STARKVILLE, Miss.--The National Association of Schools of Music is notifying Mississippi State that the university's music education department continues to be in good academic standing and accreditation.
As the result of a departmental self-study and the visit of an NASM accreditation team, the department's two bachelor's degree programs have the organization's stamp of approval until the next reaccreditation date in 2014.
While the department has traditionally offered a bachelor of science degree in music education through the College of Education, it recently added a bachelor of arts in music through the College of Arts and Sciences.
"Special commendations were given to our faculty for their preparedness and professionalism," said department head Michael R. Brown of the NASM notification letter. "The association also praised the university administration for its efforts to make faculty salaries competitive during these difficult economic times."
Speaking for his departmental colleagues, Brown expressed his "deep appreciation for the hard work of the accreditation officials and to (MSU) President Charles Lee and other university officials for their leadership in addressing the salary and related issues."
In addition to enrolling 75 majors in the two undergraduate programs, faculty members provide instruction to a total of more than 2,000 students each semester, Brown said.
The department also plays a major role in musical performances held around the Starkville area. "On average, our faculty and students are involved in approximately 200 public performances each year," Brown said.
Founded in 1924, NASM establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials. The organization, which is headquartered in Reston, Va., currently has some 600 accredited institutional members.