Career & Personal Growth
Graduate Program
VanderCook College of Music boasts one of the largest and most diverse graduate music education programs in the world. We offer a comprehensive graduate program that prepares music teachers to take their careers — and their personal growth — to the next level.
Master of Music Education (MMEd)
The Master of Music Education program provides licensed music teachers the opportunity to earn their MMEd without interrupting a full-time teaching schedule.
- Maximum flexibility in programming towards completion (2 to 7 years)
- Onsite and online options with synchronous and asynchronous offerings during the fall, spring and summer semesters
- Comprehensive and practical curriculum
- A broad menu of electives to help you reach your professional goals
Up to 12 graduate elective credits from the MECA Continuing Education program can be applied towards the MMEd for added flexibility in design.
Master of Music Education and Certification (MCert)
The Master of Music Education and Certification (MCert) program is designed for students who have earned an undergraduate degree in an area such as music theory, music history, music performance, or music therapy and wish to earn an MMEd while securing certification to teach in the public schools.
- Comprehensive and practical
- Flexible programming to fit individual needs
- Flexible duration
- A broad menu of electives
MCert candidates are able to transfer coursework from previous institutions to satisfy general education, professional education, and other licensure requirements.
Teacher Certification Entitlement Program (TCEP)
The TCEP program is designed for students who have earned an undergraduate or advanced degree in an area such as music theory, music history, music performance, or music therapy and want to secure teacher certification through the teacher licensure program.
- Earn a certificate to teach in Illinois public schools
- Transfer coursework from your previous institutions
- Outstanding coursework is plotted semester-by-semester
TCEP candidates are able to transfer coursework from previous institutions to satisfy general education, professional education, and other licensure requirements.
Continuing Education (MECA)
VanderCook’s Music Education Center of America (MECA) Continuing Education program offers graduate courses for teachers seeking practical knowledge and skills that can be used in the classroom immediately.
Up to 12 graduate credits earned in MECA courses can be applied to a Master of Music Education degree at VanderCook. Candidates seeking initial licensure from outside of Illinois will need to consult with that state’s board of education about any additional requirements to be licensed to teach in that state.
Student Spotlight
Maria Pulido
“The MECA courses at VanderCook have improved my approach to teaching music in a way that is more pragmatic, fun, and creative. The MECA program has helped rejuvinate my passion for teaching children!”
Inspiring
Motivating
Comprehensive
Pragmatic
VanderCook’s Music Education Center of America (MECA) Continuing Education program offers graduate courses for teachers seeking practical knowledge and skills that can be used in their classrooms immediately.
Student Resources
Performance Opportunities
You will perform over 20 times a year!
As a member of the Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Concert Choir, String Orchestra, Collegiate Chorale, Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Band, you will perform over 20 times a year on campus and throughout the city of Chicago.
The Midwest Clinic
VanderCook co-founded The Midwest Clinic: an international band and orchestra conference held in Chicago with more than 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 40 countries. Throughout the history of The Midwest Clinic, VanderCook is the only college Symphonic Band invited to perform every year.
Chicago at Your Fingertips
Attending VanderCook gives you instant access to many of the city’s most famous and important cultural landmarks, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier and the Lyric Opera – all just minutes away from campus by bus, train or bike. All undergraduates receive a Ventra card for unlimited access to CTA trains and buses during the fall and spring semesters.
VanderCook Alumni
VanderCook alumni are spread throughout the United States and internationally in countries including China, Japan, Ecuador, The Bahamas, Kenya and Bermuda. VanderCook’s reach is vast. Our alumni teach and perform at some of the most esteemed institutions in the country, including:
Chanticleer Ensemble
Chicago Public Schools
Georgia State University
Ithaca College
Northshore Concert Band
Pittsburgh State University
Robert Morris College
Thornton Fractional High School
University of Arkansas
University of Houston
Joliet Central High School
Lafayette College
Loyola Academy
Lyon and Healy Corp.
Naperville School District