USC
University of Southern California
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Master of Music Education

The Thornton School of Music is currently not accepting applicants to the Master of Music Education degree program.

Additional Requirements

Candidates must complete the equivalent of at least one year of full-time teaching prior to completion of the degree. Thirty units of graduate work are required; a minimum of 15 units must be taken at the 500 level or higher. Students must complete at least 26 units at USC, including MUED 592 Final Project. A grade point average of not less than 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required of all graduate courses in music, and a grade of B or higher is required for all courses in music education. Students who transfer credit must achieve this average on all combined transfer or residence units.

Candidates whose undergraduate degrees are not from USC must achieve passing scores or take assigned course work in all areas of the USC Music Graduate Entrance Examinations. The complete battery of examinations must be taken at the time the candidate registers for the first graduate course.

Candidates other than USC graduates may not enroll in 500-level music history courses or 400-level conducting, theory, or composition courses without having passed the appropriate sections of the Music Graduate Entrance Examinations.

The culmination of the degree will consist of a creative project developed under the guidance of a member of the music education faculty. Projects must be reported in written form but need not be limited to traditional written material. Candidates may produce, design, arrange or implement innovative ideas, materials or curricula for specific application in school or community musical settings.

Transferred Credits

Up to 4 units of graduate credit of B (3.0) or higher may be transferred. Courses must be the equivalent of corresponding current work at USC.

Curriculum RequirementsUnits
MUED 500 (2), MUED 592 (2)4
MUED 502 (2) or MUED 503 (2) or MUED 505 (2)2
Electives in music education6
Electives in music6
Electives12
Comprehensive review0
30