College of Arts and Sciences

Music Education (M.M.)

College of Arts and Sciences

Music Education (M.M.)

A Graduate Experience Designed for Today’s Music Educators

Empower your future as a leader in music teaching and learning with the Master of Music in Music Education at New Mexico State University. Designed for dedicated music educators seeking advanced training, this graduate program strengthens your expertise in music pedagogy, curriculum design, instructional strategies, and research-based teaching practices.

With a mission grounded in academic excellence and artistic growth, NMSU’s Music Education concentration prepares graduates for impactful careers as music educators, curriculum specialists, instructional leaders, and researchers.

Learn more about the experience
Quick Facts

Admission Deadlines

June 1 (fall)


  • Total credits: 31

Delivery Format

In-person

Career Pathways

There are several career paths someone can pursue with a Master of Music in Music Education. These roles span K–12, higher ed, community arts, and administrative/leadership positions:

  • K-12 music teacher
  • Fine arts/music department chair
  • University ensemble director
  • District music or fine arts coordinator
  • Director of community arts programs
  • Education program manager
The Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference.

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Master of Music in Music Education? Fill out our inquiry form.

The Experience

Why choose a M.M. in Music Education at NMSU?

In NMSU’s Master of Music in Music Education, students engage in focused, practitioner‑centered graduate study designed to strengthen teaching, musicianship, and leadership. You’ll explore essential topics such as curriculum development, pedagogy, assessment, and research methods while shaping a personalized plan of study with faculty guidance.

Through coursework, practicum experiences, and applied research, you’ll refine evidence‑based instructional strategies and gain tools to lead and innovate in today’s music classrooms. Supported by NMSU’s commitment to excellence in teaching, performance, and scholarship, you’ll grow as an educator prepared to elevate music learning in schools and communities.

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No GRE Required

We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in Music or Music Education equivalent to that represented by the B.M. or B.M.E. degree from New Mexico State University. The Music Department does not require the Graduate Record Exam but does expect each applicant to possess graduate-level language and writing skills.

For admission into the Master of Music degree program, all applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and submit at least two letters of recommendation from music professionals. Applicants for the Music Education track will be asked to provide an example of their writing skills and will be scheduled for a virtual interview.

Take classes like:

  • MUSC 471 - Graduate Theory Review
  • MUSC 598 - Special Research Programs
  • MUSC 477 - Graduate Music History Review
  • MUSC 450 - Research Methods
View more courses and degree road map
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Scholarships and Financial Aid

At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.

Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.

NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.



Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu

Accreditation

New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.