Music Education

Graduate study in music education leads to the Master of Music Education degree. Two distinct programs are available. The 32-credit traditional program, which can be pursued through studies in evenings and summers, is designed for persons who hold a teaching certificate in music. The fifth-year non-traditional program, which includes 39-43 credits, serves those who have completed a baccalaureate degree in music but whose previous study did not qualify them for certification. This is a full-time program that includes a semester of supervised teaching. Both programs lead to the Alabama Class A teaching certificate.

Church Music

Graduate study in church music is available in two degree programs. The Master of Music degree, with a major in church music, is a 38-credit program. This degree, which also includes studies in the Beeson School of Divinity, is administered by the School of the Arts. The Master of Divinity degree, with an emphasis in church music, is a 96-credit program. Administered by the School of Divinity, it includes within the larger context of the M.Div. degree the same professional studies in church music as the M.M. program. A student may pursue M.M. and M.Div. degrees simultaneously though a dual degree program.

Performance

Though the Division of Music does not offer a major in performance at the graduate level, it seeks to help each student enhance skills in individual and ensemble performance. A student who has the ability and the desire to pursue studies in performance beyond those required for a graduate degree may apply to pursue a course of study that leads to the Graduate Certificate in Performance.

Program Distinctives

The small size of the graduate program in music enables individual attention in all curricular areas and in professional and personal development. At the same time, each graduate student has access to the resources of the Division of Music and the School of  the Arts, such as ensembles of various sizes; to related professional areas, including the School of Divinity and the School of Education and Professional Studies; and to the wider resources of the University.

Contact Information

For information about any aspect of graduate study in music, contact
Moya Nordlund, Director of Graduate Studies in Music by e-mail, mlnordlu@samford.edu, telephone, 205-726-2651 or by mail at the University’s address, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham AL 35229.