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About the Bachelor of Music Education Degree

Why Study Music Education at Cedarville?

Cedarville’s distinctly Christian Bachelor of Music Education degree will prepare you to teach vocal, instrumental, or general music in grades K–12 in public and Christian schools.

At Cedarville University, Bach’s famous phrase “Soli Deo Gloria” — for the glory of God alone — is more than a slogan. It is the mission that drives all that we do to honor the Master Creator through our creativity. Study in our music program and learn from accomplished professors who will mentor and inspire you. Master your skills in our world-class facilities. Experience the preparation you need for your career or graduate school. Pursue your passion for music and for teaching while worshipping the Master Composer at Cedarville University.

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What Sets Cedarville Apart?

Program Overview

Program Highlights

Customizable - You will choose from a choral or instrumental track.

Broad - You will graduate equipped to effectively teach music at the elementary, middle school, or high school level by selecting appropriate methods, materials, and music; planning course outcomes and activities; presenting course content; and evaluating course outcomes.

Certification - You will receive the skills, knowledge, and competencies required for state certification and employment as a music teacher.

Students playing in the orchestra

Soli Deo Gloria Music Scholarships

Cedarville University offers music scholarships of up to $6,000 per year for students majoring in music. You can combine your music scholarship with Cedarville’s other generous academic and need-based scholarships.

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Placement Success

We’re proud of our successful graduates! 100% of 2020 graduates from the Department of Music and Worship were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Check out Cedarville's other placement rates.


Cedarville's Placement Rates

What Can You Do With a Music Education Degree?

  • Our teacher candidates are known for their quality of education, commitment to the field of education, and diversified experiences that prepare them for teaching in the classroom. Cedarville Education graduates are teaching all around the world in public, private, Christian, urban, international, and mission schools!
  • Testing Success! Every teacher candidate is required to complete licensure exams in order to be a licensed teacher in the state of Ohio. Teacher candidates at Cedarville University are well prepared for these exams, as evidenced by exam pass rates found at this link.
  • As a graduate of the Teacher Education Program at Cedarville University, you are eligible to receive two teaching certifications. Our accreditation status enables you to receive a state of Ohio teaching license in your field of study that is transferable to any state in the U.S. You are also eligible to apply for an Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) certificate, which is nationally recognized among Christian schools and does not require state-to-state transfer.

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

Your coursework will be complemented by the following opportunities as you complete your early childhood education degree.

Field Experiences Early and Often! — The School of Education believes that our teacher candidates should have many hands-on experiences in schools. That is why you will engage in local school settings during your first year as a teacher candidate at Cedarville University and will continue to experience teaching within a school setting each year of your teacher training at Cedarville. By the time you graduate, you will have completed more than 600 hours in classroom experiences!

Student Education Association (SEA) — Cedarville's education student organization is a Christ-centered community built on equipping teachers to serve each other and those around them. Throughout the year, you will participate in professional growth events, ministry opportunities, and fun activities. You will also have ministry opportunities through the adopt-a-senior program, the birthday ministry, breakfast for teachers, and other ministries. Any education major is welcome!

Partnership Programs — These programs allow you to be part of field experience and classroom learning within one of the schools in nearby participating school districts. You will learn teaching strategies and practices from Cedarville University professors while engaging those practices and theories in real classrooms with real students and teachers.

Cross-cultural Experiences/Classes in Ireland — The School of Education routinely explores new cross-cultural experiences for teacher candidates to diversify their field experiences. Periodically, faculty lead a group of teacher candidates to Ireland to complete core teaching courses in another culture. As part of this three-week adventure, you will earn credit for your courses, observe classrooms and the education system in another country, and have one-on-one opportunities to minister to the people of Ireland.

Overseas Student Teaching Program — You may choose to complete your student-teaching experience overseas. This experience occurs as the final semester of your study as a teacher candidate at Cedarville University. You will spend approximately 16 weeks overseas in an English-speaking school. The School of Education of Cedarville University works with CCTECC to coordinate an overseas experience for teacher candidates who wish to complete their student teaching internship abroad. You may choose to go to almost any country in the world and will receive specialized training for this experience.

Recent teacher candidates have completed their Overseas Student Teaching Program in the following locations:

  • Australia
  • China
  • Columbia
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Hungary
  • Kenya
  • Malaysia
  • Mexico
  • Nepal
  • New Zealand
  • Niger
  • Portugal
  • Spain
  • South Africa

Program Curriculum

Building on your core liberal arts and Bible minor courses, you will take a wide array of core music and education courses that include one-on-one private lessons, large and small ensemble experiences, and relevant, real-life oriented music education courses that will make you a successful teacher in today’s classroom.

Sample courses:

  • Music Education Field Experience
  • Student Teaching and Seminar - Multi-Age

CUinClass

The CUinClass video project was originally filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow virtual visitors to experience Cedarville classes, While students no longer wear masks and guests are welcomed in person, these on-demand videos still provide a great opportunity to hear from our professors and experience academics at Cedarville. View a class that interests you now!

Program Format and Related Programs

Cedarville offers both graduate and undergraduate programs, with flexible completion options. You may also want to consider these related programs as you consider the degree or program that is a best fit for you.

Program Level and Format

  • Undergraduate
  • Residential
  • 4-Year
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From Our Students:

  • The faculty is one of the biggest blessings of studying music at Cedarville. They are all godly men and women who lead by example for their students in all that they do. Whether they are developing our skills musically or guiding us spiritually, the willingness of the faculty to disciple us and care for us personally is evident in every lesson, class, and concert. I have learned how to humbly pursue excellence, discipline, and creativity for God's glory.
    Antonio Muñoz '21
    Antonio Munoz
Job and Grad School Placement

Program Faculty

Photo of Kevin Jones

Kevin Jones, Ed.D.

Dean, Assistant Professor of Education

Contact

Photo of Bruce Curlette

Bruce Curlette, D.M.A.

Professor of Music; Director of Clarinet Ensemble

Contact

Photo of Becky Traeger

Becky Traeger

Director of Teacher Education Services

Contact

Department of Music and Worship

Program News

  • Matt Papa performing with Cedarville singers and musicians in concert in the Jeremiah Chapel

    Cedarville Stories: Loving Well is the Music That Moves Him

    Modern-day hymn writer. Famous friends. Creative life. Influencer of the next generation. Singer-songwriter Matt Papa has a lot going for him. But when it comes down to it, it's his faithfulness with those nearest and dearest that really frames his life.
  • Dr. Lori Ferguson, assistant dean of the School of Education, teaches a class at Cedarville

    School of Education Pours Into Ohio Educators

    As the School of Education continues to shape future educators, it’s also pouring into current ones by supporting, encouraging, and inspiring teachers and school districts around Ohio and beyond.