Master of Music Education
Program Description
The Master of Music Education program is designed for students who already possess the Massachusetts Initial License and who wish to pursue additional licensure through the completion of this degree program. The Master of Music Education (M.M.Ed.) degree at Gordon College emphasizes the improvement of music teaching skills. All coursework is relevant to the music classroom and prepares the music educator to become more effective in aiding students’ musical development. While cognitive and academic areas are essential, this degree program recognizes the importance of applying knowledge and theory to the process of teaching.
The M.M.Ed. is a summers-only program except for three (3) hours of Field-Based Teaching Experience or Thesis during the academic year (total 30 hours). Students who take a full load of courses each summer, nine (9) credits, may expect to complete the degree in three summers plus one year to complete the Field-Based Experience or Thesis. Courses meet three weeks online, two weeks in the classroom on campus, suspend for a one-week mini-term during which workshops are offered, and resume for two additional weeks on campus in the classroom.
A maximum of three (3) credits may be earned each summer during workshop week. Workshop credits range from 1.5 credits for a 2.5-day workshop to 3 credits for a full-week workshop. A maximum of six (6) workshop hours count as electives towards the degree. Electives also may be taken as Special Topics or Ensembles, one (1) credit each. Students may also register two times for the MMEA Conference, one (1) credit each.
All students must register for Lab Ensemble each of three summers. This rehearsal/class seminar permits music teachers to be music makers, thus allowing students to learn from one another and the instructor(s) involved. If there are sufficient students registered, the Lab Ensemble will consist of choral, instrumental and general music sections.
Gordon also offers an initial licensure only program for those with an undergraduate degree in music-see separate section for licensure only-and a 12-credit professional license program.
Initial License in Music Education
(Licensure Only, not a degree program)
Program Description
The program in this section is designed for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in a liberal arts field and do not yet hold the Initial License in Music. Students will need to have passed the MTEL (Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure) in communication and literacy and in the applicable content areas in music prior to their enrollment in the Initial License program.
With a summer component and evening classes during the academic year, the program is meant to meet the needs of career changers and current educators. Upon completion of the courses listed below and the practicum, the student will be eligible for recommendation to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the Initial License. This may enable the student to secure a full-time teaching position while continuing study in the master’s degree program. See Master of Music Education section for M.M.Ed. admission and program requirements.
12-Credit Professional License in Music Education
(Licensure Only, not a degree program)
Program Description
The program in this section is designed for students who have the Initial License in Music, have completed a master’s degree and do not yet hold the Professional License in Music.
Coursework for the 12-credit professional license is derived from the current offerings in the Master of Music Education curriculum, which is a mostly summers-only program. Upon completion of the required courses listed below, the student will be eligible for recommendation to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the Professional License. See Master of Music Education section for course descriptions.
Master
Licensure
Music
