Master of Arts in Music Education + Certification

By special arrangement with the Graduate College, it is possible to earn music teacher certification and concurrently take graduate level courses leading to an MA in music.  This program is designed for those individuals who have already completed an undergraduate degree (most typically in music performance) and who wish to earn certification as a public school music specialist while working toward an advanced degree.

Students with undergraduate degrees in areas other than music performance must complete basic coursework in music (i.e., music theory, music history, composition, lessons on a major instrument, etc.) in addition to the certification and MA requirements.  Each student also must successfully complete a semester of student teaching.

The MA + Certification program will probably take at least five semesters of coursework to complete.  Iowa’s Graduate College stipulates that the MA degree cannot be awarded until all certification requirements are successfully met. Certification requirements vary according to the area of specialization -- vocal/choral, string or wind music education.  

Consult the Master of Arts in Music Education for specific information about degree requirements and admission to the program. Consult the Teaching Education Program page for specific information about obtaining teaching licensure.

Further information about this program may be obtained from Dr. Don D. Coffman, Coordinator of Music Education; 2003 Voxman Music Building; The University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242-1795.