AU News

The South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University has built a reputation of excellence for graduate music education, offering a graduate program in music education designed to help music educators attain their professional development goals while pioneering the online delivery of program content. 

The Music Department of the South Carolina School of the Arts has enhanced its Master of Music in Music Education (MM M.Ed.) degree in response to ever-changing needs in education. The degree can be completed in 22-24 months. While the program is offered online, there are onsite opportunities to participate in campus ensembles and applied lessons.

The program offers two tracks that allow students to specialize in either a research or a curriculum  capstone project, according to Director of Music Education Dr. David Perry. Those who are enrolled in the program have an opportunity to pursue advanced knowledge and applications within their specialty areas, which include band, orchestra, choir, general music and other areas of interest within music education. 

Most states provide a substantial increase in pay upon completion of the master’s degree, providing a benefit for the remainder of the graduate’s career. Current students and graduates report that they are more effective as educators and enjoy a greater impact on the achievement of their students as a result of applying the knowledge, skills, and proficiencies that they gain from this degree program. 

The degree is designed to build on the foundations a student has received in their undergraduate music education program. According to Dr. Perry, completing the master’s program can open doors to administrative roles at the school district level or for further studies, including doctoral studies. Graduates of the MM M.Ed. program can also be found in major universities. By the time a student completes their degree, they will also have gained important leadership skills, knowledge and expertise. Graduates of the program have been hired as music supervisors at the school district level and have won awards for their music education leadership. 

The entry requirement for the MM M.Ed. degree is a bachelor of music education and/or a teaching certificate in music. 

A complete description of the Master of Music in Music Education program can be found online at the Anderson University website.