: Graduates can pursue careers as music educators in various educational settings, including public and private schools, colleges, universities, community music programs, and music conservatories. They may work as elementary, middle school, or high school music teachers, directing choirs, bands, orchestras, or general music classes. Music educators develop and implement curriculum, teach music theory and performance skills, organize concerts and recitals, and foster a lifelong appreciation for music among students.

2. Private Music Instructor: Graduates may choose to work as private music instructors, offering individual or group lessons in their area of expertise, such as voice, piano, guitar, violin, or other instruments. Private music instructors may operate their own music studios, teach lessons in students' homes, or work for music schools or community music programs. They provide personalized instruction, tailor lessons to students' interests and abilities, and help students develop their musical talents and achieve their goals.

3. Music Director/Conductor: Graduates with advanced conducting skills may pursue careers as music directors or conductors of choral ensembles, instrumental ensembles, or community orchestras. They lead rehearsals, select repertoire, interpret musical scores, and conduct performances for audiences. Music directors and conductors may work with amateur or professional musicians, collaborate with guest artists, and organize educational outreach programs to engage with the community and promote musical excellence.

4. Music Therapist: Graduates interested in using music as a therapeutic tool may pursue careers as music therapists in healthcare settings, rehabilitation centers, schools, mental health facilities, or community organizations. Music therapists use music interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals with disabilities, developmental disorders, mental health conditions, or medical illnesses. They design and implement music therapy sessions, assess clients' progress, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance well-being and quality of life through music.

5. Arts Administrator: Graduates may pursue careers in arts administration, working for arts organizations, cultural institutions, performing arts centers, or music advocacy groups. They may serve as program coordinators, education directors, or executive directors, overseeing administrative operations, managing budgets, fundraising, marketing, and community outreach efforts. Arts administrators play a crucial role in supporting and promoting music education initiatives, organizing concerts, festivals, and educational events, and advocating for the arts in schools and communities.

6. Curriculum Developer/Instructional Designer: Graduates with expertise in curriculum development and instructional design may work as curriculum developers, instructional designers, or educational consultants, designing music education programs, resources, and materials for schools, districts, or educational publishers. They develop standards-based curriculum frameworks, lesson plans, teaching resources, and digital learning tools to support music instruction in diverse educational settings. Curriculum developers and instructional designers ensure that music education programs are engaging, relevant, and aligned with educational standards and best practices.

7. Music Technology Specialist: Graduates with proficiency in music technology may pursue careers as music technology specialists, integrating technology into music education instruction, curriculum design, and performance activities. They may work for schools, colleges, or music technology companies, providing technical support, training, and professional development to educators, students, and musicians. Music technology specialists help educators incorporate digital audio workstations, music notation software, multimedia tools, and online resources into music curriculum to enhance teaching and learning experiences.

8. Researcher/Professor: Graduates interested in academia and research may pursue doctoral studies or research positions in academic institutions, conducting research in music education, music psychology, music cognition, or music therapy. They may work as faculty members, researchers, or postdoctoral fellows, teaching courses, mentoring students, and conducting scholarly research in collaboration with colleagues and research organizations. Researchers contribute to the advancement of knowledge in music education through empirical research, theoretical inquiries, and innovative pedagogical approaches.