Program Quick Facts
100% Online
Flexible, online classes let you study anytime, anywhere, so you can balance work and life.
Accredited by NASM
New Mexico State University has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music since 1966.
Affordable Tuition
NMSU Global Campus offers competitively priced tuition and scholarship opportunities.
Online Graduate Study Designed for Practicing Music Educators
The online Master of Music with a concentration in Music Education at NMSU Global Campus is designed for licensed music teachers who are ready to further their careers. Whether you are seeking higher licensure, expanded leadership opportunities, or deeper instructional expertise, the program supports experienced educators who want to grow professionally while continuing to teach full-time.
Offering online education since 2007, this well-established master’s program has nearly two decades of experience delivering high-quality graduate study in a flexible, accessible format. With a contemporary focus on diversity in today’s classrooms, modern curriculum development, and evolving approaches to music instruction, this degree prepares you to meet the current challenges facing music educators. You will learn alongside other practicing teachers and join a network of alumni actively leading music programs across the region and beyond.
Apply NowMusic Education Career Pathways
The Master of Music in Music Education prepares licensed educators to expand their professional impact within schools and districts, and positions them for continued growth in the field. Graduates of the program can advance professionally in roles including:
- K–12 Music Teacher
- Head Ensemble Director
- Music Program Administrator
“It was easy for me to join NMSU Global Campus. I was able to get my degree online, which allowed me to keep working as a teacher.”
Bernadette H., Class of 2024
The online Master of Music in Music Education offers a carefully structured sequence, building your expertise step by step while allowing you to balance graduate study with full-time teaching responsibilities. Through advanced coursework in music theory, history, and graduate-level pedagogy, you will refine your understanding of the artistic, historical, and cultural foundations that shape your teaching. You’ll also explore interdisciplinary perspectives from the social sciences and humanities, broadening how you think about music in educational contexts.
This program’s strong emphasis on research and scholarship equips you to evaluate emerging trends, assess instructional effectiveness, and respond thoughtfully to contemporary challenges in music education. You will learn to design curriculum with intention, apply culturally responsive teaching strategies, and address the evolving needs of diverse student populations.
The capstone experience — either a thesis or applied project — allows you to focus on goals that matter most in your professional setting. Whether you design new curricula, conduct research, or improve an existing music program, your capstone becomes a meaningful demonstration of professional-level expertise.
Delivery Format: 100% online, with synchronous and asynchronous sessions
Program Credits: 31 credits
Program Length: 2 years full-time
Cost Per Credit Hour: $444.40**
Active Military Cost Per Credit Hour: $250*
College: Arts and Sciences
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The online Master of Music with a concentration in Music Education requires 31 total credit hours, with a minimum grade of B in each course. Students complete required graduate coursework in music theory, music history, and music education, along with one elective course. The degree concludes with either a thesis or an applied project that you can design around your interests or goals within your own classroom or school community.
Students may begin the program in the Fall semester only.
| Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| MUSC 471: Graduate Theory Review | 3 |
| MUSC 477: Graduate Music History Review | 3 |
| MUSC 530: Seminar in Music Education | 3 |
| MUSC 531: Music Education in the Diverse Classroom | 3 |
| MUSC 535: Current Issues in Music Education | 3 |
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in music or music education
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework
- A resume
- A statement of purpose
- 2 letters of recommendation from music professionals
- A writing sample — see Suggested Writing Assignments (PDF) for helpful guidelines
This program is intended for practicing educators; applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in music education and maintain current music teaching licensure or certification. No GRE is required.
At NMSU Global Campus, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
The New Mexico Higher Education Department offers additional support for future and current teachers. The Teacher Preparation Affordability Scholarship helps aspiring educators cover tuition, fees, and materials as they work toward licensure. Licensed teachers may also qualify for up to $6,000 annually in student loan relief through the Teacher Loan Repayment Program, which supports educators who have taught in the state for at least three years, especially in high-need areas.
NMSU and NMSU Global Campus students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: globalFA@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.
*Terms and conditions apply.
**For NMSU Global Campus programs and courses, the per credit hour cost is listed above. Special tuition agreements (Western Undergraduate Exchange, Descubre, etc.) are not applicable to NMSU Global Campus programs. Course fees still apply and are charged separately. Textbooks, uniforms, equipment, etc., are additional program costs. Additional per credit costs might be charged by the program, department or college.