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A new avenue to pursue music at ATU has been approved. Starting fall 2024, students will have the opportunity to pursue a master of music degree in music education.
“The program’s two main goals are to provide music teachers with professional development opportunities leading to a credential and to elevate music instruction in public schools,” said Jeff Bright, music department head.
The program will be the first of its kind in the state to be offered completely online.
“A program delivered entirely online allows music teachers the opportunity to earn graduate credit and, ultimately, a degree while maintaining their current teaching positions,” Bright said.
According to Bright, the target of the program are current teachers teaching in public schools.
“As we researched the viability of offering such a program, we found there were no other online master of music education options in the state, making this program unique,” Bright said.
The program will operate with required courses on a two-year basis, allowing students to complete the program in two years. It also requires nine elective hours, allowing students to tailor their classes to their personal interests and needs.
“The inclusion of it is a fantastic idea,” said Tess Butler, a senior music major from Hot Springs, “With the existence of this degree it brings light to the successes and strength that exists in the arts of ATU.”
News of the new degree has been received well within the department.
“Countless of my colleagues and friends have been affected positively by this culture and are excited to teach, help and grow with a bachelor of music education behind them,” Butler said, “Now, they can gain even more through the experience of the master’s program.”
For more information on how to pursue this new program, visit www.atu.edu/gradcollege.
