Mar 28, 2024  
2008-2009 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2008-2009 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Music Education, M.A.


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Associate Professor Robinson, Graduate Program Director, (516) 463-4514, Nathalie.G.Robinson@hofstra.edu

The master of arts program in music education leads to professional certification for teachers who possess initial certification for teaching music, all grades. It provides advanced study in the curriculum, pedagogy, and content of music. This program supports and reflects the National Standards for Art Education and the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts.

Admission Requirements



Applications for admission to a Master of Arts (M.A.) program in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching are made to the Graduate Admissions Office. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

  1. A completed application form to the M.A. program.
  2. New York state initial certification in music, valid for teaching grades PreK-12. (Applicants who have provisional certification rather than initial certification should see the appropriate graduate program director for program alternatives.)
  3. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 in each of two categories:
    1. Overall undergraduate course work;
    2. Course work in the content area in which certification will be sought.
    3. Applicants with GPAs between 2.5 and 2.75 may be accepted provisionally, subject to special conditions.
  4. A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
  5. Two letters of reference that address the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession and in graduate course work.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a candidate’s potential for success in a graduate program. Candidates may wish to apply even if they do not meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

Matriculated students must complete a minimum of 24 s.h. of the M.A. program in residence at Hofstra. No more than 9 s.h. may be transferred into the program. A maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate course work leading toward the M.A. degree may be completed prior to matriculation in the program.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 33



Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 while in the program. Grades of D or lower will not be counted toward the graduate degree but will be included in determining the grade point average. 

The major in music education consists of a minimum of 33 semester hours of course work, including each of the following:

Introductory Courses - Semester Hours: 6-12


Choose two to four courses (or alternative courses with advisement) from:

Content/Pedagogy Linkage - Semester Hours: 15


(With advisement)

Electives Supporting Music Education - Semester Hours: 3-9


(With advisement)

Any Music course, 200-level or above, 3 s.h.
Courses from: FDED, SED, SPED, CT, ISI, DRAM, PESP recommended, 6 s.h.

Especially recommended:

  • ISI 201 - Cultural Diversity and Global Perspectives (New College course) Credits: 3 s.h.

Capstone Activity - Semester Hours: 3


Graduation Requirements



  1. Completion of the 33 s.h. course requirement in the M.A. program with no fewer than 24 s.h. in residence.
  2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in overall graduate course work.
  3. Satisfactory completion of a departmental-approved curriculum project.
  4. All course work taken in satisfaction of the degree requirements must have been completed within a five-year period.

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