Admissions Requirements

Ideal candidates for the online master’s in music education program will meet the following minimum requirements:

• BA/BS/BM in Music Education
  • Candidates with a BA/BM in Music will also be considered. Individuals in this category must have experience and interest in teaching, which can be demonstrated through the supplemental Academic Portfolio.
• 3.0 cumulative GPA in undergraduate study (and 3.0 GPA in undergraduate music theory, ear training, and music history courses)
• Professional music teaching experience

NOTE: No GRE score is required for admission.

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Admissions Materials

Applicants must submit the following:

• Online Graduate Admission Application
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Electronic transcripts can be submitted to transfer@admissions.ufl.edu. All hard copy transcripts should be sent to the following address:

  Graduate Admissions & Academic Programs
  Attn: Phillip Klepacki
  PO Box 115800
  University of Florida
  Gainesville, FL 32611-5800

• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement of purpose
• Updated resume
• Academic portfolio (See below for more information.)
• $37 application fee

International students must also submit additional materials to gain admission to the program.

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Academic Portfolio

The academic portfolio includes two components: (a) a minimum 4-5 page scholarly writing sample that includes citations and references, and (b) other materials that provide evidence of the applicant’s knowledge and skill as a music educator. Portfolio materials such as video or music files should be uploaded to Dropbox, YouTube or Vimeo with links compiled in your portfolio.

The links to audio and video files, along with other portfolio materials, can be emailed to pklepacki@arts.ufl.edu.

Writing samples may include:

• A music-related, undergraduate assignment
• A statement of your personal philosophy regarding music education
• A reflective narrative on some aspect of music education
• A published article on a music-related topic

Supplementary materials may include any two of the following:

• Audio or video recordings of rehearsals or classes
• Audio or video recordings of ensemble performances prepared and conducted by the applicant
• Lesson or unit plans
• Sample assessments used with students
• Original compositions or arrangements created for students
• Student work samples
• Other items that the applicant feels adequately display their knowledge and skill

Audio/Video Formatting:

• Video content should be submitted in MP4 format
• All audio files should be submitted in MP3 format

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Technology Requirements

Computer

In order to be successful in this program, you’ll need access to a reasonably up-to-date computer. Older computers will run more slowly and may “hang up” when asked to play multimedia files. A high-speed Internet connection is necessary as dial-up will not support the multimedia requirements.

Minimum Campus Computer and Software Standards (note that these are minimum requirements)

Software

You’ll need some basic software in order to complete assignments and projects that will be assigned to you:

• Operating system: Windows or Apple
• Browser: Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Internet Explorer
• Antivirus: McAfee VirusScan is available to UF students at no cost
• Microsoft Office (Note: Open Office is not recommended due to file incompatibility issues). This is also free to UF students.
• Audacity audio recording software (free)

Peripherals and Accessories

Various course assignments will require you to create and play multimedia files. You’ll need some additional equipment to support these activities:

• Headset/microphone (used for Skype, Zoom, VoiceThread, and video)
• Webcam (can be integrated with your computer used for Skype, Zoom, VoiceThread, and video presentations)
• Video Recorder: While many recent cell phones are sufficient, due to the wide range of video cameras available, we suggest equipment that meets these requirements:
  • Minimum resolution of 1280 x 720 (aka 720p)
  • Preferred Codec is H.264 or MP4.
  • Data Rate should be 5 Mbps (5000 kbps)
  • 30 frames per second is preferred
  • Audio Codec should be AAC, minimum sample rate of 44.1KHz, minimum data rate of 128 kbps