The MAT degree program offers practicing teachers the opportunity to acquire, enrich, and expand their professional knowledge so that they will become effective agents for positive change in their classrooms and schools. This 30-credit program, designed for Rider University graduates, is highly individualized allowing candidates to tailor their own courses of study that blend curriculum, instruction, and pedagogical content knowledge. Secondary and elementary teachers will feel equally at home with the flexibility that the MAT program affords in selecting electives.  

Graduate students majoring in conducting participate in Symphonic Choir for two semesters and in Master Singers for two semesters. A full recital in conducting with carefully researched program notes is presented at the culmination of study. Master of Music in Choral Conducting (36 semester hours) Major Area 21

Westminster's Master of Music in Accompanying and Coaching program offers an intensive experience in lieder, choral music and opera coaching. Students work closely with their private teacher, while collaborating with graduate and undergraduate singers in a wide variety of literature and engaging in coursework designed to hone their musical, stylistic and linguistic understanding. Westminster's historic commitment to vocal music shapes a curriculum in which literature and languages are taught in every course, celebrating a spirit of investigation, both interpretive and scholarly.

Students majoring in Piano receive private lessons and play in weekly studio and performance classes. The program culminates with a full recital. Annual juries are required. Master of Music in Piano Performance (33-34 semester hours) Major Area 16-17

This program has two emphases or tracks. The pedagogy emphasis entails private lessons, voice literature, opera, vocal pedagogy, supervised student teaching and a full recital. The performance emphasis entails private lessons, voice literature, opera, vocal coaching, vocal pedagogy, and a full recital supported by carefully researched program notes. For students whose undergraduate work has not included a public recital, presentation of a 30-minute recital is required before work on the graduate recital may begin.

The Master of Arts in Special Education Program is designed to prepare certified teachers to teach students with special needs in a variety of settings. This program provides opportunities for students to understand the nature and causes of disabilities, become familiar with agencies and resources for persons with disabilities, and learn best practices and materials for teaching students with disabilities.

Preparation to teach Mathematics is accomplished through a double major program requiring completion of the requirements of the major, general studies, and professional education major requirements.

The Multicultural Studies Minor is a flexible minor that focuses on the United States. By minoring in Multicultural Studies, you can learn how different cultures interact to shape individual identity and to structure U.S. society. Because organizations today need employees who can perform effectively in a diverse workplace, the minor can also enhance your employment options. As a Multicultural Studies minor, you have opportunities for both personal and professional development:

Our music education program has a reputation for excellence in the field. Unlike many other schools, Westminster's music education majors are taught by faculty members (not graduate assistants) and enjoy the same studio and ensemble experiences as performance majors.