M.S. in Criminal Justice
The M.S. in Criminal Justice at UTC is structured to provide students with advanced kno...
M.M. in Music Education
Chattanooga, Tennessee
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.M. in Music Education at UTC is a 31-hour program with a practical scope and emphasis, catering to the needs of practicing K-12 music educators. It offers flexibility through a hybrid format, allowing completion through summer on-campus study combined with asynchronous online courses during intervening fall and spring semesters. Students can choose from three distinct tracks: Kodály Certification (for K-8 general music specialists), Secondary Instrumental Pedagogy (for 6-12 instrumental specialists), and Secondary Vocal Pedagogy (for 6-12 choral music specialists). This program is ideal for those seeking to enhance their teaching effectiveness, pursue leadership roles, or prepare for further doctoral studies.
Curriculum: The curriculum provides a comprehensive advanced study of music education. It includes 15 hours in the major area, 6 hours in Music Theory and Music History cognates, and a 1-hour Project in Music Education. The remaining 9 hours are track-specific, allowing for deep dives into Kodály methodology, instrumental pedagogy, or vocal pedagogy. The program emphasizes refining pedagogical skills, exploring current trends in music education, and developing expertise in conducting and literature appropriate for teaching. A cornerstone of the program is its summer institutes, which feature nationally recognized guest clinicians for intensive training.
Research Focus: While the M.M. in Music Education is practically oriented, it strongly emphasizes research-based practices and scholarly inquiry within music education. Students are expected to engage with current research, analyze educational theories, and apply evidence-based strategies in their teaching. The culminating "Project in Music Education" often involves a practical application of research, such as developing innovative curriculum, assessing teaching methods, or analyzing educational outcomes. The program aims to cultivate reflective practitioners who can critically evaluate and contribute to the body of knowledge in music education.
Industry Engagement: UTC's M.M. in Music Education program is deeply engaged with the "industry" of K-12 music education. Its flexible format is designed to accommodate working teachers, directly addressing the professional development needs of the current workforce. The program regularly hosts renowned guest clinicians through its summer institutes, providing students direct access to leading experts in the field. Furthermore, faculty members often have extensive experience as K-12 music educators themselves, offering invaluable real-world insights and connections. The curriculum's focus on practical pedagogy and leadership skills directly prepares graduates for immediate impact in their teaching environments and for career advancement within school systems. The program's connections to organizations like the Tennessee Music Education Association (TMEA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) further enhance its industry relevance.
Global Perspective: The M.M. in Music Education program incorporates a global perspective by encouraging students to explore diverse musical traditions and pedagogical approaches. While not explicitly focused on international comparative education, the study of various music teaching methodologies (like Kodály, which has international roots) naturally broadens a teacher's understanding of global musical practices and their application in the classroom. Graduates are prepared to teach music that reflects a wide array of cultural backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and a broader understanding of music as a universal human experience.
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 26852
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
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 100.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their education in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community, helping to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UTC provides merit-based scholarships that international students can apply for, typically based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships often cover partial to full tuition and are renewable based on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are available exclusively for international students, helping offset tuition fees and living expenses. These awards may vary annually and are competitive, encouraging students to demonstrate strong academic records and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UTC offer scholarships targeted at students within specific fields of study. International students enrolled in areas such as Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, or Arts and Sciences can explore scholarship options through their respective colleges or departments.
Graduates holding an M.M. in Music Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) are highly skilled and adaptable professionals ready to lead and innovate within various educational and musical environments. Their advanced training in pedagogy, musical performance, and specialized areas equips them for diverse roles beyond the traditional classroom.
K-12 Music Teacher (Specialized/Lead): While many graduates continue in K-12 settings, the M.M. degree qualifies them for more specialized roles, such as directing advanced ensembles (e.g., district-wide honor choirs, advanced marching bands), teaching specific methodologies (like Kodály or Orff), or serving as lead music teachers within a school or district.
Community College Music Instructor: Graduates are well-prepared to teach introductory music theory, music history, performance ensembles, or general music appreciation courses at the community college level, sharing their expertise with a broader student population.
Music Program Director/Coordinator (School District): This administrative role involves overseeing the entire music program within a school district. Graduates can develop curriculum, manage budgets, supervise music faculty, and advocate for music education at a broader systemic level.
Private Music Instructor (Advanced Studio): With enhanced pedagogical skills and deeper musical knowledge, graduates can establish highly reputable private studios, offering advanced instruction in specific instruments, voice, or music theory to a wide range of students, from young learners to adults.
Curriculum Developer (Music Education): Graduates can work for educational publishers, online learning platforms, or school districts to design, write, and implement music curricula and instructional materials that align with national and state standards.
Arts Administrator (Non-profit/Community Organizations): The leadership and organizational skills honed in the M.M. program are valuable in arts administration. Graduates can manage music programs, coordinate events, handle fundraising, and oversee operations for community music schools, youth orchestras, or other arts non-profits.
Conductor/Music Director (Community or Church Ensembles): Beyond school settings, graduates can lead and direct community choirs, orchestras, bands, or church music programs, leveraging their conducting skills and deep understanding of musical literature.
Professional Development Specialist for Educators: Graduates can design and deliver workshops and training sessions for other music teachers, focusing on new methodologies, technology integration in music education, or specific pedagogical challenges.
Music Education Consultant: With their specialized knowledge, graduates can offer independent consulting services to schools, private institutions, or families, advising on music program development, teacher training, or student musical development.
Doctoral Student (Ph.D. in Music Education): For those passionate about research and higher education, the M.M. serves as an excellent foundation for pursuing a Ph.D. in Music Education, leading to careers as university professors who train future music educators and contribute to scholarly research in the field.
