Enroll now for CIU’s new Bachelor of Music Education

Delivering a biblical message through music can be powerful. Teaching music to others from a biblical worldview can multiply the impact.

That’s why Columbia International University is adding a Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) to its growing list of undergraduate degrees.

The B.M.E. equips students with the skills and background knowledge needed to become effective music educators while fulfilling CIU’s mission to “educate people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.”

“The program will prepare students for teaching music in public or Christian schools in the United States and  around the world,” says Professor Becky Kilgus, director of the B.M.E. program. “It will also provide the training to become a music studio teacher, to work in a church music or contemporary music ministry, and music in missions.”

The program includes the historical background of music education along with current trends, courses in music history, a foundation in music theory, music technology, composition/arranging, conducting, and performance. Methods courses will include classroom observation and fieldwork, as well as clinical practice during the senior year.

In addition, Kilgus says there is extensive Bible and Christian Service training in the curriculum which will assist students as they develop their own philosophy of music education based on a biblical worldview.

“Music has the power to stir emotions and to deliver important, memorable messages to the soul,” Kilgus said. “Consequently, Christian music educators have the unique opportunity to teach music from a biblical perspective, encouraging young people to use their musical gifts to glorify God through psalms, hymns and spiritual songs that focus respectively on worship, doctrine, and the human experience.”

The B.M.E. differs from CIU’s Bachelor of Music degree because in addition to learning how to perform, students will take education courses and music methods classes in preparation for a student teaching experience in a local classroom. Upon completion of the degree, students will be eligible for licensure to teach PK-Grade 12 choral music.

“The B.M.E. program will participate in formal agreements between CIU’s College of Education and five Columbia-area school districts,” Kilgus said. “These districts provide a variety of ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse populations spanning rural, inner city, urban fringe and suburban areas.”        

With record enrollment for five straight years, CIU consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Request information on enrollment, apply now or contact Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.