Designing and Implementing a Master’s Project
Date
February 9-May 1, 2026
Synchronous
TBD based on participant availability
Course Code
MECA: 7186A | MMEd: 597B
Credits
MECA: 3 | MMEd: 2
Tuition
$1194
Course Description
Using the VanderCook Master’s Project Template, students will design, refine, and implement their Initial Questions and Method sections of their master’s project. Students will also learn how to effectively set up the other sections of their paper for successful completion of their projects. Topics will include project goals, initial questions, types of methods, data collection, informed consent, APA 7, in addition to formatting the Review of Literature, Results, Discussion, and Appendices sections of the paper. Please note: This class does not replace working with your advisor. Weekly Chat Session via Zoom—90 min (TBD by prior class consensus; could be weeknight, Saturday, or Sunday afternoon/eve).
*This course is available at two levels:
- MMEd Program Students: If you’re enrolled in the MMEd program at VanderCook, register for the 500-level course.
- MECA Continuing Education Students: If you’re not in the MMEd program but wish to earn graduate credit, register for the 7000-level course.
The difference in credits earned and tuition costs reflects the varying tuition rates between the MMEd and MECA Continuing Education programs. If you’re unsure which section is right for you, feel free to reach out to [email protected] for assistance.
Instructor
Cindy Krause has been Dr. Rosenthal’s teaching assistant for Introduction to Graduate Study since 2018 and began advising master’s projects at VCM in 2008. After receiving her BMEd from Illinois Wesleyan University, Mrs. Krause earned her MMEd (2000) from VanderCook College of Music.
Mrs. Krause recently retired (2021) from Elmhurst CUSD205, where she taught band, Grades 4-8, as well as some strings, since 1995. Her final 16 years were at Churchville MS, where she was credited with starting the first middle school jazz band (after school club) in the district. She has also enjoyed accompanying middle school and high school students for the district’s solo festivals since 1994, which she still continues to do.
Mrs. Krause looks back with fondness at her earliest VanderCook connection, when she attended a VCM middle school band camp in the summers of 1970 and ’71 at North Central College (IL) and had H.E. Nutt as a band director and Vic Zajec as a sectional instructor (saxophone). She is proud of her master’s project (2000) contribution of helping to jump start the VCM archives.