

Music therapy professionals use evidence-based music interventions to provide therapeutic services to people with mental health and psychological issues. Music can provide an outlet for clients or patients to express their feelings, and music therapists help them do so by listening to, creating, or participating in music. This field can also help children and adults with cognitive or developmental disabilities.
To follow this career path, interested individuals must pursue a career in music therapy. Although they can earn certification with a bachelor's degree, many choose to pursue a graduate degree. A master's in music therapy can be a good option for music therapy majors who want to pursue a more advanced level of coursework. These programs typically last two years, and the curriculum covers music foundations, general clinical therapy, and music therapy.
The list below outlines the best affordable music therapy graduate programs.
Top 10 Affordable, Accredited Master’s in Music Therapy
#1 | Alverno College Milwaukee, WI |
#2 | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Saint Mary of the Woods, IN |
#3 | Texas Woman's University Denton, TX |
#4 | Immaculata University Immaculata, PA |
#5 | Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX |
#6 | Augsburg University Minneapolis, MN |
#7 | Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, MO |
#8 | Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LA |
#9 | Illinois State University Normal, IL |
#10 | Radford University Radford, VA |
Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
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Alverno CollegeLocation
Milwaukee, WI
Alverno College offers an accredited Master of Music Therapy degree online. As one of the first programs of its kind, Alverno College has been a leader in the field of Music Therapy. The program strives to be flexible and accessible for all students with their online programming. Students in this distance learning program will complete most coursework online along with a one week on-campus summer residency requirement. The program emphasizes a commitment to understanding and utilizing research and training students to use evidence-informed techniques in their music therapy practice. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty to select from a number of unique electives designed to support students in identifying and working towards individual professional career goals. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work professionally in a variety of setting including hospitals, community mental health clinics, and private practice.
Courses include: Advanced Music Therapy Theory I Music and Neuroscience; Advanced Clinical Practice in Music Therapy; Music Therapy Research and Evaluation Methods; Topics in Diversity; Advanced Music Therapy Practicum; Clinical Songwriting; Vocal Health; Music Therapy and Human Dynamics; Advocacy in Music Therapy; Leadership in Music Therapy; Music Therapy Business: Development and Best Practices; Human Development in Community Community Contexts; LGBTQ Counseling; Culturally Engaged Counseling; Trauma Counseling; and Substance Abuse Counseling.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $10,394.00
- Credits Required: 48
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
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Saint Mary-of-the-Woods CollegeLocation
Saint Mary of the Woods, IN
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has an online Master of Arts in Music Therapy. Students will complete courses online along with on-campus residencies at the beginning of each semester and during the summer. This online program is approved by the American Music Therapy Association and is designed to support students in acquiring an advanced understanding and practice of using music therapeutically. This program will be a good fit for board certified music therapists that wish to pursue an advanced degree in music therapy. Graduates will be have a strong personal and professional understanding of how to utilize music therapy and counseling techniques in a clinical setting. Graduates of the program will be prepared to teach at colleges and universities, advance research in the field of music therapy, and practice music therapy in medical, psychiatric, and private practice settings.
Courses include: World Music; Topics in Music History and Literature; Contemporary Issues in Music; Advanced Improvisation and Composition for Music Therapy; Advanced Music Therapy Practicum; Assessment in Music Therapy and Counseling; Music Therapy in Medicine and Health Care; Guided Imagery and Music; Professional Ethics; Music Psychotherapy; Research Methods; Thesis; Psychopathology; Theories and Techniques of Counseling; and Group Dynamics in Counseling.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $10,490.00
- Credits Required: 43
- Application Deadline: May 1st
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Texas Woman's UniversityLocation
Denton, TX
Texas Woman's University offers a Master of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Therapy. This well established, 36 credit program is designed for students that hold a bachelor's degree in music therapy. Students will engage in coursework integrating the theory and practice of music and therapy. Students in the program will learn through coursework as well as a 6 month, full time, internship. During the course of the internship students will work closely with their supervisor to develop skills and gain confidence in working as a professional music therapist. Students in the program will be qualified to pursue credentialing as a music therapist. Students that are interested may choose to complete the 64 credit dual degree in music therapy and counseling also available at Texas Woman's University. Graduates with the dual degree will be eligible to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as becoming board certified music therapists.
Courses include: Philosophies and Theories of Music Therapy; Multicultural Perspectives in Music Therapy; Professional Paper; Styles in Music; Research on Music and Behavior; Analytical Techniques in Music. Students will have the opportunity to complete additional approved electives from relevant departments including: Psychology, Sociology; Social work; Drama; Special Education; Business; and Economics.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $12,142.00
- Credits Required: 36
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Immaculata UniversityLocation
Immaculata, PA
A Master of Arts in Music Therapy is offered at Immaculata University. The program works to offer flexible scheduling with courses offered in the evenings and on weekends to meet the needs of working students. With small class sizes students will benefit from the opportunity to work closely with faculty. The program emphasizes a commitment to research with numerous research opportunities available to students including lab experiences. Students will enhance their musical capacity while in the program through individual lessons in areas including piano, guitar, and voice. Graduates will meet the academic requirements for the state of Pennsylvania to be a board-certified music therapist and to pursue licensure as a professional counselor. Applicants that plan to work in a different state should consult their home state licensure board for individual state requirements.
Unique Features: Students can elect to complete the 48 credit or 60 credit program depending on their individual professional and career goals. Additionally, students that plan to work with adolescent and adult populations may be interested in completing an optional 15 credit graduate certificate in addiction studies.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $12,780.00
- Credits Required: 48 / 60
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
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Sam Houston State UniversityLocation
Huntsville, TX
Sam Houston State University offers a Master of Music with a Music Therapy Track. This 30 credit degree is focused on supporting the professional development of the music therapist. Approved by the American Music Therapy Association, this program will prepare graduates to pursue their individual area of interest in music therapy. The Music Therapy Faculty bring a diverse set of experiences and interests to the program. Students will be supported in exploring and identifying their individual interests and professional goals within the field of music therapy to support individuals from diverse backgrounds across the lifespan.
Courses include: Analytical Techniques; Research Techniques; Music History; Philosophy and Theory of Music Therapy; Graduate Music Therapy Practicum; Thesis; Advanced Music Therapy Practice; and Social Statistics.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $12,861.00
- Credits Required: 30
- Application Deadline: Fall: August 1, Spring: December 1, Summer: May 15
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Augsburg UniversityLocation
Minneapolis, MN
A Master of Music Therapy is available at Augsburg University. Established in 1974 this Music Therapy program is offered through a flexible hybrid format with online courses. Students will complete coursework online and attend intensive week long sessions on campus each semester. Additionally, students will participate in a practicum experience in music therapy in their hometown. Students in the program have access to rich clinical work and research opportunities at leading healthcare organizations. The program emphasizes a commitment to holistic health with a focus on integrating music into the healthcare setting. Graduates will be prepared to promote health and well being in a variety of settings through the professional practice of music therapy.
Courses include: Advanced Music Therapy Theory; Advanced Music Therapy Clinical Practice; Music and Imagery; Advanced Music Therapy Clinical Practice; Ethics; Music Psychotherapy; Cross Cultural Awareness in Music Therapy; Music, Neurology and Physiology; Music Therapy Research; Supervision and Professional Development; Research; Music Therapy and Palliative Care; Music Therapy, Spirituality, and Well-being; Advanced Music Therapy Group Work; Interdisciplinary Practice and Research; Advanced Music Therapy with Infants, Children, and Family; Trans cultural Music Therapy; and Music Therapy in Trauma Informed Care.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $12,956.00
- Credits Required: 36
- Application Deadline: February 1st
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Maryville University of Saint LouisLocation
Saint Louis, MO
Maryville University of Saint Louis offers a Master of Music Therapy. Program training focuses on teaching students the skills to work successfully with diverse populations of individuals experiencing mental health challenges and substance abuse as well as developmental and physical disabilities. Faculty work hard to promote the professional growth of each student so that graduates are prepared to successfully pursue their career and individual areas of interest within the field of music therapy.
Courses include: Introduction to Music Therapy; Medical Term for Music Therapy; Music Foundations for Music Therapy; Music Therapy Abroad; Music Notation Technology; Music Recording Technology; Research in Music Therapy; Psychology of Music; Clinical Internship; Music Therapy Assessment; Music Psychotherapy; Music Therapy in Rehabilitation and Medicine; Music Neuroscience; Specialization in Music Therapy; and Master of Music Therapy Oral Exam.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $14,346.00
- Credits Required: 36
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Loyola University New OrleansLocation
New Orleans, LA
A Master of Music Therapy is offered at Loyola University School of Music. This graduate program is offered through the traditional on-campus program as well as through their new online graduate program in Music Therapy. Students entering the program without a music therapy undergraduate degree can complete the equivalency program leading to certification in music therapy. The 34-36 credit graduate program is taught by faculty with experience in not only teaching and research but also clinical practice. Faculty areas of expertise include: Addictions; Mental Health; NICU; Older Adults; Hospice; Pediatric Medical; Traumatic Brain Injury; and Dual Diagnosis.
Courses include: Music Therapy Research; Advanced Practicum; Music Therapy Supervision; Advanced Music Psychotherapy Models; Music Therapy in Medicine; Music Therapy Theories; Multicultural Issues in Music Therapy; Guided Imagery and Music; Advanced Research Methods; Music Therapy Group Work; and Research Apprenticeship.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $14,724.00
- Credits Required: 34-36
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
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Illinois State UniversityLocation
Normal, IL
The College of Fine Arts at Illinois State University offers a Master of Music In Music Therapy. Through clinical experiences, students will learn to work with diverse populations from newborns and their families to the elderly and dying and their families. Students entering the program with a bachelor's degree in music therapy will appreciate the graduate program's attention to advanced study in research and clinical practice. The faculty work to ensure that students have the opportunity to engage in rich clinical experiences to support their professional development as music therapists.
Unique feature: Students have the opportunity to engage in clinical experiences working in diverse settings such as: Addiction Recovery; In-Patient Medical Care; Schools; Juvenile Detention; Residential Care Homes; Eating Disorder Clinics; and Day Treatment Programs.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $15,445.00
- Application Deadline: January 15th
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Radford UniversityLocation
Radford, VA
A Master of Science in Music with a concentration in Music Therapy is offered through the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Radford University. Radford University is able to offer financial assistance to qualified graduate students through graduate assistantships as well as tuition and fee waivers. Some out-of-state tuition waivers are available to graduate students as well as stipends in the range of $4,000-$8,000. Students at Radford University benefit from the opportunity to work closely with faculty with their support in the classroom and also with their professional connections to internship and employment opportunities. The program offers a variety of unique electives allowing students to select courses that match their individual professional interests.
Courses include: The History and Analysis of Western Art Music; Research Methods in Music; Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy; Advanced Methods and Materials in Music Therapy; Practicum in Music Therapy; Supervision and Training for Music Therapists; Special Applications in Music Therapy; Music Therapy Project; Research and Thesis; Introduction to Counseling Theories and Techniques; Group Counseling Theories and Techniques; Professional, Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling; Assessment and Appraisal Techniques in Counseling; Cultural and Diversity Counseling; Gender Issues in Counseling; Human Sexuality Issues in Counseling; Death, Loss and Grief Counseling; Counseling and Spirituality; and Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $16,862.00
- Credits Required: 61
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
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Montclair State UniversityLocation
Montclair, NJ
Montclair State University offers a Master of Arts in Music with a Concentration in Music Therapy. This graduate degree is designed for students that already hold an undergraduate degree in Music Therapy. Applicants that have an undergraduate degree in in music or a related degree may choose to complete the Certification Program in order gain the coursework requirements to pursue credentialing as a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) and/or to be eligible to apply for the Master of Arts in Music with a Concentration in Music Therapy. The 40.5 credit graduate program focuses on coursework in assessment and intervention strategies for professional competence as a Music Therapist.
Courses include: Musical Style and Analysis; Piano Improvisation; Psychology of Music; Group Music Therapy Experience; Music Therapy Assessment in Clinical Practice; Clinical Improvisation; Supervision and Teaching in Music Therapy; Group Music Therapy; Research Methods in Psychology; Developmental Psychology; and Lifespan Psychopathology.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $17,355.00
- Credits Required: 41
- Application Deadline: Two weeks before a chosen audition date
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Ohio UniversityLocation
Athens, OH
A Master of Music in Music Therapy is offered at Ohio University. This 32 credit graduate program focuses on coursework in music, music therapy, and professional specialization electives. Specialized tracks of study include: Special Education; Child Life; Psychology; Research Methodology; and Early Childhood. Along with focused coursework and specialized clinical experience students have the opportunity to engage in research within their area of specialization. Coursework builds on undergraduate or equivalency studies and experiences to support graduates in becoming leaders in the field and profession of music therapy.
Faculty Research Interests Include: The effect of music in infants and young children; the use of music therapy in schools and community health settings; music with children with developmental disability and children with autism; integrative approaches in music therapy; music therapy in the treatment of traumatic stress; and the development of the Integrative Dynamic Music and Sandwork method.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $17,436.00
- Credits Required: 32
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Lesley UniversityLocation
Cambridge, MA
Lesley University offers a concentration in Music Therapy in its Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. This degree is offered as an on-campus track or a low-residency track of study. This 60 credit program can be completed in two to three years of full time study. The curriculum focuses on training students to integrate the practice of music therapy and psychotherapy to provide effective evidence-based interventions to individuals across the lifespan.
Courses include: Clinical Musicianship; Music, Imagery and Psychotherapy; Community and Therapeutic Applications of Drumming; Voice and Music Therapy; Orientation to Expressive Therapies; Theories of Mental Health Counseling; Theories in Music Therapy; and Supervision in Music Therapy and Counseling.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $17,550.00
- Credits Required: 60
- Application Deadline: January 15th
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Slippery Rock UniversityLocation
Slippery Rock, PA
A Master of Music Therapy is offered at Slippery Rock University. Students can select between two tracks of study the general track (36 credits) or the counseling track (48 credits). The full-time program can be completed in two years, or students may choose to complete the program at a part-time pace. The program emphasizes social justice as a core component of the curriculum and makes every effort to integrate attention to social and cultural issues through the programming. Students have the option to select electives that align with professional goals. A number of unique electives are offered by the program including: Women and Aging; Death and Dying; Advanced Study of Social Emotional Disorders; and Advanced Study of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders.
Courses include: Reading Music Therapy Research; Music Therapy Assessment and Evaluation Techniques; Cultural and Social Foundations of Music Therapy; Music Therapy Supervision; Music Therapy Ethics and Professional Issues; Social Justice Approaches to Music Therapy; Advanced Music Therapy Practicum; Advanced Music Therapy Internship; Designing Music Therapy Research; Medical Music Therapy; Music Psychotherapy; Systems Thinking in Music Therapy; Independent Study; Helping Relationships in Music Therapy; Lifespan Development for Music Therapy; and Group Counseling for Music.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $18,000.00
- Credits Required: 36-48
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Appalachian State UniversityLocation
Boone, NC
Appalachian State University offers a Master of Music Therapy. Applicants that do not yet hold a Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree may enroll in the Equivalency and Master of Music Therapy program and complete the required courses to be eligible to complete the national examination administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Graduate students in this program will choose an area of specialty from options that include: the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music; Addictions; Health Care; Expressive Arts; Mental Health; Gerontology; and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery is a sought after skill set in the field of music therapy and requires students to engage in an off campus 5-day intensive workshop.
Courses include: Bonny Method of GIM; Clinical Paper in Music Therapy.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $18,271.00
- Credits Required: 36
- Application Deadline: November 11th for Spring, April 1st for Summer and July 1st for Fall
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Georgia CollegeLocation
Milledgeville, GA
An online Master of Music Therapy is available at Georgia College. This program is offered online allowing students to engage with one another through virtual connections. The program offers on-campus visits twice each semester and once over the summer, so this program will be a good fit for students that are able to commute to campus when needed but want to enjoy the benefits and convenience of distance learning. The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and is also approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) with an emphasis on supporting students in advancing their understanding and practice of music therapy.
Courses include: Gender and Cultural Issues in Creative Arts Therapy; Qualitative Research; Quantitative Research; Self Experience in Music therapy; Ethics in Creative Arts Therapy; Graduate Clinical Improvisation; Study Abroad; Music Therapy Models; Graduate Clinical Project; Music Therapy Thesis; Music Therapists and Technology; Music and the Exceptional Child; Leadership, Supervision and Management; Independent Study in Music Therapy; and Music Therapy Advanced Graduate Practicum.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $18,486.00
- Application Deadline: November 1st for Spring, April 1st for Summer and July 1st for Fall
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Molloy CollegeLocation
Rockville Centre, NY
Molloy College offers a Master of Science in Music Therapy. The program focuses on supporting the professional development of music therapists through advanced study in music and psychotherapy. The curriculum includes attention to research, ethical practices, and attention to issues of diversity. The program will be a good fit for individuals with an undergraduate degree in music therapy or a related field and for musicians that wish to use their musical capabilities to support the well being of diverse populations. Depending on the applicants undergraduate degree this graduate program can be completed with 48-60 credits.
Courses include: Music Therapy Foundations and LAB; Music Therapy Treatment Planning and LAB; Psychopathology and Music Therapy; Clinical Practicum; Internship; Clinical Piano Improvisation; Clinical Guitar Improvisation; Survey of World Music; Intro to Guided Imagery and Music; Basic Theories of Psychotherapy and their Relationship to Music Therapy; Foundations of Music Therapy Groups; Music and Medicine: Music Psychotherapy in Healthcare Communities; Professional Ethics in Music Therapy; Qualitative and Quantitative Research; Advanced Clinical Supervision; Vocal and Verbal Techniques in Music Therapy; and Advanced Survey of Developmental Psychology.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $19,980.00
- Credits Required: 48-60
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Shenandoah UniversityLocation
Winchester, VA
A Master of Music in Music Therapy is offered at Shenandoah University. This 34 credit program can be completed in two years of full time study. The program is designed for students that hold the credentials Music Therapist Board Certified (MT-BC) and are interested in advancing their professional practice and capacity to engage in research. Courses are offered through intensive weekend retreats in order to allow students to continue their current professional work as music therapists. The program also offers support on the business side of being a professional music therapist with courses that focus on reimbursement and billing.
Courses include: Music Therapy Research: Contemporary Overview; Advanced Theoretical Foundations of Music Therapy; Assessment and Evaluation in Music Therapy Practice; Advanced Clinical Practice: Resource Development; Thesis; Verbal Skills for Music Therapists; and Music Therapy: Professional Practices.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $20,710.00
- Credits Required: 34
- Application Deadline: January 15th
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Nazareth CollegeLocation
Rochester, NY
A Master of Science in Creative Arts Therapy with a Music Therapy Specialization is offered at Nazareth College. Students can choose to complete the Advanced Standing Program (48 credits) or the Comprehensive Program (60 credits). This program can be completed on a full or part-time path of study in as little as two years. The Advanced Standing program will be a good fit for students that already have earned their undergraduate degree in music therapy and are interested in additional training in counseling in order to pursue state licensure as a Creative Arts Therapist. The Comprehensive program is designed for musicians and educators that are interested in learning the clinical skills to use music as a therapeutic intervention and will also lead graduates to be qualified to pursue certification in music therapy as well as state licensure as a Creative Arts Therapist. Applicants planning to practice outside the state of New York should consult their home state licensure board to evaluate if program requirements match individual state requirements.
Courses include: Principles of Music Therapy Supervision; Methods and Research; Music Neuroscience; Music Therapy Internship; Repertoire and Improvisation in Music Therapy for Children and Adolescents; and Advanced Music Therapy Practicum.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $21,720.00
- Credits Required: 48-60
- Application Deadline: April 1st for Fall, October 1st for Spring
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Temple UniversityLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Temple University offers a Master of Music Therapy. This degree is offered to professional music therapists to enhance their clinical practice. Two areas of concentration in the program are Music Medicine and Music Psychotherapy. The Music Medicine specialization will be a good fit for music therapists interested in enhancing the mind-body connection and health. The Music Psychotherapy Concentration is set up to provide training focused on the client-therapist connection to support emotional and relational growth. Students are encouraged to explore individual areas of interest through independent study and research. Students that are planning to pursue state licensure have the opportunity to complete additional coursework.
Courses include: Qualitative Research in Music Therapy; Quantitative Research in Music Therapy; Theories of Music Psychotherapy; Advanced Music Therapy Clinical Training; Music in Medicine; Music Therapy Ethics; Models of Clinical Supervision in Music Therapy; Advanced Music Therapy Practicum; Advanced Topics in Music Psychotherapy; and Advanced Topics in Music Medicine.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $22,158.00
- Credits Required: 36 - 63
- Application Deadline: February 1st
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SUNY at FredoniaLocation
Fredonia, NY
State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia offers a 48 credit Master of Music in Music Therapy. Students in the program will complete coursework in Music Therapy, Music Education, and Psychology along with a final Thesis project. The program is set up to be accessible for working students with the assumption that most graduate students in the program will continue their full-time professional work as a music therapist while pursuing this advanced degree in music therapy. Students can also select to complete the program on a part-time basis if that feels more manageable.
Courses include: Foundations of Advanced Music Therapy; Advanced Guitar Skills for Music Therapists; Advanced Clinical Piano Improvisation; Theory of Vocal Psychotherapy; Introduction to Guided Imagery and Music; Special Studies; Vocal Psychotherapy Practice; Theory and Practice in Guided Imagery and Music; Clinical Applications to GIM Theory and Practice; Internship in Music Therapy; Advanced Practicum in Music Therapy; Psychology of Music; Psychological Research in Music; Lifespan Developmental Psychology; and Psychopathology.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $22,210.00
- Credits Required: 48
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SUNY at New PaltzLocation
New Paltz, NY
A Master of Science in Music Therapy is available at the State University of New York (SUNY) New Paltz. The program is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) as well as the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). This 48 credit advanced degree prepares graduates to successfully complete the Certification Board Examination in Music Therapy. Applicants are encouraged to be thoughtful and well prepared when applying for the program particularly with the performance component showcasing the students skill in singing, guitar, and piano and their capacity to consider clinical aspects of the music.
Courses include: Foundations of Music Therapy; Music in Counseling; Music Therapy for Older Adults; Medical Music Therapy Assessment and Treatment; Music Therapy in Special Education; Music Therapy Research and Program Evaluation; Repertoire in Therapy; Improvisation for Therapy; Advanced Guitar for Therapists and Educators; Music Therapy Ensemble; Human Growth and Development; and Psychopathology.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $22,210.00
- Credits Required: 48
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Indiana University-Purdue University-IndianapolisLocation
Indianapolis, IN
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis offers an Online Master of Science in Music Therapy. This online graduate program in Music Therapy can be completed with only 30 credits. The curriculum is focused on research, clinical work, and the thesis. Students in the program will complete online coursework designed to advance their career as professional music therapists. This online program utilizes synchronous and asynchronous technology to support students in learning and engaging with peers without needing to travel to campus. Students enrolled in this online graduate degree in Music Therapy will be able to conveniently engage in their graduate education while maintaining and advancing their careers as music therapists.
Courses include: Philosophy and Theory in Music Therapy; Music Therapy Quantitative and Qualitative Research; Music in Medicine; Advanced Clinical Techniques in Music Therapy; and Thesis in Music Therapy.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $23,208.00
- Credits Required: 30
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Florida State UniversityLocation
Tallahassee, FL
A Master of Music Therapy is available through the College of Music at Florida State University. Students can choose between two tracks of study with the thesis and non-thesis option. Students will learn to enhance their capacity and skill level in supporting clients in developing and reaching goals through the use of musical interventions. Along with strengthening clinical skills, the program works to support graduate students in learning administrative and research skills in order to effectively take on leadership roles within the field of music therapy.
Courses include: Music in Special Education; Music in Counseling; Applied Music Assessment in Music Therapy/ Education; Medical Music Therapy; Grant Writing in Music Therapy and the Arts; Behavioral Health Counseling; Advanced Music Therapy Clinical Placement; Psychology of Music; Behavior Modification; Nonverbal communication; Descriptive Research; and Arts in Medicine.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $24,116.00
- Credits Required: 30-36
- Application Deadline: December 1st
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Colorado State UniversityLocation
Aurora, CO
Colorado State University offers a Master of Music with a Music Therapy Specialization. Students can choose to complete this degree either on-campus or online. The online program will require only one visit to campus for a four day summer session, allowing students to easily continue their employment and professional practice as a music therapist. Both the on-campus and online programs are taught by the same qualified faculty with focuses on evidence-based practice and the neuroscience of music therapy. Graduates will feel confident in enhancing their current clinical work as music therapists, to supervise and teach in the field of music therapy, and to pursue a doctoral degree in music therapy.
Courses include: Advanced Research Methods in Music Therapy; Composition for Music Therapy Practitioners; Neuroscience/ Music Foundations in Therapy; Music Therapy Practicum; Independent Study: Music Therapy; Historical Foundations of Music Therapy; and Advanced Practice in Music Therapy.
- Average Graduate Tuition: $24,312.00
- Credits Required: 30-32
- Application Deadline: February 15th
Applying to a Top Affordable Accredited Master's in Music Therapy
Admission requirements for music therapy master's programs vary, but typically applicants can expect to submit their bachelor's degree transcripts. Graduate schools require prospective students to meet a minimum 2.5 GPA or higher. Sometimes music therapy master's programs look for applicants with a bachelor's degree in music, psychology, or a related field, although this isn't always the case.
In terms of supplemental material, some graduate schools ask candidates to submit GRE or MAT scores. Applicants may need to send in a music portfolio or participate in an audition to demonstrate their musical abilities. Additional requirements may include personal statements and recommendation letters. Prospective students can strengthen their applications with any previous work or volunteer experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Music Therapy
How long does it take to become a music therapist?
It can take 4-6 years to become a music therapist depending on your pathway. Individuals can become music therapists with a four-year bachelor's degree in music therapy. Others might study another field for their undergraduate degree, such as music or psychology, and then pursue a two-year master's in music therapy. Keep in mind that part-time students typically take longer to complete their degree.
What is accreditation and why is it important?
Accreditation is the process of evaluating higher education degrees and schools to ensure that they offer students a high quality education. That's why prospective students should look for programs with accreditation; programs without accreditation should register to applicants as red flags. When researching potential programs, look for degrees accredited by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
What qualifications do I need to become a music therapist?
To become a music therapist, candidates need at least a bachelor's in music therapy accredited by the AMTA. A master's degree in music therapy should count as well with potential opportunities for further professional growth. Professionals also should obtain the Certification Board for Music Therapists credential by passing a certification exam.
How much do music therapists make?
Music therapists make an average salary of $42,140, according to PayScale data. This figure depends on many factors; a higher degree may lead to higher earnings, for instance. Experience level matters too. While entry-level music therapists make an average salary of $39,240, PayScale data shows that late-career professionals earn an average annual pay reaching $52,900.
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