Do you love music? Would you like to share this passion while enjoying a steady, rewarding career? If you have a bachelor’s degree in music or a similar field, but haven’t landed on a permanent career, perhaps one of the cheapest online master’s in music education can help you fulfill your calling. These programs teach you to become music educators, allowing you to share the gift of music with others.
In this database, you’ll find 48 online degrees in music education. Ranging from $8,160 to over $32,000 and covering a variety of teaching and music-related topics, there is a degree that is right for your needs.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$16,700
Least Expensive (Nationwide): Southeastern Oklahoma State University ~$8,160
Most Expensive: Boston University ~$32,080
We have created the most reliable degree ranking for master’s in music education online programs. By looking at the total cost, including fees, and avoiding complex formulas, we have created a system that you can use to find an affordable master’s in music education online. Everything above the dividing line costs less than the average, making these our “Best Buys” for online master’s in music education programs.
The Cheapest Online Master’s in Music Education Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $8,160.00 | All Students |
2 | Georgia College & State University | (GA) | $8,900.00 | All Students |
3 | University of West Georgia | (GA) | $9,600.00 | All Students |
4 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | (NC) | $10,723.00 $20,001.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | University of Montana | (MT) | $11,557.00 $31,786.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Montana State University | (MT) | $11,828.00 $39,261.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | North Greenville University | (SC) | $12,830.00 | All Students |
8 | Southern Utah University | (UT) | $12,900.00 | All Students |
9 | Eastern Illinois University | (IL) | $13,108.00 | All Students |
10 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | (NE) | $13,237.00 $17,881.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | Anderson University - SC | (SC) | $13,500.00 | All Students |
11 | Bob Jones University | (SC) | $13,500.00 | All Students |
13 | Adams State University | (CO) | $13,584.00 | All Students |
14 | New Mexico State University | (NM) | $13,776.00 $7,750.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
15 | University of South Florida | (FL) | $13,843.00 $27,215.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 |  Campbellsville University | (KY) | $14,008.00 | All Students |
17 | Ball State University | (IN) | $14,330.00 $20,870.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | Bowling Green State University | (OH) | $14,661.00 $14,991.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | Texas Tech University | (TX) | $14,729.00 $26,969.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | Tarleton State University | (TX) | $14,775.00 $29,499.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 |  William Carey University | (MS) | $14,850.00 | All Students |
22 | Florida International University | (FL) | $14,984.00 $31,365.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | SUNY Buffalo State | (NY) | $15,180.00 $18,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
24 | Ohio University | (OH) | $15,372.00 $15,942.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
25 | Northern State University | (SD) | $15,749.00 | All Students |
26 | Stephen F. Austin State University | (TX) | $16,054.00 $30,742.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | University of Southern Mississippi | (MS) | $16,174.00 | All Students |
28 | University of Northern Iowa | (IA) | $16,670.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Illinois State University | (IL) | $16,822.00 $31,116.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $16,832.00 $15,439.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Kansas State University | (KS) | $17,200.00 | All Students | |
University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $17,490.00 | All Students | |
Colorado State University | (CO) | $17,679.00 | All Students | |
Elizabethtown College | (PA) | $17,850.00 | All Students | |
Lindenwood University | (MO) | $17,970.00 | All Students | |
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $18,692.00 $19,397.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Middle Tennessee State University | (TN) | $19,833.00 $28,446.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Kent State University | (OH) | $20,770.00 | All Students | |
University of Florida | (FL) | $20,980.00 | All Students | |
University of Memphis | (TN) | $20,992.00 | All Students | |
University of Georgia | (GA) | $21,345.00 | All Students | |
University of Kentucky | (KY) | $21,465.00 | All Students | |
 Liberty University | (VA) | $23,131.00 $10,825.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Messiah University | (PA) | $24,255.00 | All Students | |
Oakland University | (MI) | $26,688.00 | All Students | |
Rutgers University | (NJ) | $29,730.00 | All Students | |
Boston University | (MA) | $32,080.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the master’s in music education online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
NASM National Association of Schools of Music
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited, master’s in music education online. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online master’s in music education in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online master’s in music education including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an online master’s degree in music education that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online master’s in music education programs may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the cheapest online master’s in music education programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get One of the Cheapest Online Master’s in Music Education?
A master’s in music education online can lead to a variety of outstanding careers. You’ll not only have a career working with music, you can share your passion with future musicians.
Here are some of the reasons people choose to become music teachers:
- Use your music knowledge: If you have a bachelor’s degree in music or a related subject but haven’t found an outlet for this passion, a master’s in music education online can help you use your degree.
- Make a difference in people’s lives: Music is a wonderful career field that can impact the lives of others. By learning to teach music, you can have a positive impact on the lives of your students.
- A steady career in teaching: The BLS predicts that teaching will only see a 1% growth between 2022 and 2032. However, this is a career needed all across the country that won’t disappear. It may not be growing rapidly, but teaching remains a reliable profession.
Does this sound interesting to you? Let’s learn more about becoming a music teacher, starting with a master’s in music education online.
Program Cost for a Master’s in Music Teaching Online
A master’s in music education online can be surprisingly affordable. But be aware: if you do not research the cost, you may have sticker shock when that first bill arrives.
Currently, there are 48 master’s in music education online programs in our database, giving aspiring music teachers plenty of options. The average price for these degrees is roughly $16,700. Most master’s degrees require four semesters of study over two years. This means the average per-year price is around $8,350, while the average semester bill is around $4,175. (Most schools require payment by the semester.)
The cheapest online master’s in music education in this database is the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Music from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. This program has an estimated cost of $8,160, which is available for both in-state and out-of-state students. If this program does not meet your needs, eight programs cost less than $13,000, and 21 programs are below $15,000.
The most expensive comes from Boston University. This online Master of Music in Music Education has a price of $32,800. The second-least-affordable degree comes from Rutgers University, which charges $29,730 for its Master of Music in Music Education.
There is a range of roughly $24,640 between the cheapest online master’s in music education and the most expensive program. With a little research, scholarships, and financial support, this advanced education can be surprisingly affordable.
Top Three Cheapest Online Master’s in Music Education
#1. Southeastern Oklahoma State University – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Music
All students can enjoy the same low price for online programs from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. For just $8,160, students can increase their knowledge of music pedagogy and gain the skills necessary to lead thriving school music programs.
Courses in this CAEP-accredited degree program prepare students to create curriculum that aligns with state standards, addresses student needs, and is fiscally responsible. The program is open to students with a wide range of backgrounds, with no teaching certificate or GRE required for admission. Grads can use the skills and knowledge they gain from this program to work as a K-12 music teacher, fine arts administrator, music coordinator, adult education music instructor, and more.
#2. Georgia College & State University – Master of Music Education
The online Master of Music Education from Georgia College and State University can be completed with a total cost of $8,900.00. This price is offered to all students regardless of residency. The program maintains a liberal arts foundation while delving into the specific educational and professional needs of music educators in a variety of settings.
Classes examine the pedagogy, history, and theory of music education while also maintaining a focus on teaching and performance. Students will learn how to conduct research and develop new lessons and programs. Specialty classes explore the ways in which music education plays a role in society at large. Graduates can take on teaching or leadership positions in elementary, secondary, choral, or instrumental music education, or pursue roles in music education policy or mentorship.
#3. University of West Georgia – Master of Music in Music Education
Whether you want to advance your K-12 music teaching career, teach music in higher education, or pursue doctoral studies in music, the online Master of Music in Music Education is a quality, affordable choice. The total tuition for this program is just $9,600 for all online students. Graduates qualify for the Georgia PSC-5 music teaching certificate and will also be well prepared to continue their education should they choose.
The music master’s program from University of West Georgia is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Students will learn about the history, philosophy, and theories of music education, as well as conduct academic research in the field of music education. Graduates will possess an advanced understanding of ways to create meaningful learning experiences for a wide range of students.
What to Expect from a Music Education Master’s Degree Online
A master’s degree usually requires two years of academic study. While there are programs offering completion in just one year, most programs require at least four semesters full-time.
The cheapest online master’s in music education are, first and foremost, teaching degrees. They won’t teach you how to play the violin, compose new music, or present advanced classical songs. They will instead teach you to teach. In this case, they will teach you to teach music. Incoming students must already have a knowledge of music. These programs simply show you how to direct this knowledge into an education career.
Master of Music with a Focus on Education
These degrees are graduate-level programs that are often designed for current music teachers. The programs teach students how to research classroom issues and how to create music curriculum. Some programs will also include instruction on repairing musical instruments or guiding students to the best instrument or music type for their talents.
While these programs are often taught through the college’s school of music, they may also come from the school of education. Subjects may include the philosophy or psychology of music, the history of music, and the technology used to teach music.
Master of Education in Music
The differences between the two types may seem minor, but a master of education in music is an education degree with a specialization in music. These programs are delivered through a university’s school of education. They often focus on the structure and management of schools and classrooms. However, the programs will also include a variety of classes that teach students about music instruction.
Master of Arts/Science
There are also master of arts and master of science programs. A master of arts in music education will focus on the theory and philosophy of music, while a master of science will lean into scientific, provable aspects of teaching music and the benefits of playing or listening to music.
Courses in an Online Master of Music Education
Middle Tennessee State University – Master of Music / Music Education
This program is intended for future music teachers at the K-12 levels. Students can select focus areas that include collaborative piano, conducting, jazz studies, music composition, music education, musicology, and performance.
The program starts with three core courses that focus on music education. Students will then complete specialization courses that include “Foundations of Music Education,” “Evaluation and Assessment in Music Education,” and a research project. Students must also complete three of four elective courses that include music vernacular, the psychology of music, and strategies for teaching high schoolers.
University of West Georgia – Master of Music in Music Education
If you aspire to work as a music teacher in higher education, this is an ideal program. It does not lead to a teaching certificate (required for public school teachers) but instead guides students toward becoming music teachers at colleges and universities.
This master of music program comprises 30 credit hours, including nine hours of electives that support music or have approval from the college of education. Required courses include “Research Methods and Materials,” “Factors of Musical Learning,” and “History and Philosophy of Music Education.” Once complete, graduates are qualified to apply for doctoral studies in music education.
Liberty University – Master of Arts in Music Education
With 39 required credits (as opposed to the usual 30) this is one of the largest master’s degrees in our database. Liberty University suggests students take the program over three years instead of two. Classes cover foundational studies in music education, research courses, and a music studies focus.
Courses in this program include a wide range of subjects. Students will complete programs like “Principles of Music Technology,” “Introduction to Ethnomusicology,” and “History & Philosophy of Music Education in America.”
Accreditation for an Online Master’s of Music Education
Accreditation is an important part of education. Acting as a quality-control system, accreditation is a review process where independent organizations review and approve (or disapprove when needed) schools and universities.
The main form of accreditation is institutional, which covers the entire school. It is granted by regional groups that cover large sections of the country. For example, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) covers an area from Maryland through New York, while the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accredits schools in a region from Connecticut to Vermont to Maine.
Programmatic accreditation is different. This type of approval is for specific degree programs and is granted by subject-specific organizations. For example, an athletic training degree may have approval from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.
For these degrees, the main accrediting body is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which accredits bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs in education.
The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) also provides approval in this niche. Essentially, programs can join the NASM and become accredited through the group. While the NASM is a highly regarded institution, it is not recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as an official accrediting body.
Programmatic accreditation shows a high level of academic excellence, but it is not vital. Many programs in this database do not have programmatic accreditation. What is necessary, however, is institutional accreditation. As long as a school has institutional accreditation, it will deliver a quality education that you can take into the job market.
Typical Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s in Music Education
To enroll in one of these degree programs, you need to meet a variety of requirements. Colleges and universities have high standards for incoming graduate students, and you’ll need to meet specific requirements for past education and working experience.
Each school is different, but here are a few of the common admission requirements for an online master’s degree in music education:
- Bachelor’s degree: The main requirement for these programs is a bachelor’s degree. Most programs will require incoming students to have a bachelor’s in music, orchestra, music leadership, or a related field.
- Minimum GPA: While some schools do not carry this requirement, many programs will require a minimum GPA from previous studies. A 2.5, 2.75, or 3.0 is a common requirement for these degrees.
- Letters of recommendation: Before applying to the program, you will need one or more letters of recommendation. These letters must come from current or past teachers or professional contacts. If you are a current music teacher, seek a letter of recommendation from your school principal or superintendent.
- Statement of purpose: These programs offer a high level of education and can be challenging to complete. Schools want to know you have the motivation necessary to make it through their program. They require a statement of purpose, which describes why you want the degree and what you will do with your education.
The enrollment requirements for a master’s degree are far more rigorous than a bachelor’s. But with a strong professional and academic background, you’ll find a program that will accept your application.
Licensing and Certification for Music Teachers
To work as a music teacher in public schools, you’ll likely need a license, usually referred to as a certificate. If you do not work in public schools, there’s a strong chance a certificate will not be required.
Every state has different requirements for music teachers. You typically need a degree in teaching of some kind (at least a bachelor’s) and in-class experience as a student teacher. Many of these programs require incoming students to be teachers, so it’s possible you are already qualified to teach.
For music teachers, you may need to prove your competency through subject-specific testing, although this is not always a requirement.
Schools are not the only employers of graduates of master’s in music education online programs. Non-profit groups, churches, community centers, and daycare centers can all hire these music experts. For these settings, it’s unlikely you’ll need a state-mandated license.
Salary and Career Outlook for Music Teachers
As a music teacher, you can expect a strong salary. You may not earn the highest income in the job market, but this is a career that brings a quality income, especially for experienced music experts.
Unfortunately, the BLS does not provide data specifically for music teachers. However, they do provide information on high school and elementary teachers, which gives us an indication of the typical earnings.
The median salary for high school teachers is $62,360, while the top 10% earn over $101,000. Kindergarten and elementary teachers earn over $61,620, with the top 10% earning over $$101,000.
While the right people can earn a strong income in this profession, job options may be limited. Education careers will only see a 1% growth between 2022 and 2032. This could be considered a relative decline, as the total job market is expected to grow by 3%.
What’s the Next Step in Your Music Education?
You already know music. With a master’s degree in music education, you’ll know teaching. What’s next? In academia, the next step is a doctorate.
Although it’s not necessary (most will not pursue a doctorate), these degrees give you a highly advanced understanding of music, composition, music education, or a combination of subjects. If your academic background is strong enough, you can select a Ph.D. in music education or a doctorate of education with a focus on music instruction.
Even if you do not pursue a doctorate, you’ll need to meet requirements for continuing education, especially if you become a music teacher at a public school. Like all teachers at public schools, music teachers need to renew their certification on a regular basis, usually every five years. This renewal will include continuing education credits, which may come as formal classes, online courses, attendance at teaching events, and more.
Besides being a formal requirement, continuing education helps you stay competitive in the job market, earn a larger salary, enhance job performance, and develop new skills.
Learning is a lifelong journey, so your education is never complete. After completing a master’s degree in music instruction online, you’ll still need to research the latest trends and advancements in teaching and music. After all, staying up-to-date is no less than you would expect from your students!
Share Your Love of Music with the Next Generation
If you have a bachelor’s degree in music and want to share your love of harmony, rhythm, and melody with the next generation, enroll in an online master’s in music education today. With a large selection of high-quality degrees at great prices, we can help you find the right option for your schedule, budget, and career goals!