Master of Arts in Music Education

Amplify Your Music Teaching Career
Inspired by Venezuela’s transformative El Sistema framework, our Three Summer Master of Arts in Music Education program empowers you to foster social change, rigorous musicianship and community development. Advance your teaching career without stepping away from your classroom. Designed specifically for working K-12 music educators, our innovative hybrid master's program lets you earn your degree over three consecutive summers.
You will complete theoretical and research coursework online from anywhere in the world. Then, join your fellow educators for an intensive, two-week in-person residency at our vibrant campus in California.
Program Information
Modality
Hybrid
Program Length
3 summers · 30 units
Cost Per Unit
$483* for Summer 2027 · Financial aid and scholarships available.
Applications Open
November 1 – April 1 for Summer start
Start Terms
Summer
How to Apply
General Requirements
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Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
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Minimum GPA 3.00
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Official transcripts
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Good academic standing at the last institution attended
Program-Specific Requirements
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An undergraduate degree in music is highly desired
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Applicants should have some teaching experience in a public school, community or church setting or through private instruction
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Three letters of recommendation
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Personal statement
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A request will be sent out by the department for an audition upon submitting your application via Cal State Apply
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Submission of a portfolio of work and/or interview (depending on the area requirements).
Out-of-State Eligibility
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If you live outside of California, check whether our program is approved to accept an application from you.
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An English language proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) is required if a student's baccalaureate was earned outside of the US. The minimum entrance score for the TOEFL is 590 (paper based), 243 (computer based) or 96 (internet based), with a score of 5 in the Writing Section, while the minimum score for the PTE is 68, the IELTS is 7.0. All test scores must be less than 2 years old. Test scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service office to ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø (institution code is 4687).
Graduation Requirements
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Complete 30 semester units of approved graduate coursework.
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Maintain a 3.0 GPA or better across all letter-graded graduate coursework.
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Fulfill the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement by completing MUSC 200.
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Complete and publish a master’s thesis, a master's project or pass all sections of the Written Culminating Exams (WCE) evaluating your grasp of music history, theory and music education.
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To begin in Summer, apply between November 1 - April 1.
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Apply online to both San José State University and the School of Music and Dance through .
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You must choose the Summer term and Special Session when you apply.
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Audition with the School of Music upon submitting your application. The department will reach out to applicants.
Valuable Learning Experiences
Based on research into Venezuela's "El Sistema," this program provides a broad foundation in educational philosophy, theory, and history in research and practice for a solid grounding music education.
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Develop a foundation for historical contexts of philosophy and theory in music education.
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Research qualitative, quantitative and historical methodologies.
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Gain the skills needed for continuing work in K-12 education and community music, or preparation for further advanced study.
Featured Courses

What can you do with an MA in Music Education?
An MA in Music Education prepares you to lead in one of today’s most rewarding and impactful fields. As educational systems increasingly prioritize holistic student development, equity-minded pedagogy and diverse arts programs, the demand for highly qualified music professionals continues to surge.
MA in Music Education majors in the Bay Area earn an average annual salary of $92,000 and an upper range of $169,000, according to Glassdoor.
Take a look at some of the top sectors, companies and job titles of our alumni, according to LinkedIn.
Top Job Titles
- Community Arts Administrator
- District Music Coordinator/Supervisor
- Higher Education Music Lecturer
- K-12 Music Director (Band, Orchestra, Choral)
Top Companies
- Community Music Schools
- Non-Profit Youth Symphonies
- Private and Charter Academies
- Public School Districts
Top Sectors
- Higher Education Academic Faculty
- K-12 Public Education
- Performing Arts Organizations
- Social Advocacy & Non-Profit Leadership

Get the Spartan Edge
Gain momentum through intentional learning, meaningful support and real opportunity. Whether you’re starting your journey, advancing your education or expanding your professional skills, ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø helps you go further.

Graduate Admissions
Review our admission requirements and utilize our Graduate Program Coordinators.
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Costs and Financial Aid
What you need to know about tuition, fees, financial aid and cost per unit.
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