Welcome Music Graduate - David L. Walters Department of Music

The David L. Walters Department of Music at Jacksonville State University seeks to provide professional training and promote scholarship among students in the discipline of music. Course offerings lead to the Master of Arts in Music with either a Music Education or General Music Concentration. Students choose between an instrumental or vocal/choral program of study, and engage in activities that nourish both broad and specific educational needs. With a flexible course schedule that provides both evening and summer classes, the JSU Music Department makes a commitment to serve the regional educational community, and helps foster and preserve a high level of musical instruction. A fully-accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music, the music department offers graduate instruction by highly-qualified faculty members with significant professional experience. Small classes and many opportunities for one-on-one instruction create a comfortable and stimulating educational environment.

We invite you to schedule a visit to campus or contact us with any questions, and look forward to helping you further your career in music.

Master of Arts in Music

Music Education Concentration
General Music Concentration*

The graduate music programs at Jacksonville State University are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

* Fulfills the requirements for the professional certificate to teach music in Alabama public schools on both the elementary and secondary levels.
** Requires a non-music minor.

GRADUATE TIMELINE (Important Information):

1. Complete the Graduate Application for Admission.

2. Complete the Graduate Application for Music Study.

3. Submit the Graduate Application for Assistantships, if desired – due February 1^st for Fall Semester.

4. Take the Graduate Music Diagnostic Exam – Fall Semester.

Online Examination to be completed before AUGUST 24, 2022 for placement into Music Literature and Theory courses. Please contact Dr. Jeremy Benson (JLBenson@jsu.edu) to access this exam. All students have one hour to complete the history/literature portion and one additional hour to complete the theory portion.
Music History Graduate Diagnostic Prep Guide
1. Graduate Study Guide for Music History Diagnostic Exam
Music Theory Graduate Diagnostic Prep Guide

5. Take the Graduate Music Diagnostic Exam – Spring Semester.

Online Examination to be completed before January 2, 2023 for placement into Music Literature and Theory courses. Please contact Dr. Jeremy Benson (JLBenson@jsu.edu) to access this exam. All students have one hour to complete the history/literature portion and one additional hour to complete the theory portion.
Music History Graduate Diagnostic Prep Guide
1. Graduate Study Guide for Music History Diagnostic Exam
Music Theory Graduate Diagnostic Prep Guide

6. Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Jeremy Benson, Graduate Studies Advisor, for Advisement before registering for classes (JLBenson@jsu.edu).

Develop a Graduate Course of Study with the graduate music studies advisor during the first semester.

7. Complete Graduate Application for Comprehensive Exam/Degree.

-AND-

8. Submit Final Semester Plan after the completion of 26 credit hours.

GRADUATION DEADLINES:
- August 30 for Fall Graduation
- TBD for Spring Graduation
- TBD for Summer Graduation

9. Take Written Comprehensive Exam:
Fall: Schedule the week of October 24, 2022
Spring: Schedule the week of March 13, 2023

PART I Music Theory and Music History
PART II Education and Research Methods, Music History and/or Area of Specialization

10. Take Oral Comprehensive Exam – Individually scheduled with candidate's committee members.
Fall: Week of November 14, 2022; Spring: Week of April 10, 2023