MU’s School of Music offers a comprehensive range of music education degrees, designed to prepare new teachers for preK-12 classrooms, advance the careers of current school music teachers, and prepare experienced music teachers to serve as faculty in higher education or as a school leaders and administrators. Students at all levels encounter a stimulating curriculum that is relevant to their career aspirations, taught by faculty who are on the cutting edge of best-practice pedagogy, research, scholarship and creative activity. 

Undergraduate students enrolled in the Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree develop excellent musicianship, breadth of knowledge in general education and core music areas, and a thorough grounding in music teaching methods. This degree program leads to Missouri K-12 vocal or instrumental music certification, as a result of close collaboration with the College of Education. Graduates become successful teachers, sought after by schools in Missouri and beyond, as well as by prestigious graduate programs.

Professionals interested in advancing their careers, knowledge, and skills in music education at the early childhood, elementary school, middle school, and/or or high school level can earn a Master of Music in Music Education degree. This is a practice-oriented degree designed to meet the needs of professionals and may be completed either by full-time teachers attending classes part time during evenings and full time during summers, or by traditional, full-time graduate students. Students who hold a Bachelor of Arts or performance degree in music may pursue teacher certification simultaneously while working on the M.M.Ed. 

A Ph.D. in Music Education is offered by the School of Music (until recently, the doctorate in music education was offered through the College of Education). This degree is designed to prepare students for careers in higher education as music education teacher/researchers, as ensemble conductors with a strong commitment to music education teaching and research, or as master teachers or music supervisors in the K-12 system. This degree is designed to be completed on campus, with a minimum of a one-year residency required.