Graduate students may complete NIU requirements for the State of Illinois Standard Special (K-12) License through the music education area of the School of Music as part of the program for the M.M. in music with an area of study in music education. With adviser approval, graduate-level requirements for licensure can be part of the 32 semester hours required for the degree.
Also see “Educator Licensure Information.”
Admission to Educator Licensure
To be admitted to the educator licensure program, the student must obtain program recommendations from the music education graduate licensure coordinator, successfully complete the State of Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency, complete MUED 150 and MUED 250 with grade of C or better, and be admitted to the Master of Music program with an area of study in music education.
Retention
To be retained in the educator licensure program, students must remain in good standing in the Graduate School. In addition, students can receive no final grade lower than C in music education courses (MUED 250, MUED 350, MUED 352, MUED 490), and must have and maintain an overall minimum GPA of 2.50 in all undergraduate course work required for licensure. Students who fall below the required GPA in undergraduate licensure course work may request one probationary term by filing a written appeal with the music education area coordinator. Students may not student teach if minimum GPA requirements are not met.
Admission to Student Teaching
At the end of the semester prior to student teaching, students will be screened to determine readiness for student teaching. The screening will consist of a review of academic records, the completion of all pre-student-teaching requirements, the presentation of an up-to-date professional folio, and an interview with the coordinator of educator licensure for the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
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