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Since 1871, the University of Central Missouri has been teaching educators, and it has received continuous accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1947. Our flexible Master of Arts in Music program curriculum offers world-class instruction in both traditional and modern areas of the field.

UCM has a successful history of preparing graduate students for a wide range of music careers and boasts a 90% job placement rate. For those pursuing music careers or doctoral studies — or both — completing our Master of Arts in Music program prepares you for a future in performance, education or as an entrepreneur working in the music business. No matter your plans, UCM will ensure you’re ready for a lifelong career in music.

A modern graduate degree in Music with flexibility for today’s students

UCM knows that students have busy lives outside of pursuing master’s degrees in Music. That’s why we offer online, evening and summer classes to help accommodate your schedule. UCM also offers a summer-only master’s degree to accommodate current music teachers’ schedules. Whether you’re pursuing your studies full- or part-time, UCM’s graduate music degrees are designed to work for you.

What you will study

UCM’s master’s degree in Music program curriculum features a diverse range of core and elective courses. Compared to other schools of music, UCM prides itself on its small class sizes, which ensure that our students get more individualized attention and guidance.

Choose electives based on your focus area and musical interests. With the help of the graduate faculty coordinator, you’ll pick from classes in areas such as conducting, music education, music technology, musicology, composition and performance for your master’s degree in Music. You can even combine electives from different areas to personalize your studies and better prepare you for a range of music careers.

Students pursuing UCM’s master’s degrees in Music choose from exciting electives such as:

Music in Latin America

American Music

Jazz Pedagogy

Kodály Choral Techniques

Music Business Practices

Electronic Music Production Techniques

What can you do with a master’s degree in Music from UCM?

With a master’s degree from our School of Music, UCM graduates go on to rewarding music careers in education, performance, composing, music production and more. You’ll also be prepared to pursue doctoral studies in music at other top-tier music schools.

UCM graduates with a Master of Arts in Music degree can secure mid- to senior-level positions in academic institutions, start their own businesses or become specialized instrumental or vocal instructors. Our alumni have gone on to roles such as:

Directors of bands or choral programs

Performing artist

Composer

Elementary or high school teacher or college professor

Film and game composers and sound designers

Recording studio engineer

Private lessons teacher

More on careers for graduates with a Master of Arts in Music

Explore additional options for future music careers using the interactive tool below. You’ll gain a better understanding of salaries, job outlooks and more for graduates with music degrees.