2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Music

Georgia College & State University (GCSU) is a public institution offering two online master’s degrees in music: (1) Master of Music Education (30 credit hours) and (2) Master of Music Therapy (35 credit hours). These remote programs typically take students one year to complete, and they are designed to meet the educational needs of working professionals.

GCSU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on D2L Brightspace. Both music programs have a liberal arts approach to music topics. Some of the programs’ courses are Technology in Music Education, Ethics in Creative Arts Therapy, and Music Therapy Models. The only music therapy program requires a comprehensive exam and a graduate clinical project or thesis. Potential careers include music therapists, private music teachers, and music directors.

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Professional Studies in Music - Composition totaling 30 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend one year completing the program. The degree is designed for music practitioners to further their knowledge and skills in composition.

FHSU's online students complete coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Blackboard. Students can expect to learn how to compose and perform new music pieces. Sample courses include Literature, Form and Analysis, and 18th Century Counterpoint. A graduate recital is also required. Graduates may pursue careers like choral conductors, music producers, and art consultants.

At Missouri State University, a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Master of Music - Music Education requiring 32 credit hours. It generally takes full-time students one year to finish this program. In addition to the Music Education concentration, students may alternatively pursue concentrations in (1) Pedagogy, (2) Composition, and (3) Performance if preferred.

Missouri State facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via Blackboard. A master’s degree in music education prepares students to assume teaching roles in musicianship. Some of the online program’s courses are Psychology of Music, Contemporary Music Education, and History and Philosophy of Music Education. Students must complete a final project and comprehensive exam to graduate. Prospective careers are music directors, K-12 music teachers, and music professors.

Bowling Green State University - Main Campus (BGSU) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Music Education - Teaching Artistry, requiring 30 credit hours. This program can be completed within 15 months. The program also offers eight-week classes during the summer, fall, spring, and summer.

At BGSU, online students complete coursework on Canvas, which delivers classes asynchronously and synchronously. The master's in music education program is designed for students who hold a formal or non-formal music teaching role. Sample courses include Human Learning in Music, Field-Based Teaching and Learning for Music Educators, and Curriculum and Historical Perspectives for Music Educators. A seminar and field teaching experience are both also required. Graduates may go on to careers like private music instructors, music managers, and music librarians.

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Arts in Music - Music Education, which totals 32 credit hours. It can take full-time students one year to complete the program. The program provides flexibility for music professionals to complete their studies while working.

EIU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through the digital platform called D2L Brightspace. The master's in music program helps established music professionals advance their careers in music education. The program’s courses are Music Theory Pedagogy, Psychology of Music Teaching and Learning, and Curriculum and Assessment. A one-week summer residency, seminar, and research project are also required. Potential career options for graduates include music therapists, music historians, and music teachers.