Program and Licensure | Bachelor of Music Education

Pacific University is the only liberal arts university in Oregon that offers a BME + teaching license — a professional degree earned at the baccalaureate level within a rich liberal arts context that leads into full-time employment.

The BME + teaching license degree is designed to prepare students to successfully teach music in PreK-12 music education settings and in all areas of specializations (e.g., general, vocal/choral, instrumental, other). This degree also emphasizes the development of students’ performing skills.

  • To gain music competencies needed for this degree, students will be taking courses in music theory, ear training, piano proficiency, and history of music, among other courses.
  •  To gain teaching competencies needed for this degree, students will be taking courses in elementary and secondary methods, methods/technique courses, conducting, methods and materials unique to areas of specialization, teaching laboratories, among other courses.
  • To gain professional competencies needed for this degree, students will be taking courses in educational psychology, classroom management, diversity and inclusion, among other courses.
  • To gain performance competencies, students will be taking weekly private lessons and performing in a variety of small and large ensembles.

This degree culminates in a semester of full-time student teaching during which students will be closely supervised by a university faculty and mentoring teacher. This ensures students gain the beneficial experiences that will lead to successful completion of the required professional edTPA test, an Oregon Preliminary Teaching License, and first full-time job.