Program Overview

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education program prepares students to become professional music educators. It provides skilled musicians the opportunity to develop expertise as a classroom teacher and ensemble director in K-12 music programs. Much like the Music Performance degree program, students also study applied music on a principal instrument or voice with our artist-faculty and perform in our large ensembles. Music Education students are held to the same performance standards as those in other music degree tracks.

The BME degree has two concentrations: Instrumental, and Choral. Coursework is completed at both the CSU College of Education and the Schwob School of Music. Field experiences provide "real-world" experiences for students to transfer directly to music teaching endeavors after graduation. Our music education faculty specialists, along with applied and ensemble faculty, mentor students through this demanding program, a relationship which continues after graduation.

All educator preparation programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Columbus State University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

In addition to the degree requirements, there are further requirements for teaching certification. Visit the Certification page on the CSU Center for Quality Teaching and Learning (CQTL) website for detailed information about certification requirements and the certification process.

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education leads to licensure in teaching for K-12 instruction in public and private schools.

Program of Study

¹

The hours applied in the Institutional Priorities; Mathematics & Quantitative Skills; and Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences areas must add to 18 credit hours. 

²

ITDS 1145 Comparative Arts, though listed under both Fine Arts and Humanities, may be taken only once. 

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At least 4 of the credit hours in this area must be in a lab science course.

Major Requirements

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Guitar and Keyboard students may take courses designated for either string students or for wind and percussion students.

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Courses in this area require Admission to Teacher Education Program.

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There is a recent rule change for certification from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. As of July 1, 2019, students must make a B or higher in the Exceptional Children's course. The course could be any of the following depending on your major: SPED 2256, EDCI 6228, KINS 4245, SPED 4115, PHED 6219 This rule change will not affect your graduation but you cannot become a certified educator with the state of Georgia until you receive the grade of B or higher in this course.

Program Map

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MUSC 1100 Music Appreciation (section for music majors only).

²

MUSA 2221/2321 (second semester) jury examination advises student in continuing in this major or identify other options.  Applied jury at the end of the fourth semester makes a firm decision as to whether a student may continue in the major.

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Or take in a Maymester for optimal scheduling.

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Jan Term: Brass majors take MUSE 2207 Brass Methods here.

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String Majors: Substitute 3 hours of MUSC/MUSE electives.

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Note that Student Teaching begins in Jan Term.

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There is a recent rule change for certification from the GaPSC.  As of July 1,  2019, students must make a B or higher in the Exceptional Children's course.  The course could be any of the following depending on your major:

SPED 2256, EDCI 6228, KINS 4245, SPED 4115, PHED 6219

This rule change will not affect your graduation but you cannot become a certified educator with the state of Georgia until you receive the grade of B or higher in this course. 

Admission Requirements

Prospective music majors must demonstrate basic aptitude in a performance medium through a placement audition and interview. Specific audition requirements are listed here:  https://music.columbusstate.edu/admissions/audition-dates.php  Transfer students: Please note that placement in music courses is based on audition and testing results and not necessarily on previous college credit.

Additional Program Requirements

In order to be accepted as a music major, each student must demonstrate aptitude in his/her major instrument or voice through a placement audition and interview with a member of the music faculty. All newly admitted music majors also must take placement examinations in music theory and piano. Music majors who take time off before completing degree requirements will be required to re-audition if they have missed a full academic year (fall and spring, or spring and fall).

Transfer students: Please note that placement in music courses is based on audition and testing results and not necessarily on previous college credit.

General Requirements

All music majors are required to attend all master classes in their major instrument and must perform at least once each semester in a recital or master class. All students enrolled in applied music must be concurrently enrolled in the major music ensemble activity that corresponds to their major instrument (Strings-Orchestra, Winds/Percussion – Wind Ensemble, Voice-Choral Ensemble).