Music Education

Music Education, PreK-12

A degree leading to professional certification in Music Education

This program is for students who have earned an undergraduate degree in music education and wish to earn a master’s degree with a focus on music education.

With rapidly changing requirements and assessments in the public and private educational system, the music education degree programs at Nazareth University are actively engaged in addressing these evolving needs. Music Education students must be involved in knowing and maintaining a pre-existing fixed body of knowledge while continuing to incorporate new ideas and knowledge into the discipline through the use of new technologies and expanding bodies of musical repertoire and skills. The curriculum of the Music Education Program is designed to offer students advanced instruction in curriculum, pedagogy, musicianship, research methods, and various topics in both music and music education. Additionally, the program addresses the needs of the music educator by providing an opportunity for personal growth in musicianship through courses in music history, music theory, and applied music study.

A number of courses are offered in “hybrid format” (a combination of in-class and on-line instruction), to better accommodate the schedules of our graduate students.

Program Director
Keith A. Koster, Ph.D.
585-389-5164
kkoster8@naz.edu

 
Entry Requirements  

1. Completed Online Application
2. Completion of the professional statement as described on the application
3. Official transcripts from all colleges attended
4. Applicants must have completed, or will be completing, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative index of 3.0 and a “B” average in the major field by the start date of the desired term. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is expected. Applicants who do not meet these requirements must address each of the following in their professional statement:
   • Explain why grades were below Nazareth’s minimum expectations
   • Explain potential to positively contribute to the teaching profession
   • Describe relevant experiences and/or activities that demonstrate ability to successfully complete graduate work at Nazareth University
   • Outline specific procedures that will be followed to successfully navigate and meet the rigorous requirements of graduate study
5. Upload a recorded audition on the candidate’s major instrument using the online application.
6. Copy of verification of teacher certification from the TEACH system
7. Two letters of recommendation
8. Resume

Certification required for admission: Initial certification in Music Education

Program leads to: Professional certification in Music Education   

Applying for Teacher Certification through New York State
Teacher candidates use the NYS TEACH system to apply for Initial and Professional certifications and need to pay the fees in effect at the time they apply. New York requires all teacher candidates to have a fingerprint/background check on file with TEACH, pass all appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations www.nystce.nesinc.com> and have the appropriate years of teaching experience. New York State Education Department maintains a website with certification requirements: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/

Teacher candidates adding an additional certification will need to take the appropriate Content Specialty Test in their new area of certification only.

During a teacher candidate’s final semester, information on the certification application process will be sent via email. Additional support may be obtained by contacting Nazareth University Teacher Certification Office at (585) 389-2051 or by email tcert@naz.edu or go.naz.edu/cert

Application Deadlines:
April 1 for Fall Term
Applications received after the stated deadline will be processed on a space-available basis.