Music Education - Master of Arts in Teaching

Program Total Credits: 36

The Master of Arts in Teaching – Music Education (MAT) is an advanced teacher certification program for professional musicians desiring a master’s degree and certification to teach music in K-12 schools as well as in other educational settings and for related careers. It is a unique program in that candidates for the MAT typically will have completed undergraduate studies in applied music, composition, theory, musicology, or other professional areas. MAT graduates are eligible to receive K-12 certification from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education to teach music.

The MAT in Music Education is designed to develop and refine the student’s intellectual, pedagogical, and musical skills. The program is a balance of intellectual foundations, curriculum design, and assessment; partnered with hands-on pedagogy and conducting courses developed to provide relevant experiences for the classrooms of today and leadership for the future of the profession. This preparation includes comprehensive instruction in the use of educational technology, field-based learning experiences, and site-based pedagogy courses, which provide direct feedback on instructional effectiveness.

The MAT curriculum comprises 36 credits and may be completed in one academic year if all corequisites are satisfied prior to matriculation. Corequisite requirements may be satisfied in a number of ways, including taking courses in the Music Education minor program. Working professionals may opt to complete the degree over an extended period of time on a part-time basis. Students who wish to complete the program over two years of graduate study may do so by taking these corequisites during their first year at the University.