Posted by Sean Flynt on 2011-01-18

Beginning in summer 2011 Samford University's School of the Arts will offer a new Master of Music Education Degree (MME) focused on National Board Certification preparation and the unique needs of in service music specialists

The new program was created specifically for current teachers with Class B certification who are seeking the professional benefits of an advanced degree, Class A certification and National Board certification.

Moya Nordlund, Samford music professor and director of graduate studies in music, said the new offering recognizes that those who are most interested in earning the degree are already teaching and unable to take leave to pursue an advanced degree in traditional  graduate programs.

Samford's MME-National Board preparation is designed to take 15 months start-to-finish, including two summers and part-time work during the school year. Coursework will focus on Instructional Leadership and preparation for National Board Certification.

Nordlund said the first cycle of the program will emphasize vocal/choral certification and expand to include instrumental certification in 2012.

Nordlund said the program offers a significant financial incentive.  Noting that the program costs approximately $16,000, she noted that, based on current salary scales, those who earn the degree will immediately get a raise of about $4,000. Upon completion of National Board Certification they will earn another $5,000 raise, based on current practice. "Candidates can potentially recuperate their investment in two years," she said.

Nordlund said five of the eight student positions available for the first program cycle in summer 2011 are already filled. All those wanting to apply for the remaining positions or future cycles should contact Kim Settle at (205) 726-2851 or visit   arts.samford.edu.


 
 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.