Master of Education in Music Education

How long is this program?
16 Months
Is this online, in-person or hybrid?
Online
Where will I take my classes?
Online
What type of degree will I get?
M.Ed.
How much is tuition?
$896/credit hour
Person conducts singers in front of college gonfalon

A graduate degree for today’s music educator.

Table of Contents

Overview

Brenau’s fully online Master of Education in Music Education is built for certified music teachers who want graduate study that connects directly to the work they do every day.

Music teachers are asked to do a lot:

  • Adapt lessons for students who learn differently
  • Choose pieces that fit the ensemble in front of them
  • Make the case for new materials, equipment, and resources
  • Build inclusive classrooms where more students can participate
  • Keep music programs moving forward when time and resources are limited

In this 31-credit-hour program, you’ll study advanced music education techniques, curriculum development, music psychology, educational research and special education in the music classroom while continuing to teach.

Designed to be completed in 16 months, the program helps you apply what you learn online to your classroom right away.

Program at a glance

Degree
Master of Education in Music Education
Format
Online
Location
Online
Credit hours
31
Program length
16 months (4 semesters)
Tuition
$896/credit hour

Take the next step in your teaching journey

Music educators do more than teach rhythm and melody. They create inclusive classrooms, build strong programs, adapt instruction, and help students experience and appreciate the power of music.

Brenau’s M.Ed. in Music Education was created with real classroom challenges in mind. Whether you are a new teacher building confidence or a veteran educator seeking a fresh perspective and professional advancement, this program can help you become a stronger, more responsive educator.

Who this program is for

Brenau’s M.Ed. in Music Education is for certified music teachers who want to continue growing in their profession.

You may be a strong fit for this program if you are a:

  • New teacher building confidence
  • Veteran educator seeking a fresh perspective
  • Music teacher ready for professional advancement
  • Certified music educator who wants to better serve students with varied learning needs
  • Band, chorus, or orchestra teacher who wants to strengthen classroom practice
  • Recent music education graduate who has earned certification and wants to continue into graduate study

How we’re different

  • Made for working teachers. The fully online format lets certified music educators continue teaching while earning their degree.
  • Focused on every learner. Dedicated coursework prepares teachers to support music students with disabilities, gifted students, and neurodivergent learners.
  • Practical from day one. Students can apply what they learn to their own classrooms, ensembles, and school music programs right away.
  • More than methods. Coursework also covers budgeting, resource management, program design, music technology, and music psychology.
  • Graduate in 16 months. The 31-credit-hour program gives music teachers a streamlined path to graduate study.

Why choose Brenau?

Brenau’s M.Ed. in Music Education helps equip you to teach every learner and develop the practical skills to thrive in your classroom and school system.

At Brenau, you’ll learn from supportive faculty with experience across music education, conducting, arts and health, educational leadership, curriculum, and classroom practice.

That mix of expertise matters. Music teachers need strong musicianship, but they also need to understand students, classrooms, families, schools, policies, and communities. Brenau’s program brings those perspectives together in a flexible online format for working educators.

The goal is simple: to help you do what you love more effectively for the students you love.

What You'll Learn

As a student in Brenau’s M.Ed. in Music Education program, you will develop advanced skills in music teaching, inclusive instruction, curriculum design, and educational practice.

  • Tailor music instruction to your students based on their learning styles
  • Support equitable access and engagement in music education
  • Use assistive technologies and classroom strategies to increase participation
  • Connect music psychology research to teaching, learning, and performance
  • Develop and sustain effective music programs in your school
  • Analyze school and district funding structures
  • Prepare budget proposals and make resource decisions
  • Select instructional materials and equipment aligned with curricular goals
  • Use educational research to improve teaching practice

Practical coursework for real music classrooms

Brenau’s curriculum connects directly to the work music educators do every day and blends advanced music study, practical teaching strategies, and graduate-level education coursework to help you become the educator your students need.

ED 705 – Music Education Methods & Materials

Explore how effective music education programs are designed, funded, and sustained. Topics include budgeting, resource management, purchasing procedures, instructional materials, and equitable access.

MC 710 – Foundations of Music Education

Examine the philosophical, historical, social, and psychological foundations of music education, focusing on how these ideas shape today’s school and community music programs.

MC 715 – Survey of Music Theory

Strengthen your understanding of theory, harmony, and analysis across Western and global music. Coursework connects advanced theory concepts to classroom teaching and musical understanding.

MC 720 – Psychology of Music

Study how people perceive, learn, remember, and respond to music. This course connects music psychology research to teaching, learning, performance, and student motivation.

MC 725 – Technology in Music Education

Learn how digital tools, software, media, and devices can support music instruction, assessment, creativity, and engagement in real classroom settings.

MC 730 – Survey of Music History

Explore Western and global music history from antiquity to the present, with attention to cultural context, stylistic development, and classroom application.

MC 735 – Special Education in the Music Classroom

Prepare to teach music students with diverse learning needs in inclusive and self-contained settings. Topics include adapted lessons and materials, differentiated instruction, assistive technologies, classroom management, and collaboration with families and support personnel.

ED 701 – Contemporary Issues in Education

Investigate current issues affecting education at the local, regional, state, and national levels. Students connect research and reflection to real decisions in today’s educational environments.

ED 770 – Advanced Curriculum Development & Analysis of Teaching

Develop advanced skills in planning, delivering, and assessing standards-based instruction that supports student learning in a clinical setting.

ED 771 – Methods of Educational Research

Build a foundation in research methods, procedures, and design, with emphasis on critical thinking, evaluation, and application.

ED 740 – Music Capstone

Synthesize what you have learned throughout the program through an oral and written exhibition focused on selected areas of music education.

Career Outcomes

The M.Ed. in Music Education supports professional growth for certified music teachers, giving you the skills you need to advance your career, upgrade your certification, and increase your earning potential.

For Georgia teachers, earning a master’s degree supports movement from a T4 to a T5 certification level, depending on individual certification status and Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements. Students outside Georgia should review their own state’s requirements to determine how the degree may apply to certification, licensure, or salary advancement.

Meet your program director

Ashley Conway, DMA

Ashley Conway is the Assistant Professor of Music Education at Brenau University. At Brenau, she directs the Vocal Chamber Ensemble and Spectrum Singers Ensemble. She also teaches music education courses, conducting, and aural skills. Dr. Conway’s previous appointments have included public and private schools, colleges and universities, churches and community music programs in Georgia, Arizona, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

See Dr. Conway's Bio

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Frequently Asked Questions

Music Education

Is Brenau’s M.Ed. in Music Education fully online?

Yes. Brenau’s Master of Education in Music Education is offered in a 100% online format and is specifically designed for working music educators.

Music Education

How long does the M.Ed. in Music Education take to complete?

The program can be completed in 16 months, or four semesters.

Music Education

How many credit hours are required?

Brenau’s M.Ed. in Music Education requires 31 total credit hours.

Music Education

Do I need to already be a certified teacher?

Yes. This program requires students to hold a music education certification. It is not an initial teacher certification program. Brenau’s Bachelor of Arts in Music Education serves students seeking initial certification. Learn more about the BA in Music Education.

Music Education

Can I apply right after completing a bachelor’s degree in music education?

Yes, if you have completed your bachelor’s degree and earned the appropriate music education certification.

Music Education

Do I have to be a Georgia teacher to enroll?

No. Because the program is online, certified music teachers from outside Georgia may apply. Students outside Georgia should confirm whether Brenau’s M.Ed. in Music Education meets their state’s requirements for certification upgrades, licensure, or salary advancement.

Music Education

What types of music teachers can benefit from this program?

Band, chorus, orchestra, and general music teachers may all benefit from the program. The curriculum supports certified music educators who want to strengthen classroom practice, improve student access, and build more effective music programs.

Music Education

What kinds of courses will I take?

Course topics include special education in the music classroom, psychology of music, technology in music education, music education methods and materials, advanced curriculum development, educational research, contemporary issues in education, music history, music theory, and a capstone experience.

Music Education

Does the program include music-specific coursework?

Yes. The program includes music education coursework as well as broader graduate-level education courses. This combination helps students strengthen their music teaching while also developing a deeper understanding of curriculum, research, inclusive instruction, and educational practice.

Music Education

Can this degree help with salary advancement?

It may. For Georgia teachers, earning a master’s degree can support movement from a T4 to a T5 certification level, depending on individual certification status and Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements. Salary advancement varies by state, district, and individual circumstances, so students should review their local requirements.

Music Education

Can this degree help me move into leadership roles?

The program is primarily designed to help certified music teachers become stronger educators. However, coursework in curriculum development, program planning, budgeting, research, and resource management may also support teachers who are interested in future leadership opportunities in schools, districts, or music education organizations.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Graduate Education

Based on part-time enrollment (9 credits) and a 9-month period of enrollment (Fall & Spring semesters).

Tuition for Active Duty Military personnel, dependents and spouses is discounted. Information regarding Cost of Attendance for military, veterans and family is available on our Military and Veteran Student Admissions page.