The program in music education 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:

1. Knowledgeable about subject matter;
2. Committed to inquiry;
3. 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.  Admission to the MS in music education leading to state certification requires:

1. Completion of a Bachelor of Music degree or Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music.  Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of B-minus; applicants’ transcripts are reviewed to verify the completion of the music major and required coursework in music and in general education.
2. A passing score on the Praxis I, or a waiver based on the applicant’s SAT score (over 1000 if taken prior to March 1995, and 1100 or higher if taken after April 1995.)
3. Completion of State of Connecticut general education requirements for teaching certification, including undergraduate credits in the following fields: English, math, science, social studies, and fine arts or world languages.
4. Completion of an undergraduate U.S. History course surveying at least 50 years.
5. Two references attesting to the applicant’s suitability for the teaching profession, commitment to lifelong learning, and ability to do graduate work.
6. Personal essay of 350 words addressing reasons for seeking a teaching career and personal attributes that support that aspiration, including a commitment to lifelong learning. 
     
   

Fieldwork and Student Teaching
   
Each candidate for certification must complete fieldwork and student 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 student 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.

  

Student 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 student teaching.