At the University of Iowa, music education undergraduate students earn a Bachelor of Music in performance as well as a Bachelor of Arts in music education for K-12 vocal and instrumental certification.  Students earn degrees from two different colleges:  the Bachelor of Music from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and the Bachelor of Arts from the College of Education Teacher Education Program (TEP).

Students who want to earn a Bachelor of Arts in music education must audition on their instrument or voice for admission into one of the performance studios (see Undergraduate Admission). 

Direct Admission for Eligible Freshmen: Any student who, upon graduation from high school, has a 3.0 high school GPA and who has been accepted into a music studio will be directly admitted into the Bachelor of Arts in music education. This admission is contingent upon submission and acceptance of official verification of the music students’ high school GPA prior to the start of freshman year, and completion of required paperwork (application form and 10 volunteer hours in K-12 school) prior to December 1 freshmen year.

Successful applicants will then pursue a Bachelor of Music degree from the School of Music and take additional music education methods courses and professional education courses offered through the Department of Teaching & Learning in the College of Education.

Students not directly admitted may apply to the College of Education Teacher Education Program (TEP).

Applications are accepted:

• March 1 - May 1 for summer and fall admission
• October 1 - December 1 for spring admission

View course requirements >>

View course requirements in checklist form >>

Scholarships and Awards

Multiple scholarships and awards exist for education students. View a complete list.

Music scholarships are awarded based on audition; see studio pages for more information.

For more information on the University of Iowa music education area, please contact Associate Professor Jeremy Manternach, chair of Music Education.