Program Overview
Music Therapy PhD Program
The PhD program in Music Therapy at Temple University is a comprehensive, research-based degree that prepares skilled and experienced clinicians to become competent scholars in the field. The program has undergone extensive review and has been granted plan approval by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
About the Program
The program is designed to prepare individuals to conduct research and develop theory, with opportunities to study both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms. It also provides for the development of expertise and skill in college-teaching and clinical supervision. The program is led by four world-renowned music therapists and offers the opportunity for further development of clinical expertise in two advanced areas of practice: Music Medicine and Music Psychotherapy.
Time Limit for Degree Completion
The time limit for degree completion is 7 years.
Campus Location
The program is located on the Main and Center City campuses.
Full-Time/Part-Time Status
The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Areas of Specialization
The PhD program in Music Therapy offers the opportunity for further development of clinical expertise in two advanced areas of practice: Music Medicine and Music Psychotherapy.
Job Prospects
Graduates typically find employment as professors in colleges and universities, and as practitioners, supervisors, or researchers in a variety of healthcare settings.
Licensure/Certification
Students may opt to take additional coursework that may meet licensure requirements in one or more states.
Non-Matriculated Student Policy
The core doctoral courses are not open to non-matriculated students.
Financing Opportunities
Boyer College of Music and Dance offers a number of assistantships and academic internships to full-time matriculated graduate students.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadline
The application deadline is February 1.
Letters of Reference
Two letters of recommendation are required, obtained from academic advisors, professors, or professional supervisors.
Coursework Required for Admission Consideration
Applicants who have not completed the following courses before matriculation must complete them while a doctoral student:
- MUED 8601: Qualitative Research in Music Therapy (3 credits)
- MUED 8602: Quantitative Research in Music Therapy (3 credits)
- MUED 8603: Theories of Music Psychotherapy (2 credits)
- MUED 8618: Music in Medicine (2 credits)
- MUED 8619: Music Therapy Education and Training (2 credits)
- MUED 8621: Music Therapy Ethics (2 credits)
- MUED 9995: Master's Final Project (1-3 credits)
Master's Degree in Related Discipline
A master's degree in Music, Music Education, Music Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, Health Studies, or Psychology is required.
Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline
A baccalaureate degree in any music-related field is required.
Statement of Goals
Applicants must share their professional goals, which must be clearly articulated, feasible, relevant to the needs of the profession, and appropriate to the program at Temple.
Standardized Test Scores
Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet the minimum requirements:
- TOEFL iBT: 100
- IELTS Academic: 7.0
- PTE Academic: 68
Prescreening Video and Audition
Applicants must submit a prescreening video via Acceptd, which may contain representative movements of the audition material.
Resume
A current resume is required.
Interview
An interview is scheduled with the applicant by the Program Coordinator after all application materials have been received.
Writing Sample
A clinical, theoretical, or research paper in Music Therapy must be uploaded to Acceptd.
Writing Examination
An on-site Writing Examination is required as part of the doctoral admissions process.
Test Waiver
A completed MMT degree from Temple may warrant a waiver.
Advanced Standing
The Music Therapy PhD consists of credits taken beyond the master's degree.
Program Requirements
General Program Requirements
- Number of credits required beyond the master's: 44
- Required courses:
- MUED 8622: Res Mus Psychotherapy (3 credits)
- MUED 8624: Research in Music Medicine (3 credits)
- MUED 9611: Theory Development in Music Therapy (3 credits)
- MUED 9641: Music Therapy Doctoral Seminar (3 credits)
- Electives (14 credits)
- Research (12 credits)
- MUED 9994: Preliminary Examination Preparation
- MUED 9998: Pre-Dissertation Research
- MUED 9999: Doctoral Dissertation
Additional Requirements
- For doctoral degrees, only grades of "B-" and higher may be counted toward degree requirements.
- All tuition and fees must be paid according to the deadlines given by the Bursar's Office.
- Students are obligated to serve in a number of capacities to enrich their academic and musical expertise.
Culminating Events
Preliminary Examination
The preliminary examination is designed to test the student's knowledge of the literature, research competence, and ability to integrate theory, research, and practice.
Dissertation Proposal
The proposal must include the student's background and experience with the research topic, an articulate and comprehensive review of the literature, a clear statement of the research problem and questions to be answered, and a proposed methodology.
Dissertation
The purpose of the dissertation is to contribute new knowledge or insight to any aspect of Music Therapy. The dissertation is overseen by the Doctoral Advisory Committee, which consists of at least three members, two from the department and one from outside the department.