Masters of Arts in Teaching in Music Education

About this field

NOTE: The MAT in Music Education is an online program with an in-person Summer residency component.

The MAT in Music Education is a full-time fifth-year program beyond the bachelor's degree in which candidates may earn a Masters of Arts in Teaching degree and become eligible for initial certification in Music Education after meeting all program requirements, passing the GACE at the Induction or Professional level, and earning a passing score on the CAPS and PBDA assessments. The curriculum is vertically aligned with the B.A. in Music, Education Track curriculum at VSU and is designed to produce graduates with exceptional content knowledge and pedagogical expertise who will engage, inspire, and educate P-12 students. The MAT in Music Education program provides preparation in pedagogy and necessary skills to perform as teachers in the P-12 environment. This program prepares students to document and assess student learning outcomes and to be conversant with innovative practices within the field.

The Valdosta State Difference

In offering an innovative approach to preparing music educators, the MAT in Music Education will provide increased educational opportunities to meet the demands of residents in the southern region of Georgia. This accelerated, one-year, comprehensive graduate program incorporates a mandatory two-week summer residency, practicum, and clinical practice opportunities to meet GaPSC certification requirements while also allowing students the flexibility of 100% online coursework throughout the academic school year.

What You'll Learn

The MAT in Music Education graduate program consists of an 8-week summer term (that includes a two-week summer residency - see schedule below) and full fall and spring semesters. The program is designed as a continuation of the B.A. in Music, Education Track degree while accommodating students employed full time as music teachers seeking certification. The program of study is listed below:

Summer Residency Schedule

The summer residency is a mandatory component of the MAT in Music Education at Valdosta State University. This opportunity allows students to meet the GaPSC requirements of observations and clinical experiences for their K-2 and 3-5 grade bands. It also allows students to experience in-person instruction in vocal methods and rehearsal techniques, builds community in our cohort, and allows for expectations and requirements to be clearly communicated at the start of the residency.

Every year, the Residency is completed during the 2nd and 3rd weeks of June, with observation for Juneteenth.

The 2026 Summer Residency Schedule is as follows:  

Admissions Requirements

Must meet all Graduate School requirements and hold a completed degree in Music from an accredited institution. Those not earning a BA in Music with the Education track from VSU, must meet all pre-requisite course requirements and pass a piano proficiency exam. In addition, applicants must present a GPA of 3.0 for all undergraduate work, complete a professional interview, and submit three professional letters of recommendation.

Exit Requirements

• Pre-requisites or exit/graduation requirements for transfer, BM Performance, or BA Music majors.
• EDUC 2120 or equivalent educational diversity course
• EDUC 2130 or PSYC 7010 Educational Psychology or equivalent educational psychology course
• SPEC 3000 or equivalent course
• MUE 3000 or EDUC 2110 or equivalent introduction to education course
• MUSC 3100 or equivalent orchestration course
• MUSC 3132 or piano proficiency exam
• MUE 3650 or equivalent beginning conducting course

Internships

MUE 7790 Clinical Practice in Music Education: A required full semester of full-time clinical practice in public school.

More Information

Have Questions? For more information, please contact Program Coordinator, Christen Dillon: cdillon@valdosta.edu.

Careers

• P-12 Band Director
• P-12 Chorus Instructor
• P-12 Music