Most Affordable Online Master’s of Music Education Programs 2025

Badge for CHEAPEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN MUSIC EDUCATION

Which are the most affordable online master’s in music education in the US? We help you find the best master’s degree program at a price you can afford.

Key Takeaways

  • It is possible for music educators to earn a fully online master in a music education program that does not require students to attend classes on campus.
  • There are many top-ranked online master’s in music education programs that offer affordable tuition rates.
  • The most affordable online master’s in music education programs can be made even more affordable through scholarships, financial aid, and employer tuition reimbursement programs.

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the most affordable online master’s of music education programs saw slight changes. Ohio University was able to rise to the top position as the university expanded its digital learning platform, incorporating interactive tools for virtual collaboration, enabling students to work on group projects and engage in real-time music teaching simulations.

Additionally, new specialized courses in music technology and online pedagogy have been added, preparing students to integrate digital tools into their music classrooms. Ohio University has also strengthened its partnerships with local schools and music organizations, offering more opportunities for online students to participate in virtual internships and mentorships with experienced music educators. These updates provide a dynamic and flexible learning experience for online music education students.


Most Affordable Music Education Master’s Programs

Average Total Cost (In-state): $14,000

Least Expensive Affordable Online College in Our Ranking: University of North Carolina at Greensboro $3,206

Most Expensive Affordable Online College in Our Ranking: Illinois State University $15,483

There are a number of top-ranked music education programs at the master’s level online. In this ranking, we have included the ten best online master’s in music education that also offer the most affordable tuition rates.

  1. #1

    Ohio University

    Athens , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/24

    Career Outlook for Music degree at Ohio University

    Cost of Degree: $9,720
    Expenses: $17,350
    Starting Salary: $28,715
    Salary after 4 years: $33,165
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Master of Music Education

    Location: Athens, Ohio

    In-State Tuition Cost: $13,352

    Out-of-State Tuition Cost: $23,720

    Ohio University’s online master’s in music education degree program has gained full accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The program has two tracks for students seeking a specialization: the Instrumental Emphasis and the Choral Emphasis. Both degrees require students to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours. The Choral Emphasis, however, requires students to supplement Independent Study, which is a 2-semester hour course.

    The program is ideal for practicing teachers, thanks to its 100% online coursework. This online program will prepare students for permanent certification and doctoral studies. Students should expect to spend equal amounts of time in music (including conducting), jazz studies, music theory, music history, and music instruction.

  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    59K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/26

    Career Outlook for Music degree at University of South Florida

    Cost of Degree: $10,428
    Expenses: $19,215
    Starting Salary: $30,408
    Salary after 4 years: $35,120
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Master of Arts in Music Education

    Location: Tampa, Florida

    In-State Tuition Cost: $7,840

    Out-of-State Tuition Cost: $15,868

    The MA in Music Education degree at USF is a 30-credit hour degree program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Twenty-one credit hours are dedicated to online courses, while nine are for electives. The program’s core courses include Learner-Centered Approaches in Music Education I and II, Research Report Writing in Music Education, and Literature Review in Music Education, among others.

    Online students must attend a one-week, intensive summer experience on campus.

    The USF MA program is designed for working music department personnel who want to understand informal learning and learner-centered pedagogies better. Music education students in this graduate degree program are equipped to do their own music teaching research and critically evaluate it. Major research areas of the program include:

    • Alternate Methods
    • Contemporary Changes
    • Community Collaboration
    • General Music
    • Early Childhood
    • Multicultural Issues
    • International Perspectives
    • Teacher Behaviors
    • Technology
    • Psychology
    • Philosophy
    • Sociology
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Music degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $11,334
    Expenses: $19,406
    Starting Salary: $32,602
    Salary after 4 years: $37,654
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Master of Science in Music Education

    Location: Miami, Florida

    In-State Tuition Cost: $4,101

    Out-of-State Tuition Cost: $9,015

    FIU’s Herbert and Nicole Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts ranks highly for the most popular place to study music. The online MS in music education is a 30-credit hour program designed to help students pursue advanced coursework and improve their knowledge of music education research, curricular theories, philosophy, psychology, policy, and other areas.

    Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the MS in music education online is a research-focused course of study created for working music teachers. Students can extend their program by 2–6 credits to satisfy the requirements of a master’s thesis after graduation or a 3-credit capstone-directed research project.

    Florida International University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Theatre
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BFA in Theatre
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Beverage Management
    • Culinary Management
    • Event Management
    • Hotel/Lodging Management
    • Restaurant/Food Service Management
    • Travel And Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in International Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Logistics And Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Relations Advertising And Applied Communications
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Real Estate
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Recreation And Sport Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Parks Management
    • Recreation And Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Internet Of Things
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Crime Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education Bs
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Asian Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in International Relations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies Ba
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Religious Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Welfare
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Women's And Gender Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHSA in Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electrical Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Statistics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

  4. #4

    Bowling Green State University

    Bowling Green , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    Career Outlook for Music degree at Bowling Green State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,291
    Expenses: $17,618
    Starting Salary: $28,401
    Salary after 4 years: $32,802
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Master of Music Education - Teaching Artistry

    Location: Bowling Green, Ohio

    In-State Tuition Cost: $5,532.96

    Out-of-State Tuition Cost: $5,664.96

    Online music education at Bowling Green State University is a 100% online degree that focuses on the needs of working adult students. With its good standing and accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music, the Teaching Artistry degree can be completed in an accelerated format.

    Students who enroll in an accelerated format can complete the program in 15 months, lowering education costs. Online students complete classes that last eight weeks and are entirely online.

    The same world class faculty that teach in-person classes are available to online students. Every student who enrolls in the master’s program in music education focusing on teaching artistry receives a personal teaching mentor as well.

  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/24

    Career Outlook for Music degree at Illinois State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,009
    Expenses: $18,288
    Starting Salary: $32,351
    Salary after 4 years: $37,364
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Music - Master of Music Education

    Location: Normal, Illinois

    In-State Tuition Cost: $15,483

    Out-of-State Tuition Cost: $27,007

    Illinois State University allows students pursuing a master’s degree in music education to complete coursework fully or partially online. The program is in good standing and fully accredited by the National Association of Music Schools.

    This degree is designed for certified music educators. It allows students to research current concerns in the field. Students explore courses in Evaluation, Curriculum, Psychology of Music, Research, and Foundations of Music Education.

    In addition to low tuition costs, ISU is known for offering various financial aid for online students, such as Graduate Assistantships—moreover, the School of Music at ISU awards Graduate Tuition Waivers to its outstanding applicants. The School of Music may also grant Graduate Tuition Waivers to existing students who have contributed favorably to the school and who have demonstrated growth and promise for success.


  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/24

    Career Outlook for Music degree at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

    Cost of Degree: $8,546
    Expenses: $14,720
    Starting Salary: $25,643
    Salary after 4 years: $29,616
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Master of Music in Music Education

    Location: Greensboro, North Carolina

    In-State Tuition Cost: $3,206

    Out-of-State Tuition Cost: $5,893-$10,271

    The MM in Music Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is home to one of the cheapest NASM-accredited music degree programs online for out-of-state students. The online curriculum is identical to its on-campus program, requiring students to complete 32 credit hours and a capstone project during the final semester of the MM program to demonstrate their advanced competencies.

    Coursework is divided into music research, music studies, and professional music education core courses, electives, and a portfolio/capstone.

    The summer program is created to suit the demands of working public school teachers who want to continue their education without altering their current schedules. Students can finish the curriculum in three summer sessions corresponding to the regular academic year. Graduates become qualified to sit for the North Carolina Advanced Teaching Licensure (M) in Music.

    University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Online Degrees

    BA in Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration (Business Studies)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Systems And Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Peace And Conflict Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Birth-Kindergarten Teacher Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Integrated Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BLS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #7

    East Carolina University

    Greenville , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    31K

    Career Outlook for Music degree at East Carolina University

    Cost of Degree: $7,658
    Expenses: $16,970
    Starting Salary: $28,715
    Salary after 4 years: $33,165
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Master of Music with Concentration in Music Education

    Location: Greenville, North Carolina

    In-State Tuition Cost: $3,731.45

    Out-of-State Tuition Cost: $10,305.95

    East Carolina University’s online Master of Music offers a music education concentration that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge for the North Carolina graduate teacher license. ECU’s master’s in music education emphasizes pedagogical studies and can be completed 100% online. Students in the music education curriculum can choose between two tracks: non-license preparation or teacher education.

    East Carolina University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Communication
    Degree Concentrations
    • Interpersonal/Organizational
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Industrial Distribution And Logistics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management And General Business
    • Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Birth Through Kindergarten (B-K) Teacher Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education (K-6)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Family And Consumer Sciences Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Middle Grades Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in University Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Services Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 125-133
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/23

    Career Outlook for Music degree at University of Northern Colorado

    Cost of Degree: $14,788
    Expenses: $19,668
    Starting Salary: $29,530
    Salary after 4 years: $34,106
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Music Master of Music - Music Education

    Location: Greeley, Colorado

    In-State Tuition Cost: $5,814

    Out-of-State Tuition Cost: $10,881

    The University of Northern Colorado is one of the best universities for music educators. The school offers a Master of Music with a Music Education Concentration. This is an online program, but does require three-week intensive sessions each summer in mid-to-late June.

    The program is taught by faculty and guest instructors, all leaders in music education. This online master’s in music education can be tailored to fit each student’s interests and career goals.


  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for Music degree at University of Southern Mississippi

    Cost of Degree: $9,618
    Expenses: $17,484
    Starting Salary: $26,771
    Salary after 4 years: $30,920
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Master of Music Education

    Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi

    In-State Tuition Cost: $4,850

    Out-of-State Tuition Cost: $4,850

    The University of Southern Mississippi offers a flat rate tuition fee. The online Music Education MME at USM is a 30-credit hour degree program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. This degree is designed for professionals in the music industry. It allows graduate students to address relevant topics in the modern music industry.

    In addition to being affordable and flexible, online students can expect to receive several scholarship opportunities. First-time, totally online students can receive $500 toward their first semester thanks to the university’s online student scholarship. Additionally, online students can apply to find more external and internal financial aid opportunities with the help of financial aid advisors.

    University of Southern Mississippi’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Construction Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Applied Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Teacher Assistant
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BLS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Library And Information Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    Degree Concentrations
    • Allied Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical Laboratory Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Mlt To Mls
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Child And Family Sciences
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #10

    University of West Georgia

    Carrollton , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/19

    Career Outlook for Music degree at University of West Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $5,938
    Expenses: $17,669
    Starting Salary: $26,144
    Salary after 4 years: $30,196
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of West Georgia known for?

    University of West Georgia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Master of Music in Music Education

    Location: Carrollton, Georgia

    In-State Tuition Cost: $3,804.00

    Out-of-State Tuition Cost: $3,804.00

    With cheap tuition fees, the University of West Georgia is among the most affordable online master’s in music education online programs. Accredited by the NASM, the school’s music education degree offers a curriculum designed to help students improve their ability to deliver quality music education. Furthermore, the program allows students to show their abilities to translate concepts from the conceptual framework(s) into real-world applications in classrooms and educational settings.

    In addition to offering cheap tuition rates, UWG also offers various financial aid options for online students, such as scholarships.

    University of West Georgia’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminology
    • Social & Behavioral Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSNC in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Music Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Music

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $12,000
  • Avg. Expenses*: $18,402
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $33,220
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $38,368
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 9 years
  • Job Growth: -0.27%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,240,700
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Musicians and Singers2.07%No data
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary2.75%$80,360
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education-0.64%$65,220
Music Directors and Composers2.58%$62,590

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$80,360
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$65,220
Music Directors and Composers$62,590

Music is a universal language. It crosses decades and cultural barriers, bringing people together and fostering a unique connection. Dancing to music lifts our spirits, improves our attitude, and dispels our concerns.

For this reason, you’ll encounter music educators who are members of the Music Teachers National Association, as well as music therapy and music technology professionals from various backgrounds, professions, and cultures.

Online master in music education degrees do more than just give you access to higher pay! Many professionals pursue a Master’s in music program to learn the best methods for engaging their students with their love for music.

If you intend to turn your passion for music into a financially viable career, one of the best ways to advance your career is by enrolling in a master’s in music education program. Here is a list of the most affordable music education master’s degree programs online.

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Licensure and Certification for Online Music Education Majors

To become a music teacher, you must obtain a professional license to prove your knowledge and skills as a music instructor. Other credentials enable music educators to apply for more senior positions or receive higher pay. Here are two of the most well-known credentials for experts in music instruction.

Music Teachers National Association Certification

The MTNA provides accreditation credentials for teaching performance in piano, violin, flute, and voice to music teachers nationwide. K–12 certification candidates must complete five projects relevant to their teaching environment, teaching practice, studio ethics, and teaching philosophy.

K-12 Music Educator Certification

To teach music in public K–12 schools, all US states require teachers to be certified by their respective states. States have different standards for certification, but all teachers must have an undergraduate degree or above. Although some states demand particular qualifications to teach vocal or instrumental music, many offer a broad K–12 music education degree.

Teacher Licensure and Reciprocity

Accreditation & Licensing Note: You may need to take additional exams for teacher licensure or even additional courses to work in another state if you did not attend school there.

At the least, you must submit an application for reciprocity, which is the process by which one state formally recognizes training and/or teaching experience from another state.

Reciprocity is not always comprehensive and automatic; thus, even in jurisdictions that do reciprocate, music education professionals may occasionally need to pass a comprehensive exam or satisfy different criteria to become qualified music professors. It is advised that prospective music instructors familiarize themselves with the exact eligibility requirements on the websites of individual states’ education departments before submitting their applications.

The California credential is very demanding. In most states, it is acceptable. However, some states have a very competitive culture, meaning that you should be aware of what the expectations and requirements are for the state you wish to teach in.

Others may have more openings for exceptional musicians who can teach across school levels or specializations. Some may expect one to specialize. To learn more about a state’s musical culture, it’s crucial to contact its education department and conduct extensive online research.

Learn more about the Teaching License Reciprocity Guidelines by State.

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What can graduates do with an online master’s in music education studies degree?

While a bachelor’s degree qualifies undergraduates to help break into the music industry, musicians and music educators may have more professional flexibility if they get a master’s degree in music education. Graduate programs are excellent options for working professionals in the music industry who want to teach music or enhance their musical skills.

K-12 Music Teachers

An online music master’s degree gives teachers the musical knowledge and abilities to be more effective in their classrooms. Furthermore, a master’s in music education may satisfy state-mandated degree requirements for music teachers in a K–12 public school.

Average Annual Salary: $54,006

Music Director/Composer

Becoming a music director/composer is a popular non-teaching career path for music education graduates. It is highly beneficial for directors and composers to develop their teaching and personal creativity through a program that blends music and music education.

Average Annual Salary: $49,130

Music Teachers in Private Settings

An advanced degree in music education aids private music teachers in marketing their services and setting themselves apart from the competition. The possibility of student retention is increased by programs emphasizing diversity and technology. These programs train instructors to guide students from different backgrounds and to apply cutting-edge technology to their teaching methods.

Average Annual Salary: $57,388

Postsecondary Music Teachers

Depending on the state, a master’s degree in music education can certify teachers to work at the college or university level, much like it does for K–12 employment. A master’s degree can prepare teachers to work as researchers or on department committees.

A master’s degree is an excellent educator preparation program that advances research skills and scholarly writing.

Average Annual Salary: $93,440

There are a number of career options for graduates of an online master’s in music degree program. Find out what else you can do with a music degree.


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Short Guide: How To Make Affordable Online Colleges in Music Education Cheaper

#1: Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships are one of the best ways to reduce educational costs without requiring payments. Here are some popular scholarships for music education majors.

Against the Grain Artistic Scholarships

This award is available to Asian or Pacific Islander students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate music or art programs through Against the Grain Productions.

Amount: $1,000

Robert Hawkins Memorial Scholarship

Students seeking a degree in instrumental/band music education and planning to work as band directors after graduation are eligible for this John Philip Sousa Foundation scholarship.

Amount: $2,000

Great Value Colleges Music Scholarship for Black Students

This aid is for Black students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate music programs. Each applicant must provide either a 1500-2000 word essay or a 5-10 minute video.

Amount: $5,000

#2: Attend Online Programs In-State

Taxpayer monies fund public and state universities. As a result, in-state residents usually pay a cheaper tuition rate since their taxes pay for schools. Furthermore, states assume that in-state students have higher chances to contribute to their GDP after graduation.

On the other hand, out-of-state students are considered less likely to help increase the GDP of a state where they have no roots because they do not pay taxes to support the universities.

However, regardless of residency, tuition is the same for private universities.

The differences between in-state and out-of-state tuition aren’t particularly significant in the case of affordable institutions. However, paying for an institution’s out-of-state tuition and other associated costs might still be difficult for some students.

#3:Consider Online Master’s Degrees with Generous Transfer Credit Policy

Transfer credits are one of the best strategies to lower future education expenses. A generous transfer policy primarily benefits adult learners with years of prior educational and professional work experience.

Find colleges and universities with a generous transfer credit policy since the more credits you can transfer, the quicker you can finish your degree and the less you’ll have to pay in tuition.

#4: Pursue Accelerated Courses/Degree Programs

Accelerated courses and degree programs allow students to complete their degrees faster. As a result, you can advance more swiftly toward your field or the position you’ve been dreaming of at your current job. It also strengthens your resume if you seek a new job in a competitive industry.

#5: Ask for Assistance from your Employer

Many companies are willing to offer tuition reimbursement in exchange for a contract for a number of years of service. Employers view tuition aid programs as a viable solution for bridging the skills gap in their workforce and enhancing employee retention. Meanwhile, it can be a great way for qualified workers to obtain a degree and be at least partially reimbursed for the tuition cost.

#6: Seek Financial Aid

Visit the Federal Student Aid website to find out if you qualify for grants or student loans.

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