Music Education Master’s Programs Online: Reviewing Top Schools

Degree Overview: What Is an Online MEd in Music Education?

An online MEd in Music Education or other music education master’s program prepares current teachers to become stronger music educators. Students can expect curriculums that mix advanced music coursework and education theory, with courses in music pedagogy, curriculum design, research methods, and even music technology integration. Unlike a performance degree, the focus is on teaching skills and educational research. The format is usually 100% online (often asynchronous) with accelerated 7-8 week course modules, so you can work on your degree while continuing to teach. Music education MEd programs typically require around 30 to 33 credits (about 2 years of part-time study). Overall, an online MEd in Music Education offers a convenient pathway to deepen your expertise and enhance your impact in the music classroom.

Inside 3 Popular Online Music Education Master’s Programs

We’ve profiled below three accredited online master’s programs in music education offered by U.S. universities. Each profile offers an overview of the program’s format, curriculum, resources, and outcomes to give you an idea of what to expect to find from the programs you consider.

Pricing the Online Music Education Master’s

Tuition for an online MEd in Music Education can vary widely by institution, but generally you’ll be paying a set cost per credit hour multiplied by the number of credits in the program. Most programs are around 30 to 33 credits total. Public universities tend to charge lower tuition rates than private schools, but this is a general rule and there are exceptions. Total tuition costs can range from roughly $18,000 on the low end to $33,000 or more on the high end. Keep in mind that these figures often exclude additional fees, but many online programs keep these fees to a minimum for distance learners. 

One budget-friendly aspect of online study is that out-of-state students often pay the same tuition rates as in-state residents. And although you won’t have relocation or commuting costs to deal with, you should budget for items such as internet service, a good computer, and perhaps music software and instrument upkeep. Keep in mind, also that financial aid resources are available to qualifying students, including loans, scholarships and grants, tuition discounts for teachers, and more. And always check to see if your district offers employer tuition reimbursement for graduate study.

Below is a comparison of current tuition costs for three example programs:

Common Questions from Prospective Music Education Master’s Students

Q: Is an online MEd in Music Education credible and accredited?

A: Yes, as long as you choose a program at a regionally accredited college or university. Many online programs also carry specialized accreditation in education and music. For example, music education programs might be accredited by NASM (National Association of Schools of Music) and CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation). Employers recognize accredited online degrees are as valid as those earned on campus. So, be sure to verify a school’s accreditation status (usually listed on their website) before enrolling.

Q: What are the typical admissions requirements? Do I need a teaching license or music degree to apply?

A:Admissions requirements for online master’s programs vary by subject and specific program. For education master’s programs, generally, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in music education or a related field. Many programs prefer or require that you already hold a teaching license and/or have teaching experience as well. Other common requirements include a minimum GPA (around 3.0). You’ll also need to submit a number of items with your application, such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. The good news is that online MEd programs rarely require GRE scores, and many do not require auditions.

Q: Can I work full-time as a teacher while pursuing an online master’s in music education?

A: In most cases, yes. Music education master’s programs are specifically designed for working educators. In fact, the vast majority of online MEd in Music Education students are full-time teachers. Courses are usually scheduled to be flexible, either in the evenings or asynchronous (meaning there are no set login times). Many programs let you take just one course at a time in an accelerated format. Be prepared to dedicate a few evenings each the week or a chunk of time on weekends (perhaps 10 to 15 hours per week total) to coursework.

Q: Does this degree certify me to teach?

A: An online MEd in Music Education is typically not an initial teaching certification program. Programs assume that you are already a certified teacher or at least have a music teaching background, and are designed to deepen your teaching expertise. However, if you need teacher certification, some universities offer separate certification tracks or combined MEd in Music Education and MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) options. That said, earning a music education master’s can help with meeting certification requirements in some states, so be sure to check your state’s teacher licensing rules.

Q: Will a master’s in music education prepare me to continue on with my graduate studies?

A: Yes. Both music education Doctor of Education (EdD) or Specialist in Education (EdS) degrees are available, many featuring online or hybrid formats. The EdS in Music Education programs are designed primarily for music educators to enhance their knowledge and skills set to prepare for specialized and leadership positions in school music programs. The EdD in Music Education focuses on preparing graduates to take on roles in advanced research and post-secondary education. A previously-earned music education master’s is almost always a requirement for admission into programs for both of these degree types.

Career Prospects for MEd in Music Education Graduates

A master’s in music education can open doors to new career opportunities and often a higher pay scale. In K-12 schools, teachers with a master’s usually earn more. In fact, public school teachers with a master’s degree enjoy median annual salaries of about $67,000 compared to $52,500 for those with only a bachelor’s. With an MEd, you can continue as a music teacher but also take on roles like department chair, lead teacher, or curriculum specialist for your district’s music and arts programs. And while a master’s in music ed is not an administration degree, it’s not unheard of for music teachers (with additional certification) to go on to become school principals or administrators.

Here’s a look at some specific career paths for music education master’s graduates and how they stack up in terms of growth and salary potential:

Resources for Music Education Master’s Students & Professionals

Whether you’re currently in a music ed program or already teaching, the following resources can enrich your learning and teaching practice. From professional organizations to handy apps, explore these ten resources to expand your toolkit.

• National Association for Music Education (NAfME) — The leading professional organization for music educators. The NAfME website offers teaching resources, lesson plan ideas, advocacy tools, research journals, a community forum, and more.
• Smithsonian Folkways: Tools for Teaching — Smithsonian Folkways provides a trove of free lesson plans and multimedia resources centered on world music and cultural heritage. Their Tools for Teaching site features ready-to-use lessons (with audio recordings) that help you incorporate diverse music traditions into your curriculum.
• MusicTheory.net — An interactive website offering free music theory lessons, exercises, and tools. You can brush up on fundamentals or direct your students to exercises on note reading, intervals, chords, and ear training.
• MuseScore — Popular free music notation software. MuseScore allows you and your students to compose and arrange music by creating sheet music from scratch. It supports playback, has an extensive online community sharing scores, and is a cost-effective alternative to pricey notation programs.
• Chrome Music Lab — A collection of fun, hands-on music experiments by Google. Students can play with rhythm patterns, compose melodies using colors, experiment with sound waves, and more. Entirely web-based and great for all ages.
• MakeMusic — An interactive music practice platform that offers a vast library of band, orchestra, and vocal repertoire. As a teacher, you can assign pieces or exercises to students. The app gives students instant feedback on their performance (rhythm & pitch accuracy) and tracks their progress. (Requires subscription.)
• After Sectionals Podcast — A candid and humorous podcast by three Texas middle school band directors discussing all things band and music education. The hosts cover real-world teaching challenges (from managing beginners to repertoire selection to classroom management), often sharing what worked (or flopped) in their own band halls.
• The Midwest Clinic — Held each December in Chicago, the Midwest Clinic is the world’s largest annual conference for band and orchestra educators. Its website offers free clinic handouts, rehearsal technique tips, and videos from past sessions.
• Teachers Pay Teachers: Music Education— An online marketplace where educators buy and sell original teaching materials. The Music Education section has thousands of lesson plans, activities, worksheets, and arrangements created by music teachers.
• BandLab for Education — Free cloud-based digital audio workstation specifically designed for schools that lets students create, record, and mix music online using a wide range of virtual instruments and loops. Teachers can set up a classroom and assignments, and assess student work in real time.

Ranking The Best Online MEd in Music Education Programs

Below is our ranking of the best online master’s programs in music education currently available. In making our selections, we analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Education and over 7,700 colleges and universities. Factors considered include affordability (tuition & financial aid), accreditation, academic quality, and access to student support services (like online tutoring, academic advising, and career counseling). Use this list to compare programs, taking into consideration the program elements you value the most.