All students take a nine-credit-hour core (three courses) that includes history, theory, and research. Also required of all master's students are nine hours in education, including two education courses and three hours of practicum (including portfolio review).

Finally, students choose an emphasis in elementary, choral, band, or orchestra and complete the degree with nine credits in their area of specialization. A recital/project or a thesis is required as the culminating event. These can include conducting or accompanying performances. The graduate advisor closely monitors the thesis.

Entrants must have completed a bachelor's degree in music and be certified to teach. Interested students without certification will be directed to the undergraduate certification program before pursuing the master's degree. A videotape of teaching or conducting, an entrance interview, and a theory and history diagnostic exam is also required. The results of these exams may require remedial preparation before admission (this is called provisional acceptance) through either the applicant's individual effort or by enrolling in coursework prior to admission.