BMME Music Education at University of Kentucky

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education provides students with a strong foundation in music performance, history and theory along with the theory and practices of music education. Our graduates are prepared for careers in K-12 music education and go on to lead bands, orchestras, choirs and classrooms across the country. UK prides itself in educating not only superior teachers but also superior musicians.

Faculty: College of Fine Arts | Duration: 120 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall, Spring, Summer | Location: Lexington, KY, United States

What you will study

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education program prepares students to become certified music educators equipped to teach in K–12 school settings. Students study music theory, history, and conducting, while developing their skills in vocal or instrumental performance and ensemble direction. The curriculum includes coursework in education methods, classroom management, and teaching diverse learners, along with extensive field experiences and student teaching.

Career pathways

The School of Music is particularly proud that music education alumni are teaching in the public schools of at least 26 states around the country as well as in prestigious positions at major universities such as UCLA, University of Florida, Florida State University, Syracuse University, University of Colorado, Colorado State University, Middle Tennessee University and the University of Kentucky, in addition to a number of smaller colleges and universities.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University/college-level requirements (not programme-specific): official high school transcript with pre-college curriculum; ACT or SAT optional (test-optional admission). Applies to admission to College of Fine Arts. Programme-specific requirements: Students apply and enter this program as "Pre-Music Education" majors. Students are fully admitted to the program when they complete the pre-major requirements. View specifics in the Academic Catalog.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year entry term: Fall 2027 (applications open August 1). Transfer entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer.

UK is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year; most freshman applicants may apply without an ACT or SAT score.

First-year applicants for Fall 2027: Early Action deadline December 1 (recommended for Lewis Honors College and competitive and academic scholarships); Regular Decision deadline February 15. Application fee is $50 for domestic and $60 for international applicants. Apply with the UK application or the Common App.

Transfer applicants: application deadlines are August 1 for Fall (scholarship deadline June 15), November 15 for Spring and April 15 for Summer. The application fee is $50, waived for applications fully submitted on listed Transfer Tuesday dates.

Graduate applicants apply online through The Graduate School application system; deadlines and supplemental materials are set by each programme page. Minimum undergraduate GPA 2.75, minimum graduate GPA 3.0, and 2.5 for graduate certificate applicants (programmes may require more).

Apply through the official page: https://academics.uky.edu/apply

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