Program Overview
The Music Education M.S. program allows musicians interested in teaching to develop their teaching skills while becoming state-certified in music (K-12). Degree candidates who are already certified and seeking a masters’ degree will work with their academic advisor to create an individualized program of study that meets their needs as an in-service teacher. Practicing music teachers work in a wide variety of contexts: elementary classroom music; secondary general music classes that might include music technology, keyboard, guitar, music theory, music history, and interdisciplinary collaborations; and an evolving array of large and small ensembles including choral, wind band, string, jazz, gospel, rock, and other groups. Candidates for the master’s degree are urged through individualized advisement to build on their prior musical training by acquiring the pedagogical skills necessary to teach in the combination of contexts best matched to their aspirations, interests, and musical expertise.
Program Goals
The passionate, professional educator is:
- Knowledgeable about subject matter;
- Committed to inquiry;
- Responsive to diversity.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to our music education program come to us with widely varying professional,
personal, and educational backgrounds, including degrees earned at a variety of colleges, conservatories, and universities. The age of our candidates ranges significantly, and we have found that they approach teaching music with a seriousness of purpose that is often inspirational. For specific admission requirements, please refer to the
basic graduate requirements.
Fieldwork and Resident Teaching
Each candidate for certification must complete fieldwork and Resident Teaching experiences.
Fieldwork occurs concurrent with enrollment in coursework and may take one of two forms: a 6 credit internship or a 6 credit field experience. Prospective interns are referred by the School of Education to a district facilitator, who interviews applicants for a possible placement. If selected, interns work at a school selected by the district facilitator and spend an entire year performing assigned duties within the selected school. For interns, the district where they work pays for up to 33 tuition credits of University of Bridgeport graduate coursework across one full academic year (Fall-Spring-Summer), resulting in a nearly tuition free degree/certification experience. Tuition for Resident Teaching as well as all fees, books, and other costs remain the responsibility of the candidate. Alternately, by arrangement, candidates may choose to complete fieldwork consisting of a 6 credit field experience in a school of their choice as an observer, assistant to a teacher, or assistant in other instruction-related activities, while pursuing full or part-time coursework. Tuition, in this case, is not paid by the district but by the candidate.
Resident Teaching involves a full semester of teaching in one or two school placements (since music is a K-12 certification) under the direction of a cooperating teacher who is TEAM-certified by the state of Connecticut. Candidates express preferences for grade level, broad geography, and area (general, choral, instrumental, or a combination thereof). Although placements are coordinated by the School of Education, placements are made by the cooperating school district. Student teachers are supervised by University of Bridgeport faculty and staff. The district where the candidate has interned does not cover tuition or any other costs related to Resident Teaching.
Course Requirements
(The MS requires a minimum of 33 credits, not including credit for Resident Teaching.)
- Nine credit hours in foundations: educational and developmental psychology, and teaching learners with special needs.
- Nine credit hours in music education, including Designing Curriculum & Instruction in Music, Music in Elementary Schools and Music in Secondary Schools.
- One credit hour addressing state statutes affecting educators and three credit hours addressing reading and writing within the content area.
- Six credit hours in field experience (including internship).
- At least six additional credit hours in music education chosen in conjunction with the academic advisor, based on the student’s specific areas of expertise, background, and proposed teaching interests.
- Electives in technology in education or music technology, if the students' skills, background and interests warrant.
- Final degree option (Successful completion of the Praxis II, required for certification, or thesis or other cumulating project).
- Six credit hours for Resident Teaching. The district where the candidate has interned does not cover tuition or any other costs related to Resident Teaching.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Program Director, Professor Frank Martignetti, at fmartign@bridgeport.edu, or 203-576-4407, to learn more about the program and admissions process.