Music Education Programs

Applications for admission to this Master of Science in Education program in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Technology are made to the Graduate Admission Office. Admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria.  The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria listed below but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.

• A completed application form to the master’s program.
• Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, at least one indicating conferral of a baccalaureate degree with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work.
• A minimum GPA of 2.75 on course work in fine arts and art history or its equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
• A written personal statement describing the candidate’s goals in the teaching profession and in graduate studies.
• Completion of General Education Core prerequisites for teacher education programs
• Two letters of reference that address the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession and in graduate studies.

Candidates seeking entry into the Music Ed MA option should have their initial Music K-12 certification either in progress or complete.

For those seeking entry into the Secondary Education, AC, applicants must have a completed master’s degree. For those seeking entry into the MSEd at minimum must have completed a bachelor’s degree. Please refer to your chosen program specifically for full admissions requirements.

Students who do not meet the admissions requirements may be advised to complete prerequisite courses under a planned program before becoming eligible for admission. A maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate course work leading toward the MSEd may be completed prior to matriculation in the program.

Hofstra has student chapters of professional organizations helpful to Music Education majors: ASTA (American String Teachers Association), NAfME (National Association for Music Education), and ACDA (American Choral Directors Association). Hofstra students also assist when the University hosts regional events for NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association).

Go A Cappella
Hofstra has a number of competitive a cappella singing groups, including Sigma'Cappella, The Hofbeats, Makin' Treble, Chai Notes, and The Dutchmen. The Hofstra Gospel Ensemble and The SOS Brigade are also for music-minded students.

THE STORY BEHIND SIGMA'CAPPELLA

Behind the Scenes

MEISA (Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association) plans an annual conference that brings in professionals to network and speak about different aspects of the music industry. 

Unispan Records, Hofstra’s student-run record label, is supervised by the Center for Entrepreneurship. Students get real-life experience finding artists, recording, producing, promoting, and distributing music, while receiving mentorship from music industry professionals.