Program Overview

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Master of Arts in Music Therapy

The music therapy program at Iowa is approved by the American Music Therapy Association and provides those course requirements necessary to become professionally certified as a Music Therapist. The School of Music also offers other music therapy education opportunities for individuals already holding undergraduate degrees, and for those interested in doctoral studies.

Program Details

• The program at Iowa has several distinct advantages:
  • The School of Music at Iowa has a long tradition of artistic excellence
  • Music therapy students receive a comprehensive education in music, and participate in a variety of performance opportunities including vocal and instrumental ensembles
  • The University of Iowa is a regional center for the arts and offers many exciting artistic events
  • The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics comprise the largest university-based teaching hospital in the United States

Admission Requirements

• Minimum grade point average of 3.0
• Must be a certified music therapist, or in the process of completing certification requirements through the equivalency program
• Three letters of recommendation
• A term paper or research paper completed in prior academic work that demonstrates scholarly accomplishments and potential
• A three-page essay by candidates outlining their interest in graduate study in music therapy and their scholarly and personal characteristics that contribute to potential success as a clinician or music therapy instructor
• Phone or on-campus interview

Enrollment Limits

• In order to provide high-quality and individualized instruction, we limit enrollment of active master’s candidates to 10 students in any academic year

Residence Requirements

• A minimum of 24 semester hours after admission to the master’s program must be completed at the University of Iowa, of which, 8 must be completed on campus

Capstone Project

• In the field of music therapy, research papers and presentations are the primary outcome for graduate and post-graduate scholarship
• In lieu of a formal thesis, we require a capstone project, which is typically a written, clinical project, or conference presentation

Final Examination

• The master’s degree requires a written final examination
• Such an examination will not duplicate course examinations
• It will be evaluated by an examining committee consisting of at least three members of the graduate faculty, two of whom are from music therapy or music education

Grade Requirements

• Grade requirements will reflect those of the School of Music
• In addition, students must achieve a grade of “B-” or higher in all core music therapy courses in the equivalency program in order for them to count toward professional certification

Transfer of Credits

• Students may transfer up to 6 semester hours from another accredited university (if accepted by the registrar) of credits not required for undergraduate degree completion

Assistantships

• Because the assistantship in music therapy requires some clinical supervision, it will be available only to applicants who have already completed undergraduate programs and certification requirements in music therapy

Requirements and Program Planning

• Download course checklist
• Degree requirements and program planning
• Combined equivalency and MA in Music Therapy
• MA in Music Therapy (prior certification in music therapy)

Research Courses

• 11 to 12 semester hours total
• Research in Music Therapy (MUS:6675)
• Theory and Research in Music Therapy (MUS:6685)
• Research methodology courses
• Research electives

Special Topic Graduate Seminars

• Minimum of 6 semester hours of graduate seminars in music therapy (MUS:6690) or music education (EDTL:7600)
• Seminar topics for music therapy
• Seminar topics for music education

Advanced Clinical, Supervision, and Teaching

• Minimum of 2 semester hours in courses on college teaching, clinical supervision, or graduate practicum
• College Teaching and Clinical Supervision in Music Therapy (MUS:6680)
• Graduate Music Therapy Practicum (MUS:6670)

Sociocultural, Historical, Theoretical, or Educational Music Electives

• Select 3 to 6 semester hours from the following course options
• Methods of Teaching Piano (MUS:3400)
• Music and Gender (MUS:4320)
• Advanced Jazz History (MUS:4350)
• American Music (MUS:4355)
• Jazz Theory (MUS:4730)
• Foundations of Ethnomusicology (MUS:6315)

Performance, Ensemble, and Composition Music Electives

• Select 2 to 5 semester hours from the following course options
• School of Music ensembles
• Studio lessons
• Courses in conducting or composition
• Introduction to Jazz Improvisation (MUS:3001)
• Intermediate Jazz Improvisation (MUS:3710)
• Jazz Band Black Popular Music Ensemble (MUS:3730)

Electives in Supporting Area

• Select 5 to 6 semester hours from courses in a supporting area outside of music, generally related to thesis topic or areas of clinical interest

Comprehensive Exam and Post-Course Enrollment Credits

• This examination is typically taken in the final semester of courses
• If you are not registered for other classes in the semester of graduation, you will enroll in Masters Final (GRAD:6001) for 1 semester hour

Applying for Graduation

• The Graduate College at the University of Iowa requires that graduate students be enrolled in at least 1 semester hour of coursework at the university during the semester that they apply for and officially graduate

Example Course Sequence for MA Program

• Fall first year
• Spring first year
• Fall second year
• Spring second year

Music Therapy Faculty

• Abbey Dvorak
• Hae Sun Kim
• Kirsten Nelson

Practice and Perform

• Need to book a music room, request an accompanist, check out audition information, rent a locker, or use a recording studio? Visit the Music Callboard for all scheduling and policy information.