Program Overview

Program Overview

The Music Therapy Ph.D. program at Colorado State University is designed to accelerate the careers of music therapy clinicians or educators, advancing their scholarship and professional goals. This program allows students to gain knowledge in three core areas: clinical practice, research, and academic higher education.

Program Details

• Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy in Music Therapy
• Time Frame: Can be completed in 3-5 years
• Tuition: $789 (per 700-level credit); $662 (per master's level credit)
• Credits: 72 (up to 30 credits may be accepted from a prior master's program)

Curriculum

The Ph.D. in Music Therapy is comprised of the following core courses and credits:

• Clinical Core Courses (15 credits)
  • MU 544: Advanced Techniques in Neurologic Music Therapy (3 cr.)
  • MU 545: Composition in Music Therapy (3 cr.)
  • MU 647: Historical Foundations of Music Therapy (3 cr.)
  • MU 648: Neuroscience Foundation (3 cr.)
  • MU 649: Advanced Practice in Music Therapy (3 cr.)
• Research Core Courses (12 credits)
  • MU 543: Advanced Research Methods in Music Therapy (3 cr.)
  • MU 743: Interpretivist Research in Music Therapy (3 cr.)
  • MU 744: Research to Practice (3 cr.)
  • MU 798: Music Therapy Dissertation Preparation (3 cr.)
• Academic Core Courses (15 credits)
  • EDAE 639: Instructional Design (3 cr.)
  • EDUC 651: Multicultural and Special Populations (3 cr.)
  • MU 684: Teaching Seminar (3 cr.)
  • MU 792: Seminar (6 cr.)
• Directed Electives (15 credits)
  • Electives chosen with the advisor
• Dissertation (15 credits)
  • MU 799: Dissertation

Faculty

The program features a faculty with diverse backgrounds and areas of focus in music therapy, including:

• Blythe LaGasse, Ph.D., MT-BC: Professor of Music; Music Therapy; Coordinator of Music Therapy
• Andrew Knight, Ph.D., MT-BC: Associate Professor of Music; Music Therapy
• Lindsey Wilhelm, Ph.D., MT-BC: Assistant Professor of Music; Music Therapy; Internship Coordinator
• Jess Rushing, Ph.D.: Assistant Professor; Music Therapy

How to Apply

To apply for the Music Therapy Ph.D. program, follow these steps:

1. Review Minimum Admission Requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum standards, including a bachelor's degree in music therapy, current board-certification in music therapy, and a minimum of three years of full-time professional clinical practice experience.
2. Prepare Application Materials: Submit a statement of purpose, curriculum vitae or resume, video audition, and two letters of recommendation.
3. Complete Online Application: Fill out the online graduate application form and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee.
4. Request Transcripts: Submit official transcripts of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended.
5. Check Application Status: View your application status to ensure your application checklist is complete.

Application Dates

• Fall semester: February 15 (preferred); applications are considered after this date.

Career Opportunities

This unique Ph.D. program can help students gain the knowledge to take the next step in their careers, with potential job opportunities including:

• Professor
• Director of Clinical Practice
• Researcher
• Supervisor
• Clinical Administrator
• Advanced Clinical Practitioner

Research Areas

Faculty research interests include music therapy applications for aging adults with hearing loss, students' self-care practices, music therapy in acute post-stroke care, and community engagement. The program allows students to engage in coursework and collaborative research projects focused on advancing research skills and developing original research in their area of interest.