Master of Music in Music Education

Engage in advanced study of music teaching and professional preparation to enhance or launch your career as a music educator.

At a Glance

Flexibility

Part Time | Full Time
Delivery Options

On Campus
Degree

MM

Master of Music (MM) in Music Education Overview

The Master of Music Education program at UMass Lowell offers two distinct pathways tailored to your career aspirations:

Teaching Certification Option: If you're aiming to become a licensed music educator in public schools, this pathway combines comprehensive coursework in music and general education with hands-on teaching practicums. Upon completion, you'll be eligible to apply for Initial Licensure through the Massachusetts Department of Education, positioning you as a fully certified music teacher in the state. (Note that the Commonwealth has teacher licensure reciprocity with most states.)

Non-Certification Options: For those interested in broader music education roles, we offer two tracks:

Research Thesis / Project Option for fully certified music teachers who are seeking professional advancement, this track emphasizes research to deepen your expertise and contribute to the field of music education.
Community Music Option for students seeking music education beyond traditional school settings, such as community outreach programs, arts organizations and educational media.

Program Quick Facts

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Not Required
Complete in 3 Semesters (Full-Time)
100% Job Placement Rate
Available Full-Time and Part-Time

Music Education Curriculum

The Master of Music in Music Education is a 30-credit degree. Students can choose the Master of Music Education (leads to licensure), Research Thesis/Project Track (does not lead to licensure) or the Community Music Option (does not lead to licensure).

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Leads to licensure.

Pedagogy (9 credits)
Course Number	Course Name	Credits
MUED.6010*	Seminar in Music Education - SocioCultural Influences	3
MUED.5100	Foundations of Music Education	3
MUED.5150	Curriculum Design in Music Education	3
Total		9

Research - 3 Credits
Course Number	Course Name	Credits
MUED.6500	Research in Music Education	3
Total		3

Music Theory / History (3 credits)
Course Number	Course Name	Credits
MUTH.6100	Structure, Context and Style	3
Total		3

Non-music Education Electives (Select 2)
Course Number	Course Name	Credits
EDUC.5043	Methods of Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities	3
Total		3

Graduate Performance Ensembles (student's choice) - 3 credits

Teaching Practicum - 9 credits

MUED.5950 Practicum and Analysis

Total credits = 30

Pedagogy (9 credits)
Course Number	Course Name	Credits
MUED.6010	Seminar in Music Education - SocioCultural Influences	3
MUED.5100	Foundations of Music Education	3
MUED.5150	Curriculum Design in Music Education	3
Total		9

Research - 3 Credits
Course Number	Course Name	Credits
MUED.6500	Research in Music Education	3
Total		3

Music Theory/History (3 credits)
Course Number	Course Name	Credits
MUTH.6100	Structure, Context and Style	3
Total		3

Non-music Education Electives (Select 2)
Course Number	Course Name	Credits
EDUC.5043	Methods of Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities	3
EDUC.5024	Inclusive Practices for the SEL Classroom	3
Total		6

Graduate Performance Ensembles - 3 credits of Ensembles, student's choice

MUED.6950 Directed study and research - 3 credits
MUED.6960 Project or MUEN.7430 Thesis - 3 credits

Total credits = 30.

This does not lead to licensure.

Pedagogy and Administrative (9 credits)
Course Number	Course Name	Credits
MUED.6010*	Seminar in Music Education - Socio-Cultural Influences	3
MUED.5100	Foundations of Music Education	3
MUBU.5040	Arts Administration and Marketing	3
PSYC.5460	Grant Writing	3
Total		12

Research - 3 Credits
Course Number	Course Name	Credits
MUED.6500	Research in Music Education	3
Total		3

Music Theory / History (3 credits)
Course Number	Course Name	Credits
MUTH.6100	Structure, Context and Style	3
Total		3

Practicum
Course Number	Course Name	Credits
MUBU.5250	Community Outreach Practicum I	1
MUBU.5260	Community Outreach Practicum II	1
Total		2

Capstone (choice is based on student interest)
Course Number	Course Name	Credits
Total		6
MUED.6250or	Internship - Music Education or	6
MUPF.6250or	Internship - Performance or
MUBU.6250	Internship - Music Business

Graduate Performance Ensembles - 4 credits (MUEN.6010 World Ensemble - 2 credits, and 2 credits of student's choice of other ensemble)

Total credits = 30

Updated 2/25/25

Community Music Education Certificate

Looking to expand your expertise in community-based music initiatives? This flexible, 15-credit certificate is ideal for professional teachers who need continuing education credits and students in either the Master of Music Education, Teaching Certification Option or the Master of Music Education, Research Thesis/Project Option.

Why Study Music Education at UMass Lowell?

Three female students playing clarinets in a music class/rehearsal.

Flexible Program Design

Complete the program at your own pace—take as little as one course per semester or finish your degree in just three semesters through full-time enrollment.

A child from the String Project talks to a UMass Lowell student backstage.

Strong Alumni Network

Connect with our dedicated network of program graduates who offer practicum mentorship and job placement advice.

A female and male student playing instruments in the studio and recording music.

World-Class Facilities

Access state-of-the-art recording studios, rehearsal suites and smart classrooms equipped with advanced technology to enhance your music education experience.

Orchestra and Choir students perform at UMass Lowell

Performing Opportunities

Showcase your talent in the 1,200-seat concert hall or 225-seat recital hall, hosting student performances and professional events.

Music Education Career Outlook

+5.8%

Projected job growth in New England (2022–2033)
(Lightcast, 2024)
$79,900

Median annual earnings for master's degree holders in New England
(Lightcast, 2024)

Where Our Graduates Work

Graduates of our program are working in school districts throughout the Merrimack Valley and beyond. The majority of our graduates teach in Massachusetts, but the Commonwealth has teacher licensure reciprocity with most states.

Our alumni teach in districts across Massachusetts, including:

Lowell
Westford
Methuen
Beverly
Chelmsford
Belmont
Arlington
Boston
Dracut
Worcester

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

View Estimated Annual Tuition and Fees for the 2025 - 2026 Academic Year

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

Application:
- Summer 2025 - Spring 2026
- Summer 2026 - Spring 2027
Application Fee: $50
Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages).
Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants. Criminal Justice, Master of Arts (M.A.): Letters of recommendation are optional.
Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts are required if accepted.
Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for Criminology and Criminal Justice and Global Studies doctoral programs. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is required for the Master of Music in Music Education. Scores are accepted but not required for other programs.
Resume: The following programs require a resume for admission:
- Master of Music Education
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Education programs (except Education Administration, M.Ed)
- Education Specialist in Language Arts and Literacy
- Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) rather than a resume to highlight academic and professional achievements.
Writing Sample: Education Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs only.
Forms: Principal's Acknowledgement Form (pdf) for Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education Administration, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (PK-12) only.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Application Deadlines

Global Studies Ph.D. and Psychology Ph.D.: January 15
Criminology Ph.D.: February 1
Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies: February 15
Leadership in Schooling Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Applications are accepted from July – October 15.

International Applicants

Transcripts must show degree completion and include a credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as:

Center for Educational Documentation (CED)
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
World Education Services (WES)

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
TOEFL for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 90+
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
IELTS for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 7+
Duolingo: 115+
ASC English: Level 6+
Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

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At a Glance