Master's Programs in Music

The Music Department offers the following graduate degrees:

Our programs are designed to facilitate students' growth and development as leaders in music education as:

  • creative problem solvers and critical thinkers.
  • individuals who love music and the arts and use their knowledge of and enthusiasm for music to inspire their students.
  • contributors, through research, to the profession and discipline of music education.

The Music Education curriculum is based on the belief that music educators must have comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter of music, an awareness of current theory and practice in music education, and an understanding of recent curriculum development and contemporary issues in general education.

Master of Music in Music Education (Research Thesis/Project Track OR Community Music Option)

Program Objectives

The Master of Music in Music Education at UMass Lowell (UML) provides advanced study of music teaching and learning and professional preparation for those engaged in or aspiring to a career as a music educator.

The Master of Music in Music Education has two non-licensing programs:

Master of Music Education with Licensure

Program Objectives

The Master of Music Education with Licensure degree is for future music teachers who are in the process of earning their Initial License in Massachusetts. Upon completion of this program, students may file an application to the Massachusetts Department of Education for Initial Licensure through our Graduate School of Education to become fully licensed teachers in Massachusetts.

The Master of Music in Music Education (Teaching Certification) is also the graduate segment of the music teacher preparation/certification program at the university for graduates of our Music Studies program. Upon successful completion of the undergraduate Music Studies degree, students may apply directly for the Master of Music in Music Education (Teaching Certification) degree. Upon completion of this degree program and passing state-mandated Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) exams, students may file an application to the Massachusetts Department of Education for initial licensure and become fully certified teachers in Massachusetts.

Degree Pathway, Master of Music Education with Licensure.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  1. A resume or curriculum vitae (cv), and
  2. Two letters of recommendation from persons who are qualified to evaluate the applicant's academic and professional abilities.

For the Thesis/Project Track:

  1. verification of Initial Licensure in music and/or proof of music teaching experience, and
  2. a sample of scholarly writing about music or music education, which may be a term paper or research paper written in any baccalaureate or graduate level music class that provides evidence of writing skills and potential for writing at the level of a graduate thesis.

For all applicants to the Licensure Program:

  1. an essay of at least three typewritten pages addressing the following:
  • The applicant's purpose and specific objectives in pursuing graduate study in music education
  • the applicant's philosophy of education in general and arts education in particular

For applicants to the Licensure Program coming from programs outside of UML:

  1. Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree or its equivalent with a major in music. Applicants must have taken course work equivalent to University of Massachusetts Lowell Bachelor of Music in Music Studies degree program, have an undergraduate degree with a major in other areas of music, or have equivalent experience in teaching in PreK-12 music education and in music performance as determined by the Music Education Program Coordinator.
  2. Applicants must submit official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate school previously attended.
  3. Applicants wishing to transfer credits: the university will accept up to 12 graduate level course credits from an accredited and approved institution of higher learning. Please note, credits may not be taken from previously completed degree programs.
  4. Please note: Applicants who already possess an undergraduate degree in music education will not be considered for admission to the Master of Music Education with Licensure degree program, as they will have completed their student teaching and obtained an Initial License. These applicants will be considered for admission to the Master of Music in Music Education non-licensure programs.

Updated 2/19/26

Learn More & Apply