College of Arts and Sciences
Music Education
College of Arts and Sciences
Music Education
Inspire the Next Generation:
Get a Music Education Degree from NMSU
At New Mexico State University, we believe in the power of music to educate, uplift, and transform lives. If you're passionate about sharing your love of music and shaping future musicians, our music education concentration is designed for you.
As one of the Southwest’s leading institutions, NMSU’s Department of Music offers a vibrant and supportive environment where aspiring music educators gain the skills, experience, and confidence to lead in classrooms, ensembles, and communities. Our program blends rigorous academic training with hands-on teaching opportunities, preparing you to become a certified music educator ready to make a lasting impact.
Whether your goal is to teach in public schools, direct choirs or bands, or advocate for music in education, NMSU provides the tools and mentorship to help you succeed. Join a community of passionate musicians and educators, and start shaping your future—and theirs—with a music education degree from NMSU.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total classes: 40-45
- Total credit hours: 120-137 depending on concentration
- Cost per credit hour: $223.58**
Delivery Format
In-person
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about our Bachelor of Music Education? Fill out our inquiry form.
Lead with Passion. Teach with Purpose.
As a music education major, you'll immerse yourself in a dynamic blend of performance, pedagogy and theory. During your time here, you'll gain hands-on experience in classrooms and ensembles, learning how to teach and lead with confidence. Through structured fieldwork, you'll observe and assist in real K–12 music classrooms, gradually taking on teaching responsibilities under the guidance of experienced educators. You'll study music history, conducting, and instrumental or vocal techniques while working closely with faculty and peers who share your passion. By the time you graduate, you'll be prepared to shape young minds and build a lifelong career in music education.
NASM Accredited
All programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and are supported by NMSU's School of Teacher Preparation, Administration and Leadership.
Scholarships Available
Get up to 100% of tuition covered with the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.**
The Bachelor of Music Education (BME) is a diversified four- to five-year degree program of teaching, performance, and specialized studies in music. The goal of this degree is to prepare the student for certification to teach music in the public schools, and serves as a foundation for advanced study toward master’s and doctoral degrees: M.M., M.M.E., D.M.A. or Ph.D in music education. There is no second language requirement for the degree.
Students must complete all university degree requirements, which include: General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits to total at least 133.5 credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. Developmental coursework will not count towards the degree requirements and/or elective credits, but may be needed in order to take the necessary English and Mathematics coursework.
Take classes like:
- MUSC 1450 – Ear Training I
- MUSC 1460 – Music Theory I
- MUSC 2310 – Sound and Music Technology
- MUSC 1440 – Vocal Techniques for Instrumental Music Education Majors
- MUSC 1310 – Recital Attendance
- MUSC 1410 – Introduction to Music Education
The Bachelor of Music Education (BME) is a diversified four- to five-year degree program of teaching, performance, and specialized studies in music. The goal of this degree is to prepare the student for certification to teach music in the public schools, and serves as a foundation for advanced study toward master’s and doctoral degrees: M.M., M.M.E., D.M.A. or Ph.D in music education. There is no second language requirement for the degree.
Students must complete all university degree requirements, which include: General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits to total at least 135.5 credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. Developmental coursework will not count towards the degree requirements and/or elective credits, but may be needed in order to take the necessary English and Mathematics coursework.
Take classes like:
- MUSC 1450 – Ear Training I
- MUSC 1460 – Music Theory I
- MUSC 2310 – Sound and Music Technology
- MUSC 321 – Instrumental Techniques for Vocal Music Education Majors
- MUSC 1310 – Recital Attendance
- MUSC 1410 – Introduction to Music Education
All performance majors are required to give a half recital (30 minutes of music) in their junior year and a full recital (60 minutes of music) in their senior year.
Bachelor of Music Education
All music education majors will give a half recital (30 minutes of music) in their major performance area.
Applied Music Requirements for All Music Degrees
Music Education and Music Performance degrees require at least two semesters of applied music study at the 430 level. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music (any track) must complete at least four semesters of applied music study at the 230 level and at least two semesters at the 330 level. B.A. students may take applied lessons at the 430 level, but it is not a requirement for this degree path.
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.