Music Education (M.M.)

M.M. Music Education

The music programs prepare students to excel in the discipline of music teaching.
students

Program Overview

To ensure that students' education is well-rounded and creatively inspired, Texas State offers a large variety of performing opportunities, including participation in opera productions, choir, orchestra, concert and marching bands, chamber ensembles, award-winning mariachi and salsa ensembles, and other vibrant cultural music groups.

Course Work

The master of music (M.M.) in music education degree requires 36 credit hours. The degree can be completed in two years or three summers.

DegreeHoursThesis OptionMinor OptionLocation
Degree
M.M.
Hours
36
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
No minor
Location
San Marcos

What Our Alumni Say

“The master's degree program at Texas State has helped broaden my world view of what music education is and what it can be.”

— T.J. Peterman, M.M. Music Education ’22

Program Details

Program Mission

Somos Musicos - "We are Musicians" - expresses with simplicity the solidarity of purpose and cooperation within an extraordinary community of musical artists, scholars and composers: the students and faculty of the School of Music. The unified mission is threefold: to make music together, to develop the self and the art of music, and to contribute value to society.

Career Options

Students will find a variety of career options:

  • authoring or editing music publications
  • composing/arranging music for film, professional ensembles or commercial projects
  • conducting professional ensembles
  • performing with opera companies, symphony orchestras,
  • jazz ensembles or Latin ensembles
  • teaching in public or private schools, colleges and private studios
  • writing professional articles and textbooks

Program Faculty

The music faculty at Texas State received their training from the finest conservatories and universities in the world, including the Peabody Institute, Indiana University, New York University, Manhattan School of Music, Michigan State University, Eastman School of Music, Juilliard School, Northwestern University, the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas at Austin, to name a few.

Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.

Graduate Advisor
Dr. Nico Schuler
musicgradstudies@txstate.edu
512.245.3395
Music (MUS), Room 209

Advisor Support  
Dr. Karla Hamelin  
musicgradstudies@txstate.edu
512.245.1554 
Music (MUS), Room 207

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Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?

Application Deadlines

DeadlinesU.S. CitizenInternational
Deadlines
Fall - Priority
U.S. Citizen
January 15
International
January 15
Deadlines
Fall - Standard
U.S. Citizen
June 15 (*Flexible)
International
June 1
Deadlines
Spring
U.S. Citizen
October 15 (*Flexible)
International
October 1
Deadlines
Summer I
U.S. Citizen
April 15 (*Flexible)
International
March 15
Deadlines
Summer II
U.S. Citizen
June 1 (*Flexible)
International
No Admission

*This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.

Funding Information
Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding.

Decision Timeline
This program reviews applications on a rolling basis.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.

  • Review important information about the online application.

    • $55 nonrefundable application fee
      OR
    • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

    Review important information about application fees.

    • baccalaureate degree in music from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
    • a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
    • a 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
    • certification to teach public school

    Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.

  • GRE

    • GRE not required

    Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

    Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.

    • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
    • official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
    • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
      • minimum individual module scores of 6.0
    • official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
    • official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

    Review important information about official test scores.

    • audition/portfolio and interview (Requirements vary by concentration. Visit the department's website for detailed instructions.)
    • resume/CV (maximum three pages) including name, address, email address, education (degrees or special certifications), professional experience, scholarship awards, special recognitions, articles or presentations, selected community activity, and other information pertinent to the desired degree and concentration
    • statement of purpose (400-600 words with your name and email in the header) addressing the following:
      • What experiences have you had in your selected music concentration?
      • What qualities, values, characteristics, and/or skills do you possess that make you a strong candidate for your selected program at Texas State?
      • What do you hope to gain from the program, and how does this relate to your personal and professional goals?
      • Discuss your plans to pursue doctoral studies as well, if applicable.
    • three letters of recommendation

    Review important information about documents.

  • Certification to teach public school music

    If you do not meet the certification requirement, you must satisfy a deficiency plan in music education in order to pursue the M.M. degree.

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