Admission Requirements

Applications for admission to this Master of Arts Program in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Technology  are made to the Graduate Admission Office. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria. The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria listed below but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.

1. A completed application form to the master’s program.
2. New York State initial certification in music, valid for teaching grades PreK-12. 
3. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work, or it’s equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
4. A minimum GPA of 2.75 on coursework in the content area in which certification is being sought.
5. A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
6. Two letters of reference that address the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession and in graduate coursework.

Matriculated students must complete a minimum of 24 s.h. of the MA 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 MA degree may be completed prior to matriculation in the program.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 33

The graduate director will review the academic standing of all graduate students at the end of each semester.  A student must maintain a 3.0 average to be considered in good standing.  Students who do not maintain a 3.0 average will be placed on academic probation.  Students who earn more than one C-, C, or C+ per semester, accumulate more than two C-, C, or C+ grades in their graduate coursework, or receive a D or an F in any course will be dismissed from the program.  In addition to the required GPA, students must demonstrate adequate competence and professionalism throughout all coursework and fieldwork.  If the director or program faculty determines that a student has failed to demonstrate this standard, they will be dismissed from the program.  Students may petition for readmission by following the School of Education Appeal policy.

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

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of the 33 s.h. course requirement in the MA 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. Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.
5. All course work taken in satisfaction of the degree requirements must have been completed within a five-year period.

Teacher Certification Requirements

Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. Contact the School of Education Dean’s Office for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements.