The Music Therapy and Mental Health Counseling Masters Program
In this two-year masters program, you’ll gain advanced training in music therapy and mental health counseling theory and practice. You’ll have the opportunity to work in various settings with people of all ages and abilities to help them reach their objectives through musical interventions.
This fast-track program is tailored to students with bachelor’s degrees in music, psychology or a related field who wish to pursue a career as a music therapist. The American Music Therapy Association has approved it and meets all necessary requirements for earning board certification (MT-BC) to practice in Pennsylvania.
Experience first-hand expert faculty with a wealth of skills and expertise. They possess extensive clinical experience, teach in various settings, and are recognized leaders within their profession who have authored numerous publications.
The degree requires courses in human development, psychology, biology, physiology and the social sciences; music therapy; and psychotherapy. The curriculum is designed to give you an in-depth knowledge of creative, receptive and verbal methods of music therapy; prepare you for internships and clinical practice; as well as develop your ability to apply theories and research from music therapy to individual needs and goals.
Experience a diverse group of highly qualified faculty who are experts in music therapy. Each member has extensive professional and personal knowledge, plus all are board-certified music therapists.
Additionally, you’ll have a mentor throughout your studies who can guide and support you as you complete a thesis or clerkship project and pursue a career in music therapy. At least once each semester, meet with the faculty advisor of your thesis/clerkship project; additionally, participate in graduate research progress meetings with peers and MT faculty members to share insights and progress with them.
Your studies also include a 1,020-hour internship in either a community or hospital setting, where you’ll collaborate with professionals specializing in clinical, educational and developmental areas. Our job placement rate is impressive – graduates find employment at general/psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, elder care communities and private practices alike.
Your program will be overseen by a multidisciplinary advisement committee and you’ll present your research at local, regional, and national conferences. You’ll receive assistance selecting an area of study, conducting literature searches, and completing your final research project.
You have the option to specialize in one area of music therapy, such as music for people with disabilities or hospice care. After completing internships and clinical hours with various clients, you will be prepared to take the Board Certification exam for Music Therapy.
When it comes to financing your education, there are a variety of financial aid options available. Popular ones include tuition waivers, scholarships and loans; in some cases you may even qualify for undergraduate loan forgiveness programs.
Students enrolled in the music therapy and mental health counseling master program tend to have a high rate of success, often finding employment within their fields shortly after graduating.
