Master of Arts in Music

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Whether you want to teach music in a classroom, lead a music-oriented organization, or prepare for a doctoral program, our Master of Arts in Music will help you gain the advanced skills you need.

The Master of Arts in Music degree is for students who are ready to continue their music education in order to excel in their chosen profession. Students can further customize this degree by selecting electives in their areas of interest.

In addition to providing a solid educational experience for music teachers, performers, composers, and church musicians, the MA in Music addresses the unique role of music teachers in Catholic school systems by providing specific courses, creating a network of peers, and presenting a program of study that includes scholarship, community, and spirituality. The Master of Arts in Music curriculum is tailored to accommodate current teachers and their busy schedules.

Available to students from across the country, this blended program provides a two-week intensive summer program at our main campus in Bismarck, ND, with online, private, ensemble, independent, and blended courses during the year.

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission.
After you're admitted to the university as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

5,100
Projected job openings for music director and composer jobs.

Program Length

3 summers plus interim fall/spring semesters

Format

  • Blended, online with a two-week residency on our main campus in Bismarck, ND

Tuition per Credit

$595

Next Start Date: 1/6/2025

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Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Music Educators
  • Catholic School Teachers
  • Church Musicians
  • Performers
  • Advanced Study-Doctoral Degree

Career Paths

  • Director
  • Composer
  • Music Educator
  • Performer
  • Catholic School Teacher
  • Sacred Music Director

What You’ll Learn

In our Master of Arts in Music program, you will create a project—conducting, performing, composing, writing, or producing—that demonstrates graduate-level proficiency and lead a performance of that project for an under served or a marginalized segment of the local community. When you graduate, you will be prepared to:

  • Articulate connections between music disciplines and human experiences through scholarship and/or performance.
  • Foster an environment that inspires creativity.
  • Serve the community with knowledge within the contexts of applied music, musicianship, and elective courses.

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. After acceptance to the University as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

 

Summer room and board options available.

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

We welcome students from various backgrounds, including transfer students from institutionally accredited colleges and universities recognized by the US Dept. of Education and those with military or career and work experience. 

How do I show my previous college, military, or work experience?

  • Official transcripts (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.
    • Did you graduate from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
      • Have your transcripts sent to:

        Office of Admissions

        University of Mary

        7500 University Drive

        Bismarck, ND 58504
      • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu.
  • Students with previous career or work experience can earn credits for prior learning.
    • You can choose to test for prior learning credits — we convert your test scores into college credit.
    • You can request a portfolio review for prior learning credits. You’ll assemble documentation to show your experience, which will be reviewed and evaluated by an experienced faculty member.
  • Military experience can count towards a degree.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY?
  • All of our programs require you to fill out the general application form in addition to submitting the application fee and your transcripts.
  • Any program-specific requirements you’ll need to submit in addition to the items listed above can be found in our catalog.

At the University of Mary, we review every application on an individual basis, ensuring that the materials you submit are evaluated with care and attention. Reach out to us if you have any questions in filling out your application.

Get Started Today

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