Admission Requirements:
 
M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction (Music Education option): Master’s candidates must hold valid Alabama Class B or approved equivalent certification to be considered for admission. Music education is offered as an option under curriculum and instruction in the College of Education. Students are required to demonstrate professional competence in music theory and music history; to submit a tape of an ensemble performance or teaching sample; and, if requested, to perform a placement audition on the major instrument prior to the completion of 12 hours of graduate study. Contingent upon faculty and Graduate School approval, conditional admission is granted in some instances.
 
Ed.S., Ed.D., and Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (Music Education option). Music education is offered as an option under curriculum and instruction of the College of Education. An applicant must successfully complete a formal screening interview with the music education faculty prior to an admission decision, and doctoral applicants must submit a writing sample. Students are required to demonstrate professional competence in music theory and music history; to submit a tape of an ensemble performance or teaching sample; and, if requested, to perform a placement audition on the major instrument prior to the completion of 12 hours of graduate study. It is highly recommended that applicants have a minimum of three years’ full-time contractual teaching experience prior to beginning a post-master’s degree program. Contingent upon faculty and Graduate School approval, conditional admission is granted in some instances.

Degree Requirements:
 
M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction (Music Education option). Two M.A. plans are offered. Both plans presume an undergraduate degree in music education from an accredited school, valid Alabama Class B teaching certification (or an approved equivalent teaching certificate), and lead to Alabama Class A, master’s level, teaching certification. Both require compliance with the State--approved certification program and a minimum of 30 graduate semester hours as follows: (a) required music education courses, 6 hours; (b) foundations of professional studies, 3 hours; (c) educational research, 3 hours; (d) technology, 3 hours; (e) faculty-approved teaching field, 15 hours; and, additional requirements/electives, 0-3 hours. Candidates under Plan I for the master’s degree must write a thesis (6 semester hours of thesis research may be used toward the degree). Plan II candidates must earn a minimum of 30 graduate semester hours. No music education master’s degree programs are available without satisfying Alabama certification requirements; students earning a master’s degree must be eligible for recommendation for Alabama Class A music education (P-12) teaching certification.
 
Nontraditional, Alternative Initial Teacher Certification Program. The alternative certification master’s degree program is designed for students who have not completed an undergraduate degree in music education, but who possess an undergraduate degree in an area of music from a school accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. It requires a minimum of 39 course credits as follows: (a) curriculum and teaching, 3 hours; (b) professional studies, 6 hours; (c) survey of special education, 3 hours; (d) technology, 3 hours; (e) evaluation of teaching and learning, 3 hours; (f) teaching reading or reading in content area, 3 hours; (g) music and music education, 12 hours; (h) internship, 6 hours. Some undergraduate prerequisites are also required. The fulfillment of all requirements leads to recommendation for the Alabama Class A teaching certificate in music education (P-12) and the master’s degree. Prior to an admission decision, students must request a formal written evaluation of all college-level coursework by the Office of Student Services and Certification; College of Education; Box 870231; Tuscaloosa, AL 35401; (205) 348-6073. Information about the request for evaluation can be found at www.education.ua.edu, from the Office of Student Services and Certification link, or by contacting that office.
 
Ed.S. in Curriculum & Instruction (Music Education option). A minimum of 30 hours of appropriate work beyond the M.A. degree, including completion of a research project, is required for the educational specialist (Ed.S.) degree. The fulfillment of these requirements leads to the Alabama Class AA certificate in music education (P-12). The total hours of graduate work, including the M.A. degree, must be 60 hours. Students who are pursuing certification options must be certain their programs of study meet all certification requirements according to programs approved by the Alabama Department of Education. Courses used to qualify for a lower level supporting certificate cannot be used again in a higher level certification program.
 
Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (Music Education option). The doctor of education degree in curriculum and instruction (music education option) is designed to include a broad field of study in a major area of specialization. Selection and sequence of courses are contingent on the skills, background, and professional goals of the student. Each student’s program will include courses in music, music education, professional education, and research. Interested students should contact Music Education; Box 870366 ; Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0366 ; (205) 348-6054; www.musiceducation.ua.edu, or speak with a music education advisor.
 
Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (Music Education option). The doctor of philosophy degree in curriculum and instruction (music education option) is designed to include a broad field of study in a major area of specialization. Selection and sequence of courses are contingent on the skills, background, and professional goals of the student. Each student’s program will include courses in music, music education, professional education, and research. Interested students should contact Music Education; Box 870366 ; Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0366 ; (205) 348-6054, www.musiceducation.ua.edu, or speak with a music education advisor.

General Requirements
 
Before 12 hours of graduate study are completed in any graduate degree program, all music education graduate students are required to demonstrate professional competence in music theory and music history; to submit a tape of an ensemble performance or teaching sample; and, if requested, to perform a placement audition on the major instrument. Information about specific examinations can be obtained through the Music Education Office; Box 870366; Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0366; (205) 348-6054; www.musiceducation.ua.edu.
 
Graduate-level music education courses which meet requirements for specific State-approved certification programs (Class A, Class AA) are typically offered during summer sessions. Applicants for music education graduate degrees should anticipate that summer enrollment may be necessary to complete degree requirements. Questions concerning the rotation of course offerings should be directed to the Music Education Department; Box 870366; Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0366; (205) 348-6054; www.musiceducation.ua.edu.
 
The content of all graduate programs in music education is determined, in part, by the background and goals of the individual student. Each program will include graduate courses in music education (choral, instrumental, or general) and professional education, and may include studio courses and other graduate study as indicated by the student’s background and interests in consultation with his or her advisor. It is recommended that each student contact his or her advisor during the first term of graduate study in order to plan the program.

Course Descriptions
 
MUE 500 Foundations of Music Education. Three hours.
Investigation of the purposes and functions of music education from antiquity to the present. Philosophical foundations and a chronological survey of historical issues related to the inclusion of music in general education will also be discussed.
 
MUE 502 Sociology of Music and Music Education. Three hours.
This course explores the literature on sociological aspects of music and music education, including psychological, cultural and teacher role development.
 
MUE 522 Curricular Trends in Elementary Music. Three hours.
Instructional materials, lesson planning, teaching practices and procedures, research, and the evaluation of pupil achievement.
 
MUE 524 Advanced Studies in Teaching Music: Orff-Schulwerk, Kodaly and Dalcroze Approaches. Three hours.
This course explores instructional processes, philosophical foundations and related research of the Orff-Schulwerk, Kodaly and Dalcrose approaches to teaching music.
 
MUE 525 Choral Techniques and Materials. Three hours.
Organization, rehearsal, programming and performance of choral groups.
 
MUE 526 Instrumental Techniques and Materials. Three hours.
Organization, rehearsal, programming and performance of instrumental groups.
 
MUE 528 Curricular Trends in General Music Education. Three hours.
Prerequisites: MUE 500 or permission of instructor.
Analysis of current trends in general music and their influence on techniques and materials for P-12 and 2-year community colleges.
 
MUE 530 Music Education Curriculum Theory and Development. Three hours.
Analysis of music curricula and study of the development process.
 
MUE 535 Curriculum Projects in Music Education. One to three hours.
The design, proposal, implementation, evaluation, and reporting of a curriculum project or an improved instructional procedure in music. Independent study.
 
MUE 540 Research in Music Education. Three hours.
Introduction to research study in music education.
 
MUE 550 Advanced Studies in Teaching Music: Classroom Management Using Behavioral Modification. Three hours.
This course explores applied research methods in classroom management and psychology through examination of selected research studies and behavioral projects.
 
MUE 560 Functional Instruments. One-half to one hour.
 
MUE 586 Marching Band Techniques. Three hours.
Prerequisites: graduate standing
Fundamentals of marching, maneuvering, and preparation and presentation of formations. Offered spring and summer terms as needed.
 
MUE 590 Seminar in Music Education. One to three hours.
Study of special topics in music education.
 
MUE 591 Workshop in Music Education. One to three hours.
Special topics in music education focusing on in-class activities and materials directly applicable to general, band, and orchestra music instruction. Typically focused for practicing teachers, with the bulk of the expected work to be accomplished in class.
MUE 597 Practicum in Music Education. Three to twelve hours.
 
MUE 598 Non-thesis Research. Variable credit.
 
MUE 599 Thesis Research. Variable credit
 
MUE 600 Foundations of Music Education. Three hours.
Advanced investigation of the purposes and functions of music education from antiquity to the present. Philosophical foundations and a chronological survey of historical issues related to the inclusion of music in general education will also be discussed.
 
MUE 602 Sociology of Music and Music Education. Three hours.
This course explores the literature on sociological aspects of music and music education, including psychological, cultural and teacher role development.
 
MUE 625 Choral Techniques and Materials. Three hours.
Advanced organization, rehearsal, programming and performance of choral groups.
 
MUE 626 Instrumental Techniques and Materials. Three hours.
Advanced organization, rehearsal, programming and performance of instrumental groups.
 
MUE 628 Curricular Trends in General Music Education. Three hours.
Prerequisites: MUE 530, MUE 630, or permission of the instructor.
Advanced analysis of current trends in general music and their influence on techniques and materials for P-12 and two-year community colleges. Offered according to demand.
 
MUE 630 Music Education Curriculum Theory and Development. Three hours.
Prerequisite: Master’s degree.
Advanced analysis of music curricula and study of the development process.
 
MUE 631 Music Education Curriculum Evaluation and Supervision. Three hours.
Prerequisites: Master’s degree, and MUE 530, MUE 630, or permission of the instructor.
Study and application of observation and measurement tools, and the use of evaluation in leading curriculum change. Offered according to demand.
 
MUE 635 Curriculum Projects in Music Education. One to three hours.
Prerequisites: Master’s degree.
The design, proposal, implementation, evaluation, and reporting of a curriculum project or an improved instructional procedure in music. Independent study.
 
MUE 641 Advanced Research in Music Education. Three hours.
Prerequisites: MUE 540; graduate standing
The design, implementation and reporting of research studies that illustrate a variety of methodological and statistical plans for research in music education.
 
MUE 650 Advanced Studies in Teaching Music: Classroom Management Using Behavioral Modification. Three hours.
This course explores applied research methods in classroom management and psychology through examination of selected research studies and behavioral projects.
 
MUE 698 Non-thesis Research. Three hours.
 
MUE 699 Dissertation Research. Variable credit. Three hour minimum.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA GRADUATE CATALOG

:: TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Graduate School | UA Catalogs | Graduate Publications | Contact

Update: Sep. 2007