Music Education (MA) - San Germán Campus

The Master of Arts Program in Music Education aims to prepare professionals who expand their role and function in the different school levels as well as in the diverse educational systems. The study program will develop knowledge in philosophical, social and educational theories. It concentrates in the application of the teaching and learning process of music.

The core component focuses on general conceptual courses to expose students to the diversity of aspects related to music, whereas the specialization component deals more with the specific formation within the field of the music education. In the elective component students will be able to explore other areas of music of their preference or may opt for a special research project or a special creative project. The number of required credits to complete this master’s degree compares favorably with the master of music degrees offered in universities in the United States and with the standards established by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Graduates of the Master of Arts Program in Music Education will be a professional prepared in all facets of music; its teaching, its historical and philosophical background, its development, its esthetic sense and its interpretation.

The specialization in Music Education aims to satisfy the professional growth needs of the teachers of Music Education in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Spanish speaking countries. It aspires to develop professionals that can assume a leadership role as teachers in the public and private educational systems of the country, as well as in the music profession that enriches our cultural inheritance.

The San Germán Campus is authorized to offer this Program.

Competencies Profile of Graduates

This program is designed to develop the competencies that will enable students to:

Knowledge

1. Know materials, methodologies, curricular developments and technologies to design significant educational experiences.
2. Know the musical elements and the theoretical, auditory and historical foundations of music.
3. Know the evaluation and assessment mechanisms that are particular to the teaching of music.
4. Know the history the music education and its influence in the physical, social and psychological development of the human being.
5. Know the methods and processes of quantitative and qualitative research.

Skills

1. Interpret music and handle their instrument effectively.
2. Demonstrate capacity to carry out analysis and direct ensembles with an interpretation that is musical and esthetic.
3. Analyze critically and create curricula of music education using historical, philosophical, esthetic, methodological, psychological, and educational foundations.
4. Use recent technology to create didactic materials and strengthen their pedagogical work.

Attitudes

1. Contribute to the improvement of Music Education in Puerto Rico by assuming an educational leadership role that will contribute to society with social, cultural and ethical values.
2. Recognize the importance of being at the vanguard of knowledge in the subject matter.
3. Aspire to enrich, with music, the lives of students, who then will enrich the society in which they live.

Admission Requirements

Students requesting admission to the Master of Arts in Music Education must meet the admission requirements for master’s programs established in the current Graduate Catalog. In addition, they must meet the following particular requirements:

1. Have an interview with an Admissions Committee.
2. Have one of the following:
   1. A Bachelor in Music Education.
   2. A bachelor’s degree with a major in Music and 12 credits in foundations of education or music education*.
   3. A bachelor’s degree and Music Teacher Certification from the Department of Education of Puerto Rico.
   4. A bachelor’s degree and 24 credits in music and 12 credits in foundations of education or music education*.

*The 12 credits must include areas such as: foundations, philosophy, history, learning theories, evaluation, curriculum, or methodology.

Note: All students admitted to the Program must take a placement test before beginning their first semester to determine their sequence of courses.

Admission of Transfer Students

Students requesting admission as transfer students must meet the requirements of the current Graduate Catalog and the specific requirements of the program.

Graduation Requirements

All candidates for graduation with a Master of Arts in Music Education must meet the specific requirements of the Graduate Catalog and the specialization requirements, including passing the Comprehensive Examination.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements

The academic index and minimum grade requirements established in the Graduate Catalog are in effect for this program.

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Music Education

Core Course Requirements	15 credits
Specialization Requirements	13 credits
Prescribed Distributive Requirements	6 credits
Total	34 credits

Core Course Requirements - 15 credits

MUED 5160	History and Philosophy of the Teaching of Music	3
MUSI 5185	Interpretation and Musical Analysis	3
MUSI 5255	Workshop in Applied Music I, II, III	1
MUSI 5256	Workshop in Applied Music I, II, III	1
MUSI 5257	Workshop in Applied Music I, II, III	1
MUSI 5265	Conducting and Literature	3
MUTE 5261	Technology Applied to Music Education	3

Specialization Requirements - 13 credits

MUED 5105	Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation of Music Learning	3
MUED 5130	Psychology of Learning Music	3
MUED 5171	Development and Application of Knowledge in Music Education	4
MUED 5191	Curriculum Design in Music	3

Prescribed Distributive Requirements - 6 credits

Students should take 6 elective credits at the graduate level with the approval of their academic advisor.

Special Project Option 

Students may opt for a special four-credit project and two credits in electives at the graduate level, with the approval of their academic advisor.