Music Education

The awarding of the Bachelor of Music degree with a major in music education is contingent on successful completion of required courses in the following areas: (1) theory, music history, and literature; (2) applied music and ensembles; (3) general education core; (4) music methodology; and (5) professional education core.

The Bachelor of Music degree with a major in music education leads to initial certification in the state of Mississippi. Upon completion of the degree and designated state prerequisites (standardized tests), recipients will be qualified to teach school music in grades K-12.

All music education majors must pass the PRAXIS CORE examination, complete a minimum of 44 credit hours of the Core Courses, earn a grade of "C" or better in math and English courses, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a core GPA of 2.75 for admission to Teacher Education. Students are encouraged to take the examination during the first semester of the sophomore year, but, in all cases, it must be taken during the sophomore year and prior to advancement to upper level (300) music courses.

Continuing as a music scholarship recipient is contingent upon the successful completion of PRAXIS CORE by the end of the sophomore year. Both PRAXIS CORE and PRAXIS II must be successfully completed prior to student teaching. A minimum grade of "C" is required in all major courses.

In addition to the auditions and entrance examinations required for all students, other requirements include participation in ensembles, juries and recitals, and proficiency examinations.

The following are the suggested curriculum guidelines for the three areas of the Bachelor of Music degree with a major in music education. These curriculum guidelines are for students beginning coursework before the fall semester of 2016.

Instrumental Music Education (before 2016)
Piano Music Education (before 2016)
Vocal Music Education (before 2016)

The following are the suggested curriculum guidelines for students beginning on or after the fall semester of 2016.

Instrumental Music Education
Piano Music Education
Vocal Music Education