University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music, in conjunction with Pacific’s Benerd College, offers a Master of Music in Music Education (MM) designed for students with an undergraduate degree in music education. Students complete 33 units of coursework (typically four semesters) at Pacific’s Stockton (CA) campus. Graduates of the program are eligible for a Teaching Credential in Music (given proficient performance on coursework and examinations).

The music education program at University of the Pacific provides an unparalleled level of real world experience. Thanks to the academic foundation and hands-on practice I am receiving, I feel very confident to enter my field as a music educator.
Nico Peruzzi ’18
Graduate Assistant Conductor
Notable program features
- Stockton Campus
- 33 units
- Two Years
- Fall semester start
- Rolling admission
- In-person program
- GRE required
The MM in Music Education program offers a core course of study along with numerous electives in music and education that provides an individualized program that caters to specific career goals. Students have opportunities to work with faculty specializing in music performance, therapy, history, business or composition, as well as with the teacher education faculty of Benerd College. Pursue a thesis-based research track, or a non-thesis advanced technique track

Tuition
Tuition and fees are set annually: the per-unit graduate tuition rate for the 2022-23 academic year is $1,566 plus applicable fees.
Graduate Assistantships
The Conservatory of Music offers a limited number of graduate assistantships. Interested applicants should contact Program Director Ruth Brittin at rbrittin@pacific.edu.
Federal Student Loans
Graduate students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens may apply for federal student loans.
Application Requirements
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Audition (live or video recording)
- General GRE (Not required for applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or higher)

Conservatory alumna Susanna Peeples ’12 was recognized as 2021 Early Career Choral Conductor by California Choral Directors Association. This honor is awarded to current California educators who demonstrate great promise to the choral profession.
Faculty and Outcomes
Graduate students benefit from close working relationships with dedicated and passionate professors. Dr. Ruth Brittin, who leads the program, is an internationally known music education researcher and has been a professor at the Conservatory of Music for over 20 years.
The Music Education graduate program has a long history of success in placing graduate students into desirable teaching positions and doctoral programs across the U.S. and beyond with a 100% placement rate.
Contact Us

Faye Spanos Concert Hall, 304
3601 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA 95211