Learn more about UPIKE and why it is the right choice for you.
See if UPIKE is a good fit for you and take the next steps in becoming a student.
The vision for the College of Dental Medicine is to be known and respected for service, innovation, clinical excellence and interprofessional education.
We are practitioners of the healing arts defining the standard for excellence in optometric education and vision care.
Our D.O. medical school is nationally ranked and recognized for a reputation of excellence in rural medicine and family healthcare. UPIKE’s osteopathy program gives you a clear path to success in the medical field.
Explore our online undergraduate and graduate programs and learn more about earning your degree at UPIKE.
By: Amy Charles | February 7, 2025
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is excited to announce the launch of its new major in music education. This new program, which will lead to teacher certification in the state of Kentucky, will equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become certified in Integrated P-12 Music Education.
The new music education major is a collaborative effort between the UPIKE Department of Music and the Patton College of Education (PCOE), designed to prepare future music educators to teach across all grade levels, from elementary to high school. Students in the program will gain a strong foundation in music theory, performance and history, as well as extensive training in pedagogical techniques for teaching music. In addition, music education students will engage in extensive clinical experiences, including over 200 field hours in P-12 classrooms and the completion of Clinical I and II with assigned cooperating teachers in music classrooms during their senior year.
“Our new teacher education program in music bridges the gap between pedagogy and performance, equipping future educators with the skills to actively engage students through music,” said Director of Teacher Education and Division Chair at PCOE Coletta Parsley, Ed.D. “It is an exciting time for the Patton College of Education, and we look forward to working with the music department to train high-quality music teachers for P-12 schools.”
Students will graduate prepared for careers in instrumental and choral teaching, ready to step into educator roles in schools across the state and beyond.
“The music program is proud to partner with the Patton College of Education. Their expertise in teacher preparation programs helped guide the creation of this new program,” said UPIKE Associate Professor of Music Michelle Rutherford. “We are excited to educate future music teachers with our excellent faculty in both the education and music areas. Many amazing musical experiences are taking place here at the University of Pikeville. Graduates will be prepared to enter the field with expertise in elementary music, instrumental, and choral methods. This program will prepare our graduates for many job opportunities.”
The addition of the music education major complements the university’s existing performing arts program with an emphasis in music as well as the current teacher education programs at the elementary, middle grades and secondary levels. These majors reinforce UPIKE’s commitment to providing high-quality education and training that meets the needs of today’s students and schools.