About Master’s Program,
This handbook is your guide throughout your Master of Music Education program. Use this document with the School of Music online catalog, and the School of Music Academic Services Resources.
You are expected to know the requirements of your program as found in this handbook and the online Academic Catalog for the year you begin your studies. You are responsible for knowing the policies and procedures that govern your advancement through the program. Not knowing about a requirement does not excuse you from meeting that requirement.
Your KU email address is the official means of communication for all KU students. Check your “spam” or “junk” folder regularly to ensure you are receiving all important communications. For more email information see KU Information Technology: Email.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
An appropriate baccalaureate degree to support the individual’s goals for master’s study. Students seeking entrance into the graduate initial certification program in music education or the graduate equivalency program in music therapy should have substantial backgrounds in music regardless of the undergraduate major. Degree patterns include:
- A bachelor’s degree with a major in music education.
- A bachelor’s degree with any music major plus any state certification as a music teacher (for MME in music education).
- The equivalent of a music minor plus a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate related field.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
The KU Office of Graduate Studies offers a limited number of fellowships, travel funds, and scholarships to assist academically superior students. Summer fellowships are available to currently enrolled Master’s students. Only one or two students may be nominated for each award. Nominations are made by the area coordinators, who submit the nomination packet electronically to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Let your area coordinator know if you are interested in being nominated. Application forms are available on the Graduate Studies website in late December or early January. Information on the application and nomination process is also on that site: KU Graduate Studies.
Graduate teaching assistantships (GTAs) are offered in ensembles, musicology, music theory and composition, music education and therapy, and in many areas of performance. Normally, a School of Music GTA can be renewed for a maximum of 4 semesters while working on a Master’s degree.
To be considered for a graduate teaching assistantship, complete a GTA application, available on the Student Academic Resources page. Applications are due in the Graduate Student Services office, 446 Murphy, by March 1. Speak with your advisor or area coordinator about available GTAs or about seeking reappointment for your current GTA. Students seeking a GTA outside of the School of Music should work directly with the hiring department in that area.
Application Requirement,
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal Statement
- Repertoire List (performance degrees only) – This is a list ofpieces studied and performed in order to give the audition committee a sense of your musical background and depth.
- 3 Letters of Reference – Requested within the application system by providing email addresses for recommenders.
- Writing Sample or Pre-screening Video (if applicable, see application checklist in the system or review the Graduate Auditionspage for details)
Application Deadline,
Sep 01, 2025
Application Fee,
- Domestic degree-seeking: $65
- International degree-seeking: $85
