Program Overview

Master of Music, Music Therapy Specialization, Plan A

The Master of Music Therapy at CSU is intended to provide board-certified music therapists with advanced training in clinical skills and research. Our curriculum specializes in neuroscience and evidence-based music therapy to improve sensorimotor, speech and language, and cognitive function in children and adults who have disabilities. Specifically, the study of music therapy at CSU is designed to prepare music therapists for advanced clinical work in music therapy, as music therapy supervisors and administrators and for teaching positions at the college or university level.

Program Overview

Two master’s curriculum tracks are offered: the first is a thesis program of 30 credit hours designed to provide students with the opportunity to complete a substantial research project. The second track is a 32-hour program that requires, in lieu of a thesis, additional coursework in music therapy, a final project, and a common final exam. Either program prepares the student to pursue doctoral study. Our academic curricula are approved by both the American Music Therapy Association and the National Association of Schools of Music.

Learning Objectives

Students who earn the degree will demonstrate advanced learning in clinical practice, research, and teaching. Specific objectives include:

1. Identify theoretical constructs from music therapy and related fields that underlie various clinical practices.
2. Define a variety of philosophies, approaches, and/or theories in music therapy.
3. Describe research according to ethical principles in a variety of methodologies to sufficiently address meaningful research questions in music therapy.
4. Implement a diverse and equitable approach to music therapy practice.

Admission Criteria

Applicants are expected to be Board-Certified Music Therapists (or eligible to sit for the exam) and demonstrate excellent musicianship and interpersonal skills.

Program Details

• The Master of Music, Plan A, Music Therapy Specialization is offered on-campus or online.
• A music program fee is assessed with Undergraduate and graduate music and musical theatre majors and music minors, per semester. Does not apply to the following students: online degree students and summers-only master's degree students.

Course List

Course List Code | Title | Credits
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MU 543| Intro to Applied Music Research Methods| 3
MU 545| Composition and Improvisation--Music Therapy| 3
MU 648| Neuroscience/Music Foundations in Therapy| 3
MU 649| Advanced Practice in Music Therapy| 3
MU 686| Music Therapy Practicum| 3
BMS/EDCO/EDRM/PSY/NB Electives 1| 9
Music Electives 1| 3
MU 699| Thesis| 3
Program Total Credits:| 30

Requirements

A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program. Specific courses will be approved by the student’s graduate committee. Students may be required to take additional course work as determined by diagnostic examinations and/or their graduate committee.

Procedures for Master's and Doctoral Degrees

Master's and Ph.D. Procedures Step | Due Date
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1. Application for admission | Six months before first registration
2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration
3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration
4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
5. Filing of program of study | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination
7. Report of preliminary examination | Within two working days after results are known
8. Changes in committee | When change is made
9. Application for Graduation | Refer to published deadlines
   9a. Reapplication for Graduation | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation for the next time term for which you are applying
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee
11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines
12. Report of final examination | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines
15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website