Graduate Studies Thesis

The Master of Arts thesis and the research leading up to it are the logical outcomes of a student’s graduate study and professional experience. Because of the diverse background and experience of the University of St. Thomas’ Graduate Programs in Music Education (GPME) faculty, students are able to undertake research using qualitative, quantitative, descriptive, historical, philosophical, or theoretical methodologies. Consequently, whereas all students demonstrate the ability to integrate ideas and communicate their findings, some will develop, test, and evaluate a music education problem, while others will gather and interpret historical, descriptive, or philosophical data.  Writing the thesis is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the field of music education, with additional goals of providing information that will be a meaningful and relevant resource to colleagues in the program and to the thesis author. View a stepwise checklist for preparing the thesis and download the Thesis Handbook.

What Our Students Say:

"The in-depth coursework and study at UST challenged me to articulate and rationalize a personal philsosphy of music education. Not only was I challenged to become a better teacher, but also I was challenged to become a more well-rounded musician. UST taught me how to use research as a tool for improving the quality of my teaching. The UST faculty are at the forefront of the most current trends in music education."

Ann Williams, Fernbrook Elementary
Maple Grove, Minnesota