Frequently Asked Questions

We use the descriptor “hybrid” to signify that students can complete the program while continuing to work by taking a combination of online courses during the academic year and on-campus courses during two Summer Residencies.

YES! Teachers College offers on-campus Summer housing for Hybrid Summer M.A. students no matter where they reside. Additionally, New York City has numerous options for short-term housing including sublets and rentals. For more information about housing, contact one of our admission counselors toll-free at (877) 238-6628 or musiconlinehybrid@tc.columbia.edu. You can also visit the Summer Residency page on our website for more details.

“Cohort-based” means that you and your peers who begin the Summer Residency together learn together in many courses, online and on campus, for the duration of the program. This model enhances learning, fosters creativity, builds life skills, and creates a sense of community. Students form bonds that often lead to lifelong friendships, as well as professional opportunities.

Most students want to complete the program expeditiously and conveniently by taking a combination of online and on-campus courses. Flexibility, however, is a hallmark of the Hybrid Summer M.A., so we do permit students to take a third Summer Residency to minimize online coursework.

Students also can take courses on campus during the academic year or even during the University’s Summer A session if their schedule and circumstances allow. To learn more about how you can tailor the program to meet your needs, contact one of our admission counselors at (877) 238-6628 or musiconlinehybrid@tc.columbia.edu.

The Summer Residencies are an integral part of the Hybrid Summer M.A., and students must complete at least two of them to graduate from the program. We do, however, provide curriculum flexibility to students who may have particular constraints or specific learning objectives. To learn more about how you can tailor the program to meet your needs, contact one of our admission counselors at (877) 238-6628 or musiconlinehybrid@tc.columbia.edu.

No, but you are required to complete a Graduation Portfolio, which primarily consists of assignments, including papers, that you completed in your courses. Learn more about Graduation Portfolio requirements by visiting the Current Students page.

No, we do not accept any transfer credits.

For teachers who hold Initial Certification in New York State, the Summer MA in Music and Music Education program leads to a Masters Degree, which can fulfill the requirements prescribed by New York State for Professional Certification.

Yes! Teachers College welcomes all Hybrid Summer M.A. students to the commencement ceremony no matter where they reside. For details about the ceremony, please contact one of our admission counselors at (877) 238-6628 or musiconlinehybrid@tc.columbia.edu.

We provide extensive career services and professional development through TC NEXT. These services include one-on-one, group, and self-service options.

• Students and alumni can meet with a career coach or talk to a career peer, who provide guidance on their career path.
• We also offer skill-building workshops that cover important aspects of job searching, such as resume writing, interviewing, and networking.
• Throughout the year, we organize in-person and virtual employer events that provide direct opportunities to meet industry professionals and learn about job roles and market trends.
• To supplement this guided support, we have a range of on-demand resources, including a career portal filled with job listings, templates, and online courses.

In order to be admitted into the program, applicants must be permanent residents or citizens of the United States. Teachers College is unable to facilitate the visa process for the program’s residency component and therefore cannot accept international students. International students are encouraged to explore alternative programs that align with their academic goals.