It is the goal of the Department of Music at the University of Dayton for graduates to be not only highly competent, but also confident about their ability to have a fruitful and rewarding teaching career. The music department is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the music education degree is licensed by the State of Ohio.

Music education students choose one of four specialty areas (band, choral, classroom, or orchestra) and receive extensive training for that specialty. They also receive adequate but more limited training in the other three areas. The music education program enjoys a positive relationship with city, suburban and rural school systems in the surrounding area. Many schools are just minutes away from campus. Therefore, students have the opportunity to receive a wide variety of field experiences, which begin during the first year.

Coursework available to music education students is quite extensive and includes study in music education, music history and literature, music theory, music composition, conducting, music therapy, ensemble performance, and individual performance.  In addition, music education students have excellent oportunities for hands-on experiences teaching including working with several schools in the community and a senior adults band on campus.