Music (MA), Music Therapy Concentration
The Master of Arts (MA) in Music, Concentration in Music Therapy program offers a combination of supportive psychology and research courses, including courses in assessment, clinical improvisation techniques, group music therapy (experiential and client centered), and teaching and supervision. All of these courses include applied work and students have the opportunity to complete professional level writing in the thesis seminar, two relevant electives and a final thesis. The program has been known as a comprehensive, eclectic music therapy program since 1969. We take pride in the ability to provide you with excellent clinical placement experiences, careful academic advisement and nationally and internationally known faculty within the music therapy program, the music school and other departments you may wish to explore such as gerontology, child life, psychology, learning disabilities, special education and behavioral neuroscience.
The Cali School of Music offers the following options for graduate studies – please feel free to navigate to the programs that interest you!
Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to apply for a graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the international applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have
created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the
application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps
needed to apply, as well as all corresponding supplemental materials for your specific
program of interest.
- Application Deadline: Rolling admission.
- Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.
The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Music Therapy program, Composition Concentration:
- Transcript: One from each college attended.
- Statement of Purpose: Please write an integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions.
- What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
- In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
- Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
- Letters of Recommendation: Two.
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.
Interviews for Graduate Music Applicants
Applicants to this program are required to schedule & complete an interview as part of the Cali School’s review process. A formal audition is not required for this program. To complete your interview, you must first submit an application to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Once your application is complete with all required materials, you must reach out to the Program Coordinator to request to schedule an interview. Contact information for the Program Coordinator & any further requirements can be found on The Cali School’s Audition Information Page. Please be sure to review the Program Requirements thoroughly (under Step 1) to best understand & prepare for the application/review process specific to your area of interest.
The Master of Arts (MA) in Music, Concentration in Music Therapy program offers a 40.5 credit combination of supportive psychology and research courses including courses in assessment, clinical improvisation techniques, group music therapy (experiential and client centered), and teaching and supervision. All of these courses include applied work.
For more information, please visit the Music (MA), Music Therapy Concentration program listing in the course catalog.
