Graduate Degrees in Music Therapy

violinist and harpist

The Certificate in Music Therapy is designed for persons who currently hold bachelor's degrees in music or related fields and wish to be gainfully employed as music therapists with the credential, Music Therapist- Board Certified (MT-BC). Based on review of the applicant's undergraduate degree transcripts, prior work-related experience and skill and in addition to the completion of core music therapy courses, other courses may be required for eligibility to sit for the national examination in music therapy and to demonstrate professional competencies established by the American Music Therapy Association. Specific requirements for Music Foundations include at least 54 undergraduate credits in music or equivalent, including applied study, music theory, music history and ensemble experience. Specific requirements for Clinical Foundations include 18 undergraduate credits (or equivalent) across studies in exceptionality, psychopathology, normal human development, principles of therapy and the therapeutic relationship. Courses in Music Foundations and Clinical Foundations may be transferred from other 32 institutions pending approval from the dean of the conservatory. Specific requirements for Music Therapy Foundations include 30 credits in music therapy studies that must be completed at Shenandoah University, including field placement and internship experiences.

The Master of Music Therapy Degree prepares music therapy practitioners for advanced clinical work with specific populations, to establish and implement new music therapy programs and to complete academic requirements necessary for directing undergraduate and graduate music therapy programs. Students entering the master's program must have completed all undergraduate music therapy degree requirements or their equivalent.

This degree addresses significant trends emerging in music therapy, including the movement toward the identification of advanced levels of practice. Students enrolled in this program typically are employed full time as music therapists and hold the credential, Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC). Core studies in music therapy include contemporary foundations, dynamics of intervention, interdisciplinary studies and administration/supervision. Employment-related clinical requirements are attached to each area of core study. Support courses include bibliography and research, assessment and evaluation as well as electives in music. The culmination of the MMT degree is the completion of a demonstration project, clinical project or thesis, and the passing of the comprehensive examination.

Particular emphasis is given to linking the student's employment site to academic studies. Professional growth is fostered that is of direct application to one's work, recognizes the student's emerging expertise and supports the student's choice of music therapy as a varied and an enriching career path. The hallmark of this degree program is the collegiality among students, including their mutual sharing of day-to-day experiences as music therapists in a supportive academic environment.