Overview

The Music Education programme at South Dakota State University provides a robust foundation for students dedicated to sharing their musical passion through professional teaching. This degree is specifically designed to meet the requirements for certification, allowing graduates to lead music departments in both public and parochial schools. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances performance excellence with advanced pedagogical techniques.

Why Music Education at South Dakota State University?

Choosing this programme means joining a community within the School of Performing Arts that prioritises student success and practical experience. The university offers a supportive environment where students can choose to focus on choral or instrumental teaching, or even pursue a dual sequence to master both areas. This flexibility ensures that graduates are highly versatile and prepared for the diverse demands of modern music departments. Additionally, students have access to dedicated facilities and a variety of extracurricular organisations that enhance their professional development.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 387 per credit
National fee: USD 387 per credit
Local fee: USD 267 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a deep understanding of both musical theory and educational practice. Students can tailor their studies through specific sequences in choral or instrumental music. Modules may include:

Music Education
Choral Music
Instrumental Music
Pedagogy
Performing Arts Administration
Theatre

Careers with Music Education

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for a variety of roles within the education and arts sectors. The training provided ensures that students are ready to step into leadership positions in diverse school environments. Common career paths for alumni include:

Music Teacher
Music Director
Professional Musician
Arts Administrator

Recent graduates have successfully secured employment within various school districts across South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. The programme's strong reputation helps students transition smoothly from academic study to professional roles in public and private education systems. Beyond the classroom, the skills gained also allow for careers in community music direction and performance.

Accreditation

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Programme Structure

Courses include:

South Dakota American Indian Culture and Education

Music Theory

Aural Skills

Music Literature and History

Recital Attendance

Public Recital

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

National: SDSU accepts applications on a rolling admissions timeline.

Language

English

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IELTS

5.5

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Credits

126 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Brookings, United States

Disciplines

Music Art Education View 442 other Bachelors in Art Education in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.6

English requirements

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

5.5

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

Admission as a music major in any of the music degree programs requires the successful completion of an audition in the student’s major area of applied instruction.

Music majors in all degree programs must choose one area of applied instruction in which to specialize. Further, students must meet the applied proficiency standards of the program in that area. (successfully complete a jury examination each semester, apply for and be granted approval to advance to upper level applied study)

Piano proficiency is required of all majors

Voice or instrumental proficiency is required of all keyboard majors

A minimum of five pedagogy courses is required for students in the B.M.E program

We look for one of the following:

An ACT score of 18 or SAT Math and Reading/Writing subscore total of 970
Level 3 or higher on Math and English Language Arts Smarter Balance Assessment
A high school cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher
A ranking in the top 60 percent of graduating class

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

12190 USD / year

≈ 12190 USD / year
Out-of-State

12190 USD / year

≈ 12190 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8410 USD / year

≈ 8410 USD / year

Additional Details

Minnesota Resident: $312.25 per credit.

Living costs

Brookings

United States

1085 - 1888 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music Education.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Accreditation

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Brookings

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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