M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
Master of Music Education
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF), located in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, offers a Master of Music Education (MME) program through its College of Arts and Sciences. This graduate-level program is specifically designed to enhance the skills of musicians and prepare them for careers as effective music educators, particularly within the K-12 public school system. It caters to both current music educators seeking advanced knowledge and individuals with undergraduate music degrees who wish to obtain teaching certification.
NASM Accredited: UNF's School of Music, which houses the MME program, is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). NASM is the national accrediting agency for music and music-related disciplines, ensuring that programs meet rigorous standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, and student outcomes. This accreditation signifies a commitment to excellence in music education and provides graduates with a recognized credential in the field.
Curriculum: The MME program at UNF offers two distinct concentrations: Pedagogy and Research (36 credit hours) and Professional Education (30 credit hours). The Pedagogy and Research concentration is ideal for students who already possess a Bachelor's in Music Education and wish to deepen their pedagogical knowledge and research skills. The Professional Education concentration is tailored for individuals holding any undergraduate music degree who aim to earn a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate through a state-approved graduate program. Both concentrations include core coursework in foundational music education topics, music history, and music theory. The Professional Education track also includes specific courses to prepare students for the Florida Department of Education Professional Knowledge and Music Subject Area exams, crucial for certification. Classes are primarily offered in the evening to accommodate working professionals. A capstone experience, such as a graduate internship or comprehensive oral examination, is typically required.
Research Focus: The Master of Music Education program at UNF incorporates a strong research focus, particularly within the Pedagogy and Research concentration. Students engage in advanced study of research methods in music education, learning to critically evaluate existing scholarship and apply research principles to inform their teaching practices. Faculty members within the School of Music are noted artists/practitioners who actively engage in scholarship and research in their respective fields, including music education. This research often explores innovative pedagogy, the psychology of music, and historical and philosophical foundations of music education, providing students with opportunities to delve into contemporary issues and contribute to the body of knowledge in the field.
Industry Engagement: UNF's MME program is deeply committed to industry engagement by preparing graduates for direct entry into the music education profession. The program is designed to meet the requirements for state teaching certification, directly aligning with the needs of public and private schools. The curriculum emphasizes practical teaching skills, classroom management, and contemporary pedagogical issues. The required graduate internship for the Professional Education concentration provides invaluable hands-on experience in K-12 settings, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real classrooms under supervision. UNF's School of Music also offers various festivals, camps, and symposia that provide professional development opportunities for students and educators, fostering connections within the broader music education community.
Global Perspective: The Master of Music Education program at UNF inherently touches upon a global perspective by fostering an understanding of music as a universal language and exploring diverse musical cultures. While not a primary focus of international studies, the curriculum may include elements that encourage students to develop an analytical and intuitive understanding of music as a pan-cultural phenomenon. By examining historical and contemporary issues in music education, students are exposed to how music learning and teaching operate in various cultural contexts. The faculty's engagement in broader musical scholarship and the university's overall promotion of cultural and aesthetic experiences contribute to graduates being able to address the needs of diverse student populations in an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
A Master of Music Education (MME) from the University of North Florida (UNF) is a highly versatile degree that not only prepares graduates for fulfilling careers as music educators but also opens doors to a variety of related professional opportunities. The program's NASM accreditation and emphasis on both pedagogy and research provide a strong foundation for diverse career paths within and beyond traditional classroom settings.
K-12 Music Teacher (Choral, Instrumental, or General Music): This is the most direct and common career path. MME graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to teach music at elementary, middle, or high school levels, leading bands, orchestras, choirs, or general music classes. The Professional Education concentration specifically targets Florida teaching certification.
Private Music Instructor/Studio Teacher: Many MME graduates establish successful careers as private music instructors, teaching instruments, voice, or music theory to individuals or small groups. This offers flexibility in terms of hours and curriculum, often allowing for independent practice.
Music Director/Conductor: MME graduates can lead and direct various musical ensembles beyond the school setting, including church choirs, community orchestras, theatrical productions, or professional groups. Their advanced understanding of music theory, conducting techniques, and rehearsal strategies is highly valued.
Higher Education Administrator (Music Department): With an advanced degree in music education, graduates can pursue administrative roles within university or college music departments. This might involve program coordination, curriculum development, student advising, or managing departmental operations.
Music Professor/Lecturer (Community College/University): For those with a passion for higher education and a desire to contribute to the academic community, an MME can be a stepping stone to teaching music education, music theory, or applied instrumental/vocal lessons at community colleges or universities, particularly if combined with further doctoral studies.
Arts Administrator: MME graduates possess valuable organizational, communication, and educational skills that are transferable to arts administration roles. They can work in concert halls, arts organizations, non-profits, or cultural institutions, managing programs, fundraising, or community outreach for music-related initiatives.
Curriculum Developer (Music Education): With their deep understanding of pedagogical theories and research in music education, graduates can work for educational publishers, non-profit organizations, or school districts to design and develop music curriculum, lesson plans, and educational materials.
Music Therapist (with additional certification): While an MME is not a direct path to becoming a board-certified music therapist (which typically requires specific undergraduate or equivalency coursework and a practicum), the advanced knowledge of music and its psychological effects can be a strong foundation for pursuing further certification in music therapy, enabling careers in healthcare and wellness.
Music Product Specialist/Sales (Educational Sector): Companies that produce musical instruments, sheet music, or music technology for educational use often seek individuals with a music education background. MME graduates can work in technical sales, product demonstration, or educational outreach roles, leveraging their expertise to connect with music educators and institutions.
Educational Consultant (Music): Experienced MME graduates can become independent consultants, advising school districts, private schools, or arts organizations on best practices in music education, program evaluation, professional development for music teachers, or integrating music into broader educational curricula.
