Graduate Degrees in Music Education

Music Education

Ranked among the top music schools nationwide, CU Boulder鈥檚 College of Music prepares you for a fulfilling career in music education by helping you refine your classroom philosophies and practices.

The music education faculty draw on extensive experience as public school teachers, clinicians, conductors, performers, researchers and professional leaders, allowing them to create a curriculum that is both rigorous and relevant.

Take a virtual tour of the College of Music鈥檚 64,000-square-foot expansion, including new rehearsal and recital facilities, a state-of-the-art recording studio and more.

Celebrate the rich traditions of American music. The American Music Research Center is home to a rare music repository that documents the history of music in the U.S.

Receive a more interactive learning experience with an 8-to-1 student-faculty ratio.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Music Education


Master of Music Education

  • Can be completed in 2 years
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours
  • Can be pursued part time
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the . 


Master of Music Education plus Licensure

  • Leads to a master鈥檚 degree and a Colorado K鈥12 music teaching license
  • Minimum of 71 credit hours
  • Requires practicum and student teaching seminar
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the .


Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education

  • Must be completed in 6 years
  • Minimum of 75 credit hours required
  • Thesis required
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the . 


Doctor of Philosophy in Musicology

  • Must be completed in 6 years
  • Minimum of 60 credit hours required
  • Thesis required
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the . 

Research Areas

  • History & Appreciation of Music
  • Music Criticism
  • Music Education
  • Musicology/Music Theory
  • New Music

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding   Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it鈥檚 academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.  

Explore ways to connect with other graduate students on campus, online and off campus, locally and internationally.

Learn about our commitment to ensuring our graduate education is accessible and welcoming for all students.

Find resources with contact and location information for a broad range of services.

Attend regular, graduate-specific workshops and seminars to hone practical and professional skills before entering the job market.

Connect with an established graduate peer mentor who serves as your guide through the graduate student experience.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Go to Admissions