Best Colleges for Music Therapy – Low Cost and Field Experience
Music therapy degrees have the power to transform people’s lives. Not only do they reduce stress, anxiety and pain, but a therapy program also enhances communication skillsets for those suffering from mental health disorders; it may even assist those recovering from these disorders in finding expression for their emotions.
Music therapists use music as a therapeutic tool, working with individuals and groups to address physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs. This career can be highly rewarding; earning your music therapy degree at an affordable college is the ideal way to get ahead of your professional objectives.
At the University of Pennsylvania, undergraduates can major in music therapy to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree that includes an internship during their senior year. Students take classes on music theory, history and psychology; they also learn how to apply music as a therapeutic tool through hands-on practice with students.
The college’s undergraduate program is accredited by the National Association for Music Therapy and offers extensive instruction in music improvisation techniques, assessment, group modalities, teaching methods and supervision. Furthermore, there’s a music therapy club at the school where students and alumni can network with professionals within this field.
Molloy College, a private not-for-profit medium sized university located in suburban Maryland, offers two music therapy programs. Graduates of these courses earn either a Master’s in Music Therapy or Certificate.
Students enrolled in the program must complete 40.5 credits hours of supportive psychology and research courses, as well as a thesis seminar and two relevant electives.
Berklee College of Music in Boston is one of twelve universities offering the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies program. This intensive curriculum covers theory and practice of music therapy as well as related topics like human development, neurophysiology and abnormal psychology.
Texas Woman’s University in Fort Worth, TX ranks 32nd on our list of affordable colleges for music therapy degrees with an in-state tuition rate of $9,636. Their College of Arts & Sciences at Margo Jones Hall offers a low-priced bachelor’s in music therapy as well.
This 127-credit, NASM-accredited degree plan begins in the fall with 15-week courses from Instrumental Arranging to Abnormal Psychology for a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Directed by Dr. Pamela Youngblood, this high-value option is combined with Confluence Academy-Old North for a six month field placement that results in 97 percent job placement rates.
Temple University in Philadelphia, PA ranks 35th on our list of affordable colleges for music therapy degrees with $16,080 annual tuition fees. The College of Arts & Sciences offers a low-cost Music Therapy Major that prepares graduates to obtain MT-BC certification.
The 125-credit degree is an NASM-approved plan that prepares graduates for the MT-BC exam and careers in various settings. The curriculum covers courses such as music theory, physiology, history, psychology, sociology and ethics; plus there are hands-on internships at hospitals, schools and a music therapy agency.