This program combines two of Concordia University Chicago's strengths: music and education. We recognize the value of music in the lives of all students, providing quality programs, faculty and ensembles that exceed those of many other universities of comparable size. 

Typically, graduates of a music education degree program pursue teaching positions in elementary or secondary schools as a choir, band and/or orchestra director or as a general music teacher. Upon completion of the BME program, you are qualified for the State of Illinois Type 10 K–12 Music Specialist certificate.

The Bachelor of Music Education (BME) degree is considered a professional degree program; that is, it prepares candidates for professional work in music teaching. Like the liberal arts music major, the BME includes academic courses, applied study and ensemble participation. Academic courses encompass the core areas of music theory and aural skills; music history; literature and conducting.

In the BME program, you will take a core of music education and professional education courses. In addition, you will choose a music education emphasis in instrumental, choral or general music. Throughout the course of your studies, you will observe, assist, teach and conduct in music classrooms prior to student teaching.

Concordia offers two specialized certificates that can be added to the BME program: a certificate in parish music (DPM) and a certificate in piano pedagogy. Depending upon interest and ability, graduates may find opportunities for teaching or leadership in these areas. Many music education graduates pursue continued study.

The Music Department is housed in Kretzmann Hall, which has two large rehearsal rooms, studios for instrumental and voice teaching, practice rooms, five pipe organs, and 35 pianos. Kretzmann also houses a computer lab for music study and composition, and an electronic piano lab for keyboard classes.

CUC’s choral groups are Kapelle, Schola Cantorum, Laudate (women’s choir) and Männerchor (men’s choir). Our instrumental groups include Wind Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, University Handbell Choirs, University Band, Jazz Band, Cougar Band and Résonaz.

A short train ride provides access to Chicago’s rich cultural life. Student tickets are available to Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera and other performance venues throughout the city as well as free tickets to the Symphony of Oak Park/ River Forest.

• A completed admission application for Concordia University Chicago.
• Official transcripts of all college coursework from each institution you have attended.
• Foreign transcripts evaluated by a Concordia-Chicago-approved international credentialing service. Concordia-Chicago accepts evaluations from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
• A certified document pledging financial support for your first year of study and without any unexpected events, and enough funding from the same or an equally dependable source for the following years.
• Proof of graduation from a secondary school.
• A transfer verification form for students transferring from a school in the United States.
• Proof of English proficiency, via one of the following:
• A score of at least 72 (internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) — Concordia-Chicago’s DI code is 1140
• A score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Successful completion of Level 112 at an ELS Language School (ELS) or a certificate of completion of program from an English Language Institute (ELI), along with a recommendation of the program director
• Duolingo test with a minimum score of 95