In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. The Department of Music offers financial aid to music majors through a number of scholarships. An audition is required in order to qualify for a music scholarship. You do not need to enroll at Wayne State College to audition.

Music Education Degree - Vocal and Instrumental Music (PK-12)
About the Vocal and Instrumental Music Education Degree
You care about the beauty of music, and you have a passion for teaching. You want children to discover the joy and the outlet that music provides. With a degree in music education from Wayne State College, you’ll be able to teach it all – elementary music, and directing choirs, orchestras, and bands in grades PK-12. With the field endorsement to teach all areas of music, you’ll have even more opportunities to get a job and become a music teacher in a school setting.


Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Fast Facts
Degrees offered: B.A. or B.S.
If you choose the vocal and instrumental music field endorsement, you are not required to choose any other endorsements to receive your B.A. or B.S.
Hours required:
For field endorsement: 60
For professional education: 33-36
General education: 30
To graduate from WSC: 120 hours minimum (education programs may require more)
Popular pairings: Theatre Education (7-12), Coaching (7-12)
Schools: Arts and Humanities, Education and Behavioral Sciences
Departments: Music, Educational Foundations and Leadership
Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Music, Council of Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP), Nebraska Department of Education
Licensing and Certification: Wayne State academic programs are designed to prepare students for licensure or certification in Nebraska. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, please check that state's licensing board to determine their licensing requirements. Authorization may be required from them prior to beginning a clinical or field experience in that state. Learn more.
Nationally Ranked Programs
Wayne State is nationally ranked and recognized for academic excellence, incredible value, successful graduates, and innovative learning.

No. 1 in Nebraska
Most Affordable College in Nebraska, 2018
College Affordability Guide

Most Affordable College in Nebraska, 2018
No. 1 in Nebraska
College Affordability Guide
College Affordability Guide ranks Wayne State in the No.1 spot for 2018 as the Most Affordable College in Nebraska. Ranking is based on the following factors:
- Institutional Fit – At least 500 students enrolled and the ability to earn non-standard credits (AP and ROTC), including at least 20% of students receiving Pell Grants.
- Getting In – Overall affordability and equitable use of financial aid, making the average net price of $15,000/year or less
- Getting Out – High graduation rate with more than 50% of students either debt-free or paying down student debt within three years of graduation
- Top Colleges - The combination of these "Institutional Fit," "Getting In," and "Getting Out" filters leaves a small group of schools that are serious about making sure that students of all backgrounds get their money's worth.

Only Public College in Nebraska
College of Distinction, 2018-19
Colleges of Distinction

College of Distinction, 2018-19
Only Public College in Nebraska
Colleges of Distinction
Wayne State College has been named once again as a College of Distinction. Colleges of Distinction honors and recognizes the hundreds of smaller, teaching-centered colleges that make up the fabric of the American educational system, schools that deliver well four overarching distinctions — Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes — which are the fundamental elements of an effective undergraduate education.
To be designated a “college of distinction,” a school’s curriculum must emphasize such core competencies as critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research, and global perspectives. They must also offer dynamic out-of-classroom learning and study abroad programs. The process is objective, in-depth, and qualitative; however, quantitative data such as class-size statistics, faculty-to-student ratio, plus retention and four-year graduation rates are also taken into account.

No. 1 in Nebraska; No. 9 in the U.S.
Best College for K-12 Education, 2018
Schools.com

Best College for K-12 Education, 2018
No. 1 in Nebraska; No. 9 in the U.S.
Schools.com
Schools.com has ranked Wayne State College at no. 9 for the best K-12 education programs in the U.S. for 2017-18. This ranking was created by Schools.com using many different data points provided by the National Center for Education Statistics. Criteria used in ranking the top K-12 education programs included tuition and fees, graduation rate, accessibility, student-to-faculty ratio, size of the program, and more.
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world in the music education degree program.
Skills Learned
- Music theory and ear training
- Music software: Finale, Sonar, Pyware 3D, and Audacity
- Playing piano, guitar, woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion
- Instrumental and choral conducting
- History and literature of music
- Performance with large and small ensembles
- Vocal and instrumental instruction techniques
- Classroom management and leadership
- Human development and cognition
- Communication
- Project and time management
- Adaptability / flexibility
- Self-motivation
Possible Careers
- Music teacher
- Band director
- Choir director
- Orchestra director
- Composer
- Conductor
- Songwriter
- Private instructor
- Music producer / editor
- Music education consultant
- Talent scout / manager
- Education consultant
- Church musician
Employers
- Elementary schools
- Middle schools
- High schools
- Churches
- Performance groups
- Churches
- Talent agencies
- Self-employment
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the music education degree program.
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your music education degree by participating in clubs, organizations, art shows, internships, and more.

Clubs and Organizations
- National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
- Kappa Kappa Psi (Honorary band fraternity)
- NSEA Aspiring Educators (Nebraska State Education Association)
- Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)
- Music Teachers National Association

Performing Groups
Wayne State offers a variety of music performance opportunities throughout the year. Vocal performance groups include Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Madrigal Singers, and Women's Choir. Instrumental groups include the Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Chamber Music, and Mariachi Ensemble. Music Festivals include Band Day, Honor Band, and Honor Choir.

Opportunities
- Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA) - Develop your classroom skills and get paid at the same time. As a NENTA participant, you’ll meet with mentor teachers on a weekly basis to ensure your growth and success as a teacher.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.

Clinical Practice
As a vocal and instrumental music education major, you will complete a semester of clinical practice in a school district chosen with the help of your advisor. During this semester, you’ll work closely with an experienced music teacher to gain classroom experience. Internships are not required as part of this program; however, Career Services is available to help you find employment opportunities.