Full-Time Graduate Degree Programs

Master of Music, Music Education Specialization

Designed for elementary and secondary music teachers who already hold a K–12 state music-teaching license or the international equivalent. Specifically, this program is designed to inspire and develop the next generation of leaders in the field of music education by developing and applying scholarly research skills in the field of music education, the in-depth study of advanced pedagogical expertise, and the impact of contemporary learning theory on K–12 music education. music.colostate.edu/master-music-education
Master of Music, Music Education Specialization Plan A Requirements
Master of Music, Music Education Specialization Plan B Requirements

Master of Music, Music Education Specialization with Licensure

This program is designed for students who hold a Bachelor of Arts in Music or a Bachelor of Music degree and who would like to earn Teaching Licensure in K-12 Music while studying music education at the graduate level. This degree, which can be completed in three years, includes undergraduate music education coursework from both the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance and the School for Teacher Education and Principal Preparation (STEPP). music.colostate.edu/master-music-education-licensure

Master of Music, Music Education — Composition Specialization

Master of Music, Performance Option (orchestral instrument, saxophone, voice, guitar, piano, and organ) —

A comprehensive approach to the study and performance of literature in all styles and idioms of music. The curriculum is designed to develop musicianship, technical proficiency, and cultural awareness in both performance and pedagogy. Regardless of degree concentration, the graduate student will maintain regular study on their applied instrument or voice and additional directed areas based on individual goals and needs. Graduate students may choose to specialize in one or more areas as they work toward degree recital requirements.

The intent of this option is to prepare students with outstanding performance potential to be competitive in performance and teaching careers and to be advocates for the arts in their communities. They may help meet the needs for skilled performers of solo and small and large ensemble music, and they will be able to teach in a university and help meet the considerable community demand for excellent private studio teachers.

Performance areas include orchestral instruments, saxophone, guitar, voice, piano, and organ. Please visit the "Areas" section of this website for information about each studio. Here is the check sheet for the degree.

Unique performance opportunities include the Graduate String Quartet/Trio program and professional organizations in Fort Collins’ thriving arts community.
Master of Music, Performance Option Requirements

Master of Music, Conducting Specialization (Choral)

The program is committed to musical excellence with a curriculum designed to build a well-rounded choral conductor/teacher, using the musical and personal strengths of the graduate choral conducting student. By the completion of the program, the student will have developed advanced conducting skills and techniques that are appropriate to a variety of musical needs. The student will learn effective rehearsal techniques, score preparation, and become a knowledgeable scholar of important choral scores representing repertoire of various music periods and secular and sacred styles. music.colostate.edu/conducting
Master of Music, Choral Conducting Specialization Requirements

Master of Music, Conducting Specialization (Instrumental)

The program offers students the opportunity to conduct a broad range of ensembles in preparation for their career. The art of conducting is examined from the perspective of gesture and movement, score study/analysis/ear training, and rehearsal techniques and strategies. For students focused on band conducting, this is a program of advanced study in repertoire and advanced wind/percussion techniques with a strong supporting program of theoretical and analytical studies. For students focused on orchestral conducting, this is a program of advanced study in repertoire and advanced orchestral techniques with a strong supporting program of theoretical and analytical studies. music.colostate.edu/conducting
Master of Music, Instrumental Conducting Specialization Requirements

Master of Music, Music Therapy Specialization

Advance your career as a music therapist with our nationally recognized master's degree program in music therapy. Students in this program advance their skills with focus on neurological and evidence-based techniques that promote changes in cognitive, sensorimotor, speech and language, and psychosocial functioning. The CSU program offers a wide variety of course options in music therapy including research, composition and improvisation, neuroscience, and history of music therapy. This discipline-specific core is expanded upon with courses in counseling, psychology, and neuroscience. Come join this internationally-recognized faculty to expand on your skills as a music therapist. music.colostate.edu/music-therapy
Master of Music, Plan A, Music Therapy Specialization Requirements
Master of Music, Plan B, Music Therapy Specialization Requirements

Master of Music, Music Therapy Specialization with Equivalency

Designed for the person who has earned an undergraduate degree in music and desires to study music therapy at the graduate level. Students in this program concurrently take the necessary undergraduate prerequisite coursework to fulfill requirements for entry-level practice and graduate coursework in advanced clinical practice and research. As in the master of music therapy program a thesis or additional course work is required for graduation. music.colostate.edu/music-therapy

Doctorate of Music Therapy

The Colorado State University Ph.D. in Music Therapy emphasizes research and scholarship, as appropriate for the music therapist who aspires to a career in research, college-level teaching, or advanced clinical practice. In this program, you will engage in coursework that will advance your scholarship and help you to reach your professional goals. You will be involved in groundbreaking research, with the opportunity to develop original research in an area of interest. music.colostate.edu/music-therapy/music-therapy-phd
Ph.D. in Music Therapy Requirements

A music program fee is assessed with undergraduate and graduate music and musical theatre majors and music minors, per semester. Does not apply to the following students: online degree students and summers-only master's degree students. Please visit the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President website for special course fee information.