Master of Arts in Music Education (Online Program)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I register for a course?
- What's Outreach College? Why am I registering there?
- My undergraduate degree is not in music, do I qualify for this degree program?
- My undergraduate degree is not in music education, do I qualify for this degree program?
- What will the entrance exams in music theory and history be like? Should I study?
- I'm not very good with computers.
Can I still take an online class? - What is Sakai?
- What equipment do I need?
- What software will I have to buy?
- What happens if my computer or internet service crashes during a course?
- Do I have to login to the course website at a specific time?
- I already took some graduate classes at another school. Will they count?
- Will these courses transfer to another school?
- I already have a Master's degree. Can I still take these classes?
- How many classes should I take each semester?
- How much time will each course require each week?
- How will I submit my assignments?"
- Do I have to come to Hawaii to take exams?
- How many other students will there be in my class?
- How do I get answers to my questions when I'm taking a class?
- How will I get to know my professors and other students if everything is online?
- Will I have a faculty advisor?
- How long will it take me to finish the online Master's degree?
- I live far away from a major city. Where can I buy textbooks?
- How will I get to a library to do the required research papers?
- What do I do if I have problems?
- Won't it be easy to "cheat" in an online class?
- Are online classes easier?
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ADMISSION
How do I register for a course?
Out-of-state students will register for ALL online classes through UH Outreach College.
New Outreach College Students
If you wish to register for one or two online courses only, you need not go through a formal Graduate School application process. However, if you have not registered through Outreach College in the last 6 months, you do need to submit an Outreach College Application Form.
Allow 3-4 days for processing of your application. To fi nd out if your application form has been processed, contact the “Banner” online registration system, “MyUH” which can also be accessed by phone at (808) 296-6723. If your Credit Course Application has not yet been processed, you will receive the message, “Your record needs to be updated.” If you have any questions about your application, call Outreach College at (808) 956-7221 or toll free 1-800-862-6628, or email help@outreach.hawaii.edu or visit the Outreach College web site. After your Credit Course Application has been processed, you will be able to register.
Current Outreach College Students
Students who have registered for Outreach College courses within the last 6 months, do not need to submit an application form and may register for courses immediately.
Permission to Register
Send your UH student ID# to the online course instructor with a request for a seat in an online course. Once the instructor enters your permission code, you can easily register online.
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What's Outreach College? Why am I registering there?
Outreach College is unit within the University of Hawaii Community that is designed for special programs such as this. Outreach College is handling our online registrations. Your M.A. degree will be issued from the University of Hawaii Music Department and Graduate School. All faculty are currently employed by the University of Hawaii Music Department.
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My undergraduate degree is not in music, do I qualify for this degree program?
No. The Master of Arts degree requires entrance examinations in Music Theory and Music History and one year of music teaching experience. Feel free to take courses as a Graduate Unclassifi ed student.
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My undergraduate degree is not in music, do I qualify for this degree program?
Only if you have completed an undergraduate degree in music and pursued additional coursework to achieve teacher licensure. If you are not a licensed music teacher, feel free to take courses as a Graduate Unclassified student.
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What will the entrance exams in music theory and history be like? Should I study?
Yes. The entrance examinations in Music Theory cover music fundamentals from “Second Year Theory” courses. Review the materials from your undergraduate coursework in theory, and also visit the links suggested on the “Online MA Examination” page from the menu at the left. The Music History examination will cover basic aspects of your undergraduate coursework including describing common features of music history eras and prominent composers.
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I'm not very good with computers. Can I still take an online class?
You do not have to be a computer wiz to be successful in online classes. You do need very basic computer and internet skills including:
- Typing. Your discussion contributions and all assignments you submit must be typed.
- Computer savvy. Using a mouse to select icons on a screen. Opening a web browser and connecting to the internet. Clicking and double-clicking your mouse. Printing a page or document. Downloading and installing software.
- Internet skills. Basic browsing ability. Open page…Save page…Back…Forward….Clicking on links to open. Completing online forms.
- Email. You should be reasonably comfortable using electronic mail. You will need to learn how to attach word processing documents to an email message in order to submit your assignments.
All courses will include orientation information concerning specifi c skills or software needed for the course.
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What is SAKAI?
“Web Course Tool” aka Sakai, is a web-based course-managing tool. It consists of chat, bulletin board, quizzes, student homepage, grade book, course content, calendar, progress report, and other tools. It can be used to create an entire online course or supplement to traditional classroom. Visit the Sakai homepage for more information especially designed for students.
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What equipment do I need?
You must have a fairly new computer (no more than three years old minimum). You need a modem or cable internet connection--high speed cable or DSL is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. You need a reliable internet provider. You may need a printer if you wish to printout online lectures and information. Students are also advised to have a “backup” computer in mind should personal or school equipment be unavailable for any length of time. Internet Cafes, Kinkos, public libraries, relatives, or other school sites could serve as your “backup.”
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What software will I have to buy?
You will need a recent version of Internet Explorer or Netscape (best) to access the course website. You will need Microsoft Word to prepare some course assignments Typically, students need to have Acrobat Reader (free), Quicktime or RealPlayer (free) to utilize audio and video files. Other software for a specific course will be detailed in the orientation unit within each course website.
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What happens if my computer or internet service crashes during a course?
Computer crashes should only be a problem if you are in the middle of taking a timed examination or have a required online chat session at a specifi c time. Contact your instructor immediately. Online students are advised to have a “back-up computer” in mind to handle extended hardware or internet problems. Students typically use a home computer and designate a school computer as their “backup” or vice versa. Our courses are internet-based and therefore are available from anywhere in the world that has internet access. If necessary, you can visit a public library, local internet café, or use a friend s computer until your equipment or service is restored. Computer or service malfunctions are not accepted as an excuse for missing course assignment or exam deadlines. Work ahead of deadlines and always have a “backup” plan ready.
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Do I have to login to the course website at a specific time?
This will be decided by each course instructor and detailed in the syllabus. Most of the courses in this program will be “asynchronous” and will not require a specifi c time to login to the course website. Some courses may require a class chat room interaction session at a specifi c time during the week. In addition, instructors are required to provide online offi ce hours in the course chat room periodically during the semester to assist students with questions. These times will be posted or announced in your course website.
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CLASSES
I already took some graduate classes at another school. Will they count?
They may count depending on how the courses you took elsewhere meet the requirements for the degree at the University of Hawaii. The online Master of Arts degree in music education allows for a maximum of 12 transfer credits. Send in a request for transfer credit consideration to the Music Department Graduate Chair when you submit your application to the degree program. Attach a copy of the course description or syllabus if possible, to improve your chances of receiving transfer credit. Also check out the UH Graduate School information concerning transfer credits.
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Will these courses transfer to another school?
Perhaps. That is completely at the discretion of the other school. Submit a request to them and include the syllabus for the course. Our courses are fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
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I already have a Master's degree. Can I still take these classes?
Yes. You can take as many courses as you like as a “Graduate Unclassifi ed” student. Our courses also count toward our Ph.D. degree in music education which you could complete later on-campus. Note - a maximum of 9 credits taken as a “Graduate Unclassified Student” may be counted toward a PhD degree at the University of Hawaii. All PhD students must attend UH in person for a minimum of 3 semesters.
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How many classes should I take each semester?
You may register for a maximum of three online courses (9 credits) each semester. Keep in mind that each 3 credit graduate course assumes a commitment of at least 10 hours per week to complete assignments and projects. The time you will need to spend on each course will depend on your reading and typing skill and your ability to understand course concepts. Some students may only be able to handle one course per semester. Others may enroll for two or three courses. We recommend that you concentrate on success, not speed in completing this program.
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MANAGEMENT
How much time will each course require each week?
Graduate courses assume a minimum of two hours of preparation for each hour of class. Since there is not the usual three hour class session, that time is transferred to your preparation. This means that a 3 credit class should take you a minimum of 9 hours per week. This is just a minimum. Some students may need to devote more time than others. You will have the fl exibility to spread your time across the entire week, or in some cases across the entire semester.
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How will I submit my assignments?
You will submit assignments by submitting them to Turnitin.com or by attaching a Word Processing Document (Microsoft Word) or other fi le to an email message within the course website. Some projects in certain courses may require that you use additional resources. Always remember to put your name in the title of the file. Each course website will provide instructions on how and when the instructor wishes you to submit your assignments.
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Do I have to come to Hawaii to take exams?
No - this is optional, not required. All course examinations will be incorporated into the course website. Diagnostic and exit examinations for the Master of Arts degree may be taken in your area utilizing an approved “proctor.” These arrangements will be made after you are accepted into the degree program.
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How many other students will there be in my class?
This depends on the course. We anticipate an average of 15-20 students in most courses.
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How do I get answers to my questions when I'm taking a class?
Contact the course instructor by course email, regular email or telephone. If you have not been able to reach your instructor for seven (7) days, contact Dr. Loong the online Program Administrator. You can also contact other students in the class using the course email system or the bulletin board.
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How will I get to know my professors and other students if everything is online?
Online courses do not need to sacrifice interaction. All courses will require some interaction between students. You will have several tools on your course website to allow you the opportunity to get to know your fellow students and your instructor. These include email, online bulletin board discussions, chat rooms and presentations. “You will reap what you sow…” in online learning. If you make the effort to participate fully in the course, you will get to know everyone. Many online courses provide for much improved discussions and interaction since there is no longer a time limit
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Will I have a faculty advisor?
Yes, but only if you are accepted into the Master of Arts degree program. Your faculty advisor will be responsible for communicating the program requirements and helping you through the paperwork and exams. They can also serve as an advocate should you have problems with another faculty member. If you have problems with your advisor, contact Dr. Loong, the online program administrator.
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How long will it take me to finish the online Master's degree?
The degree is a minimum of 30 credits. How long that takes will depend on how many courses you can handle per semester and summer. If you complete 6 credits a semester, this is a minimum of fi ve semesters or 2 years and 2 summers.
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I live far away from a major city. Where can I buy textbooks?
Simply visit the UH Manoa Online Bookstore. UH students can order all their textbooks online. For details regarding the online ordering information as well as shipping rates, visit the UH Bookstore. If you encounter problems ordering books online, you can call UH Bookstore toll-free at 1-800-UHBOOKS. You may call in your charge card information at the same time you order your books or mail in your check to the UH Bookstore. (Note that if you pay by check your book order will not be processed until the Bookstore receives your check.) For any questions regarding online orders, you can also send an e-mail to book@hawaii.edu
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How will I get to a library to do the required research papers?
If you are currently a registered UH student enrolled in an online course or degree program, you have access to UH Manoa’s libraries, including various electronic library resources and networked databases. Before requesting a book, check if the book is at a library in your local area because of the time delay it takes to send books. Visit the UH Manoa library website for assistance in accessing the extensive online database. It may be necessary for you to travel to a university library near your home for some course research assignments or to complete the degree.
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What do I do if I have problems?
First contact your instructor. If you cannot resolve the problem, contact Dr. Loong, the online program administrator or your assigned faculty advisor.
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Won't it be easy to "cheat" in an online class?
Not necessarily. All examinations are considered “open book exams.” Your instructors know that you have the book and online lecture materials. Graduate assessment tools will emphasize more than simple recall of facts and concepts. Critical thinking questions will require that you can synthesize and apply course concepts and knowledge. Online courses frequently emphasize projects and interaction rather than rote memorization. In addition, examinations may be timed. You will not have time to look up every answer needed on exams. Course projects will be subject to submission to commercial plagiarism software which checks each paper for copyright infringement and internet plagiarism, informing the professor of the precise source of the submission. Exit examinations will be proctored. If you have not done the work yourself during all online courses, you will not be able to pass the exit examination for your degree program.
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Are online classes easier?
No. Online courses are NOT easier. Some students fi nd them more challenging because it takes more self-discipline. You do not have an instructor glaring at you each week to turn in assignments and projects. Online courses require signifi cant independent learning. The UH Music Department strives to provide challenging and rigorous graduate courses that fulfi ll our mission and meet our professional responsibilities. Online courses are, however, more convenient. You do not need to fi nd parking. You do not need to rush away from school or miss sectionals in order to take a class. You do not even need to dress for class. You can eat in class. You can leave the classroom anytime you desire. You can listen to music during class or even watch TV during class. No one will know except you!
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OTHER
What happens if I'm accepted into the degree program but need to take a Fall or Spring semester off?
Students admitted to the Master of Arts program must register for a minimum of one (1) credit each Fall and Spring semester. If you cannot take classes during a specifi c Fall or Spring semester, you will need to apply for a “sabbatical” for one semester. If approved, you can take either Fall or Spring semester off without needing to re-apply to the program. You MUST remember however, to apply to take a semester off. You must also register for at least 1 credit during the semester in which you graduate.