How to get a masters in music online

New online music program at MSU offers master's degree

BOZEMAN— The trend to offering online education courses continues, and now students may work toward a master's degree in music through Montana State University.

The new online master’s degree in music education in the Montana State University School of Music is accepting graduate students for the fall 2022 term.

The MSU Master of Music Education degree approved by the Montana University System Board of Regents offers a remote option that allows teachers to remain in their home community while pursuing a graduate degree in music.

“The program may be completed 100% online,” said Kristin Harney, professor of music and coordinator of the music education graduate program that is in the School of Music in the College of Arts and Architecture. “We want teachers no matter where they live to have access to a graduate degree.”

Jason Bolte, director of the School of Music, said the program is designed for currently licensed and practicing music teachers with at least one year teaching.

“We are looking forward to continuing our work with music educators from across Montana and the region through a degree that enables teachers to have music education as their primary area of study,” Bolte said.

He said that students in the program may also take electives in the School of Music in such areas as performance, composition, conducting, music technology or pedagogy.

Harney said previously the only option for teachers seeking a master’s degree in music from MSU was a master’s degree in education with a music emphasis. She said the new 30-credit degree program is an affordable option for both in-state and out-of-state graduate students.

“If students take two classes at a time, they can earn their degree in two years while staying at their job and living where they are,” Harney said. “They will also be remotely working in a community with other music teachers and learning with that group of colleagues. It is great for students and great for the profession. And we are excited to be part of it.”

For more information go to: montana.edu/music/masters/mmme/index.html.