M E M O R A N D U M

							
							September 12, 2012


To:	           Members of the Board of Trustees

From:		Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor

Subject:	Degree Authorization for the State University College at Buffalo 
	

	I recommend that the Board of Trustees adopt the following resolution:

Resolved that the Chancellor be, and hereby is, directed to seek the authorization of the Board of Regents for the State University College at Buffalo to confer the degree of Master of Music (Mus.M.).

Background

	Approval of this resolution will authorize the State University College at Buffalo to confer the Master of Music (Mus.M.) degree, subject to the approval of the Board of Regents.  Degree authorization is necessary as the award represents the College’s first use of the Master of Music degree.  The College currently has authority to offer the M.A., M.S., M.P.S., M.A.T., M.F.A., and M.P.A., as well as undergraduate degrees including the Mus.B.

      The Master of Music degree is consistent with the mission of Buffalo State College and is well aligned with The Power of SUNY strategic initiatives, as it enhances the intellectual and professional growth of students in the area of music education and enables students from diverse backgrounds and situations to enroll in a flexible program while continuing to work in their chosen career. As a recognized professional degree, the Mus.M. in Music Education is a logical progression from the Mus.B. for music education professionals, thus supporting the development of highly effective teachers. In addition to meeting goals of The Power of SUNY, the program addresses the Buffalo State College Strategic Plan Initiative 1.6 which includes the following goals: 
      

* Aggressively pursue online and hybrid course development to serve students and 
* Create new undergraduate and graduate majors that attract students, meet state and regional needs, and comply with the college mission; ensure a broad spectrum of course offerings.

	  The goal of flexible access to affordable and innovative education was instrumental in the design of the Mus.M. degree. Addressing the curricular standards of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), the program requires 30 credits of graduate study, including 24 credits of required graduate coursework in music history, music theory, music education, as well as a master’s project or master’s thesis, and six credits of elective coursework. It was designed to be completed part-time in four regular and two summer semesters. Based on surveys of current students and alumni, an initial cohort of 13 students is expected, with total enrollment of approximately 30 by the fifth year. The College has demonstrated financial commitment to the quality of the proposed program by hiring a seventh doctorally prepared faculty member in music education for 2011-2012 and will recruit an additional faculty member in 2012-2013, which will strengthen the entire music department.  
 
      The fully online nature of this program is its most unique element.  Currently there are no institutions in New York State offering the Mus.M. in Music Education in a purely online format, and an environmental scan indicates that there are a limited number of such programs nationwide.  The campus has in place the technical infrastructure and staff supports to ensure a high quality online program.  In addition, the campus will work closely with the SUNY Learning Network to leverage SUNY’s system-wide commitment to innovative instructional formats.

      The Mus.M. in Music Education is intended to serve the working music educator who already possesses an initial teaching certificate, providing an opportunity for in-service, place-bound urban and rural teachers from Western New York and throughout New York State to obtain the Master’s degree required for New York State professional certification.  Recruitment will aim to increase the size, scope, breadth, diversity, depth, and quality of the music student population at Buffalo State College.


Board Resolution	-2-	September 12, 2012





Board Resolution	-2-	September 12, 2012