The School of Music Baccalaureate Licensure Program in Music Education is open to those who hold a Bachelor of Music degree or the equivalent; and leads to eligibility for teacher licensure in Ohio.  Courses are generally offered during the day in the fall and spring semesters. The total number of credits required to complete the program is 49. The program is designed to be completed in four consecutive semesters of full-time study (fall/spring). We recommend starting in a fall semester (two fall semesters are required). The timeline may vary depending upon a student's prior coursework and the number of credits a student takes in a semester.

Students in the Post-Bacc program take classes alongside undergraduate music education majors and are subject to the same standards and assessments as undergraduate music education majors (e.g., competency exams, teacher licensure requirements). This includes meeting eligibility requirements set by the College of Education Teacher Licensure Program, and the Ohio Department of Education and Board of Regents, including completing field experience hours and student teaching.

Admissions Requirements and Procedures

• Application - Prospective Post-Bacc students must apply to both the University and the School of Music (https://engagecsu.com/).
• Post- Bacc students must submit undergraduate transcripts as part of the application.
• Entrance Interview - All prospective post-bacc students must successfully complete an entrance interview with a representative of the Music Education area, scheduled by appointment. Acceptance into the music education program is contingent on the successful completion of the entrance interview.
• Baccalaureate Licensure students who hold a Bachelor of Music are not required to audition for acceptance to the program.
• Applicants who hold a Bachelor of Arts in Music may be required to audition for acceptance into the program, and may be required to take upper-division applied lessons, complete a recital, and/or complete additional coursework for Bachelor of Music equivalency.
• Upon full acceptance into the program, Post-Bacc students will be transferred to the College of Education and Human Services, which officially houses the program.

Financial Assistance

Applicants who wish to be considered for financial assistance from the School of Music, regardless of prior degree, must complete an audition.

Preferred application materials - In addition to submitting high school and undergraduate transcripts and applying to the University and Music Department, prospective students can strengthen their applications by submitting the following additional materials.

• CSU Music Education Recommendation Form completed by a current school music teacher.  You can find this form on the CSU Music Education webpage.  School Music Teacher Confidential Report
• Writing Sample. Submit a paper you have written in school that you believe represents your best writing.

Preferred Interview Preparation - Prospective students can strengthen their interview by preparing in the following ways:

• Sing a folk song of your choosing. There are examples of folk songs, including notation and video links, on the CSU Music Education webpage. You may choose to prepare one of these songs or any other similar folk song. Note: Applicants will not be judged on the quality of their singing voice, but rather, on their willingness to sing and how well they are prepared. Optional/Preferred Requirement: Sing a Folk Song
• Read one of the articles about teaching music located on the CSU Music Education webpage and be prepared to discuss it during the interview. Questions to help guide your reading are listed on the website with the articles.
• Differentiation in the Music Classroom by Stephanie L. Standerfer
• Don’t Watch Me! by John P. Graulty
• Teaching for Transfer - Matthew L. Garrett

Additional Post-Baccalaureate Admission Procedure

If accepted into the program by the music department, prospective post -bacc students must complete an intake interview with the designated Music Advisor in the College of Education advising office (ESSC).  Contact information will be provided after the Music Education interview.

Mailing Address:
Cleveland State University
School of Music
2121 Euclid Avenue, MU 333
Cleveland, OH 44115-2214

Campus Location:
Music and Communication - Building, Room 333
Contact: Kate Bill - Student Recruiter/Enrollment Administrator
Email: m.c.bill@csuohio.edu or Music@csuohio.edu
Phone: 216.687.5039 Fax: 216.687.9279