The Top 10 Online Master’s in Music Programs

Based in Fort Collins, CSU offers a master of music with a music education specialization. Designed for K-12 teachers and independent music educators, this hybrid program combines an online curriculum with two-week, on-campus sessions.Working professionals benefit from a flexible online curriculum, and on-campus sessions take place over the summer, which allows teachers to continue working full time. This 30-credit curriculum offers courses in theory and research, and in-person sessions provide opportunities for collaboration and hands-on projects.CSU's online master's in music program draws from the educational philosophy of Hungarian music educator Zoltán Kodály. Upon completion of this program, students also obtain the national Kodály music teaching certification.

The master of arts in music entrepreneurship from APU — located in Orange County, California — is a hybrid program led by experienced music industry professionals. Working musicians benefit from the program's low-residency format, which requires limited on-campus sessions. Participants can graduate in two years. Students gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the music business and focus on maximizing revenue in the age of digital streaming. This 32-credit program prepares graduates to work as independent musicians, music industry producers, artist managers, music marketing representatives, and tour coordinators.To apply, prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must submit a letter of intent, two recommendations, and official transcripts.

The online master of music in music education at Rutgers caters to K-12 music teachers. Online learners explore the relationship between music education and theory through courses like model composition and tonal analysis, behavioral approaches to music learning, and cognitive approaches to music learning.This 30-credit curriculum includes six foundation credits, 12 core credits, nine elective credits, and a three-credit capstone course. The capstone project requires students to compose a full research report and present their findings in an online forum.Prospective students must hold an undergraduate degree in music or music education from an accredited college. Additional requirements include one year of teaching experience and a 5-10-page academic paper on music education, history, or theory.

Based in Nacogdoches, Texas, SFA offers an online master of music with four tracks: performance, conducting, music education, and theory-composition. Each track comprises 36 credits and helps students develop the competencies and critical thinking skills required for professional careers in music.The program further divides tracks into concentrations. While students can complete many core classes completely online, some concentrations require on-campus sessions. However, the elementary/general and instrumental concentrations in the music education track and the theory-compostion track can be completed entirely online.All applicants to SFA's School of Music must complete an audition. Upon acceptance to the program, each student is tested in music theory and history to determine their proficiency and placement. GRE scores are not required.

The online master of education in music education offered by UNK teaches students advanced theory, research, and techniques related to education and musical performance. Distance students enjoy access to library services, technology support services, and a variety of online learning tutorials. This 36-credit program allows students to explore subjects like choral literature, the history of classical music, and music analysis. Graduates of this program can pursue careers as music teachers, band directors, choral directors, composers, and instrument tutors.To apply, students must hold a bachelor's degree in music and a minimum 3.0 GPA. They should also submit a 300-500-word essay detailing their personal philosophy of teaching.

Offering an online master of arts in music with a music education concentration, EIU charges a flat online tuition rate to all learners. Designed for working music educators, this program allows teachers to apply their learning directly to the classroom as they work through the curriculum.Though students complete most courses online, the program requires a one-week summer residency. To fulfill this residency, students travel to the school's campus in Charleston where they complete a variety of project-based workshops and courses.This program culminates in a three-credit capstone project in which students deliver a 1,000-1,500-word oral examination on topics such as performance practice, pedagogy, or interpretive approaches to music. Each student pairs with an advisor who is responsible for approving and guiding the final project.

SOSU — located in Durant — hosts an online master of music education. Designed to allow teachers to continue working while earning their degree, students can complete the program in four semesters and one additional summer session at SOSU's main campus.This degree provides students with the opportunity to develop skills and qualities needed to become an effective leader. Graduates of this master's in music education program often enter careers in teaching and administrative roles. Out-of-state distance learners pay the same tuition rate as in-state students. Graduate admission requirements include official transcripts and documentation of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.

SUU offers an online master of music in music technology with a performance technology track. This flexible program is suitable for working professionals; it features multiple start dates and an entirely online format that students can complete in 12 months.Of the 30 credits required to graduate, 18 credits come from core coursework. Students study a variety of topics, including audio recording, music technology and business, and concert production. Students earn their 12 remaining credits through four performance technology courses.This program culminates in a capstone project, in which students apply classroom knowledge to a professional setting. The program helps skilled graduates enter a variety of roles, such as music directors, technical sound designers, and studio engineers.

MSU — located in northeast Kentucky — offers a master of music with two concentrations: music education and performance. Both concentrations use a hybrid format and combine the flexibility of online courses with traditional on-campus summer sessions.Students wishing to pursue a concentration in performance can choose from a variety of specializations, such as brasswinds, woodwinds, guitar, and keys. The concentration in music education centers around the study instruments, with additional courses in music history, literature, and education.The flexible curriculum allows professionals to continue working while earning their degree in three years. Applicants interested in the performance concentration must also complete an audition.

Based in Richmond, EKU offers a fully online master of music in music education. Created for K-12 teachers, this program allows students to combine their passion for music with innovative teaching practices. This 32-credit curriculum requires 12 core credits (including a project, recital, or thesis), 10 music education credits, and 10 elective credits. Students cover topics like music literature, history, theory, and teaching techniques. Upon completion of this program, students must take a written or oral exam.Graduates can pursue careers as public and private K-12 music teachers, arts and humanities teachers, and band directors. All prospective students must take the music theory and music history entrance exams during the application process.