Music Therapy (MS)

Affiliation: School of Arts and Humanities

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. It is an established health profession in which music is used to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.

The Master of Science in Music Therapy degree is designed to teach students advanced competencies that build upon those required for the bachelor’s degree and initial licensure. Coursework reflects five areas of study required by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA): music therapy theory, advanced clinical skills, research, musical development and personal  growth, and clinical administration. These competencies will advance a graduate’s ability to take supervisory and leadership roles in a therapeutic setting, as well as apply a wider array of techniques in therapeutic settings.

ADMISSION TO THE MASTER’S PROGRAM

To be considered for admission, a prospective student must submit:

• Unofficial copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, reflecting an earned baccalaureate degree in music therapy from a college or university accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the US Department of Education or the extra-national equivalent or demonstrating satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree prior to commencing the graduate program. Official transcripts verifying conferral of the undergraduate degree must be received prior to the start of the master’s program.

• A personal statement, as described on the departmental website.
• A completed criminal background check dated within 1 year of admission.

To be admitted a student must possess an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher.

An applicant with a bachelor’s degree granted by an institution outside the United States must include a transcript evaluation provided by a service listed on the admissions website. Please see the International Graduate Student Admission section of this catalog for other applicable information.

Students with a bachelor’s degree in music, but without a bachelor’s degree in music therapy, may be considered for admission conditional upon the completion of undergraduate coursework required for entry-level licensure. For more information on this option, contact the program director.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS (30 Credits):