BS in Music Education

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Music Education is a professional degree for students who are interested in teaching music. This program is an intense study of music and education that ultimately leads to teacher licensure. Students develop skills, concepts, and methodologies in music theory, composition, general musicianship, music history, arranging/orchestrating, improvising, conducting, and music performance.  

Undergraduate program highlights include:

  • Full-time faculty with specialties in all areas of music education (choral, general, instrumental) who provide personalized attention to students and support teacher preparation 
  • An emphasis on experiential learning that is based on current research and best practices
  • Active participation in music teaching beginning in the introductory courses with fieldwork continuing throughout the degree program
  • Opportunities to perform with outstanding ensembles (orchestra, band, choral, early music, jazz)
  • Experiencing a variety of liberal arts subjects (humanities, literature, history, social sciences, foreign language) and conservatory instruction (performance, music theory) by participating in our Joint Music Program with the internationally renowned Cleveland Institute of Music
  • An active chapter of NAfME Collegiate, a student-led organization dedicated to professional development
  • Advanced technology and a dedicated music education resource center
  • Earning a music education degree from a program approved by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Program Requirements

Students seeking to complete this major and degree program must meet the general requirements for bachelor's degrees and the University's general education requirements

The BS in Music Education requires a total of 108 credit units in four primary content areas: music, music education, psychology, and professional education requirements. Students will also complete courses to satisfy University General Education Requirements. The Music Education program is designed to educate professional teachers of music education in K-12 schools. Music education majors must demonstrate piano keyboard proficiency as part of their Basic Skills and Pedagogy requirement. The program meets the requirements of the Ohio Department of Education to prepare students to take state-mandated teacher exams (Ohio Assessments for Educators) and apply for teacher licensure. Graduates are eligible for a Multi-Age License in Music in Ohio and over 40 reciprocating states. 

Find detailed program requirements, course distribution, and a sample plan of study in the General Bulletin

Teacher Education and Departmental Honors

Teacher Education is offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, which is the academic home of the department and programs that prepare students to become teachers. 

Music education majors who maintain a GPA of 3.75 or above in the major and receive high scores on their Teacher Work Sample (TWS) can earn Department Honors by a vote of the music education faculty.

Additional information about the teacher licensure program for music education and departmental honors can be found in the General Bulletin

Admission

The BS in Music Education requires submission of the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir with corresponding Music Arts Supplement (digital portfolio in the area of music) on an acceptable primary instrument or voice and a live interview/performance audition (by invitation of the music education faculty) for entrance to the major.

More information about the undergraduate admission and audition process is provided on the Undergraduate Application Procedures webpage.

Undergraduate Application Procedures

Music Handbook and Advising

Current undergraduate music majors should review departmental policies and procedures in the Undergraduate Music Handbook, and use the Advising Forms as a tool to track academic progress in all course requirements.

Additional resources and forms are available on the Resources for Current Undergraduate Music Majors webpage.