Master of Music Therapy
Music Therapy is an allied health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic setting to address the psychological, physical, cognitive, communication, and social needs of individuals.
Marketable Skills
Defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's 60x30 Strategic Plan as, "Those skills valued by employers that can be applied in a variety of work settings, including interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skills areas. These skills can be either primary or complementary to a major and are acquired by students through education, including curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities."
- Connect theory with professional practice.
- Integration and facilitation of research.
Admissions
All students must meet the University requirements as outlined in the Admission to the TWU Graduate School section of the catalog.
This academic program may have additional admission criteria that must also be completed as outlined on the program's website.
Degree Requirements
Total Semester Credit Hours Required
36 semester credit hours (SCH).
Special requirement
A grade of A or B for courses to be counted toward the degree.
Final Examination
An oral examination will include a comprehensive review of the major area of emphasis, the culminating project, and evaluation of musical styles. The result of the exam will be reported as:
- pass,
- not pass, or
- deferral (exam may only be repeated once).
Program of Study
| Code | Title | SCHs |
|---|---|---|
| Major Area | ||
| MU 5533 | Philosophies and Theories of Music Therapy | 3 |
| MU 5543 | Multicultural Perspectives in Music Therapy | 3 |
| MU 5911 | Independent Study (Taken 3 times. Music Therapy Clinical Electives: relaxation, imagery, improvisation, practicum.) | 3 |
| Other Studies in Music | ||
| MU 5933 | Styles in Music | 3 |
| or MU 5453 | Women in Music | |
| MU 5643 | Music Therapy Research | 3 |
| MU 5403 | Music Theory Pedagogy | 3 |
| or MU 5443 | Analytical Techniques in Music | |
| Electives | ||
| Music | 3 | |
| Select from psychology, sociology, music therapy, social work, special education, drama, business or economics, or other approved courses. | 9 | |
| Select One of the following options | 6 | |
| Professional Paper Option | ||
| Professional Paper | ||
Additional Music Electives | ||
| Thesis Option | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Total SCHs | 36 | |
Electives
Approved electives may be selected from psychology, sociology, music therapy, social work, special education, drama, business and economics, music education, applied music, and other fields appropriate to the student’s goals. Students may choose to complete a minor in a related field with the approval of the music therapy advisor and the appropriate department.
Students without a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy
Students without Bachelor’s Degree Music Therapy will be admitted provisionally with the stipulation that they complete all equivalency coursework and clinical experience that make them eligible for board certification by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. This equivalency coursework usually consists of about 32 to 50 undergraduate semester hours, most of which can be taken concurrently with graduate coursework in a carefully planned program. As part of the undergraduate equivalency coursework, a six-month internship is required prior to removal from provisional status and enrollment in any graduate practicum coursework.
Additional Requirements
Testing for drugs, specific immunizations in addition to those required by TWU, proof of personal medical insurance, and/or passing a criminal background check may be required by certain facilities associated with the required clinical work or for certification. If students are unable to be cleared on any of these requirements, they may not be eligible to continue in the program or to obtain certification. The cost of any required background checks, immunizations, and/or drug testing are the responsibility of the student.
Certification as a Music Therapist (MT-BC) is achieved by passing a national examination administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Completion of the undergraduate equivalency or an undergraduate degree in music therapy does not guarantee eligibility to take the board certification exam. Questions regarding specific criminal background and its possible effects on eligibility for board certification should be addressed directly to the Certification Board for Music Therapists.
Music Therapy students who do not have the appropriate professional certification (i.e., MT-BC) must complete all eligibility requirements for that exam prior to the awarding of the master’s degree in Music Therapy.
