Master of Music in Music Education

Develop your teaching skills, delve into research or further your music education in preparation for doctoral studies with a Master of Music in Music Education degree in Temple’s Boyer College of Music of Dance. The comprehensive graduate program—offered both online and in-person—is structured to help students gain a deeper understanding of advanced educational and music learning theories, key music education principles and effective practices, and research methodologies.

Fully accredited by National Association of Schools of Music, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, this 30-credit degree provides opportunities for studies in music education practice and music education research. 

Through a rigorous course of study, students are prepared to seek permanent teaching certification in Pennsylvania, advance existing teaching careers, or apply to music education doctoral programs. Coursework hones knowledge of

  • effective practices in music education throughout the lifespan;
  • appropriate and effective measurement tools for use in music instructional programs and research; 
  • artistry in music and music teaching;
  • contemporary theories in education and culturally responsive music teaching; and 
  • modern investigative techniques in music and music education.

You may take up to six years to earn your master’s degree, and you can enroll on a part-time or full-time basis.

Online Program Option

You have the option to earn the Music Education MM entirely online. This flexible option allows you to study from home thanks to fully online coursework, earning your degree in a format that meets your personal and professional schedule.

Students in the online Music Education MM work with internationally recognized Boyer faculty in all areas of music education. The online Music Education MM is open to all practicing music educators. The program may be completed in two years.

Masters Plus Certification Option

This program option is ideal for students who have an undergraduate degree in music and want to gain a Pennsylvania teaching licensure alongside a master's degree. Interested students can enroll in the Music Education MM and simultaneously complete an array of courses to prepare for teaching licensure. Designed for flexibility, certification coursework is customized based on the background and experience of each student, and constructed in consultation with the chair of the department. Coursework is delivered through a blend of in-person and online sessions. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in music and at least a 3.0 GPA to be admitted. 

Masters Plus students in the Music Education MM incur additional fees to obtain required annual clearances for working with minors in PK-12 music settings, and additional fees to complete required standardized testing registration and score submission required for Level 1 PK-12 Music certification in Pennsylvania.

Classes & Curriculum

The Music Education MM program comprises core required courses, electives and a capstone experience. Required courses include

  • Learning Theory in Music,
  • Measurement and Evaluation in Music,
  • Psychology of Music Learning & Behavior,
  • Research in Music Education, and
  • Thesis or Final Project.

Learn more about requirements for the Music Education MM program.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

A classroom of students sitting at desks with a woman in the forefront looking towards the front.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Music offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,239.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,652.00 per credit
Online program option: $909.00 per credit

Learn more about our tuition and fees.

Program Fees

Music Education MM students incur additional fees in order to obtain required annual clearances for working with minors in pre-K through grade 12 music settings, and additional fees for required standardized testing registration, score submission and application fees for Level 1 pre-K through grade 12 music certification in Pennsylvania.

BC-MUED-MMUS

Additional Program Information