Music Therapy

Program Director: Corey Olver, PhD, MT-BC, LPC, ACS

Program Overview

The Master of Music Therapy and Counseling (MMTC) and Master of Arts in Music Therapy (MAMT) programs prepare students to practice music therapy at an advanced level, in a range of clinical settings.  The graduate music therapy program provides extensive breadth and depth of training in the musical, clinical, and theoretical components of music therapy emphasizing advanced clinical practices in the upper division.  It provides a thorough orientation to scholarly literature, research, and writing on music therapy topics.  In addition, it prepares students to be independent professionals, clinical supervisors, advocates for music therapy services, and leaders within their field.

Educational Outcomes

The Graduate Music Therapy programs prepare students to:

• Work at an advanced level with a wide range of clients across various clinical settings
• Understand client needs from a variety of theoretical perspectives and clinical models
• Practice music-centered psychotherapy at an advanced level
• Practice music therapy with greater self-awareness, and engage in ongoing personal development
• Utilize the scholarly literature effectively, understand and conduct research, and produce scholarly writing in music therapy
• Align with the ethical standards of professional practice in music therapy
• Serve as leaders within the music therapy field

Two levels of training, Equivalency (60 credit MMTC, 60 credit MAMT) and Advanced (48 credit MMTC & 48 credit MAMT) are offered.

Equivalency Level Program:  Students with a Bachelor’s Degree Outside of Music Therapy

The equivalency degree programs are specially designed for students who wish to complete music therapy training (attaining MT-BC eligibility) at the graduate level. Typically, these students have an undergraduate degree in music (or related field) and are versatile instrumentalists and vocalists but have not yet studied music therapy.  Students in this program complete the requirements for Board Certification through 500-level courses, and then continue with courses in advanced clinical practices (identical to the Advanced Level program).

Advanced Level Program:  Students with a Bachelor’s Degree of Music Therapy and MT-BC Credential

The advanced counseling (MMTC) and professional (MAMT) degree programs are specially designed for accredited music therapists (MT-BC) who wish to develop advanced skills in music therapy clinical practice, with a special emphasis on advanced clinical practices.  The MMTC degrees are designed for music therapists who wish to complete the academic requirements to qualify for a License as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania.  Detailed information and links to state requirements are provided in the Music therapy Graduate Handbook.

Master of Music Therapy and Counseling versus Master of Arts in Music Therapy

The Master of Music Therapy and Counseling degrees are designed for music therapists who wish to complete the academic requirements to qualify for a License as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania.  The degree program contains courses in both the music therapy program and the clinical mental health counseling program. Detailed information and links to state requirements are provided in the Music therapy Graduate Handbook.  Students in the Master of Arts in Music Therapy degree programs are designed to prepare students to enhance their professional music therapy practice through core courses and elective credits in music therapy or a related field.

Dual Degree in Music Therapy & Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Students interested in pursuing a career in Mental Health Counseling and Music Therapy may be eligible to pursue both degrees at a significantly reduced credit load. Graduate music therapy students entering Immaculata University with advanced standing may apply to the CACREP-approved Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and pursue the dual degree for 15 additional credits beyond the Advanced MMTC for a total of 75 degree credits. Students accepted into the dual degree program are required to complete BOTH an advanced internship in Music Therapy (MUT 610, 621, 622) AND an internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (COUN 691, 692, 693).

Immaculata University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and all of our music therapy degree programs are approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).  For further information on music therapy (including educational guidelines), consult AMTA’s website at www.musictherapy.org

Course of Study

Equivalency Level Course of Studies

Equivalency level courses are specifically designed for students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in music therapy.  These courses begin with a series of theories, processes and practices courses (500-level courses).  Upon successful completion of these courses, along with completion of graduate clinical training and demonstration of proficiency, on piano, guitar, and voice (through diagnostic examination administered by music therapy faculty [consult department handbook for specific guidelines]), the student becomes eligible to enroll in Graduate Internship.  During and after the internship, the student undertakes courses at the Advanced Level.

Upon successful completion of the Internship and verification of all professional music therapy competencies, the student becomes eligible to take the examination administered by the certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).  Upon successful completion of the CBMT examination, the student earns the national credential Music Therapist-Board Certified, or MT-BC.  Attainment of the MT-BC credential permits the student to seek professional employment as an accredited music therapist.  Toward the completion of the degree, students take both the Culminating Project in Music Therapy and the Comprehensive Exam.

Advanced Level Course of Studies

Advanced level courses are specifically designed for practicing music therapists.  Students who are enrolled in the Advanced MAMT or MMTC, and equivalency students who have completed equivalency level (500 level) courses and are enrolled in internship may take advanced (600 level) courses.  Courses at this level further advance clinical practice, with a special emphasis on music-centered psychotherapy.  At this level, students focus on assessment, music and imagery, clinical improvisation, resource development, songs in psychotherapy, verbal skills, advanced supervision, advanced technology, advanced music skills, and more.  Courses at this level are offered in an intensive, weekend format, which enables students to work professionally while completing their advanced graduate studies.  Toward the completion of the degree, students take both the Culminating Project in Music Therapy and the Comprehensive Exam.

Admission Guidelines

General Procedures

Every applicant must file an application for admission with the College of Graduate Studies, complete with all necessary documentation (refer to general application guidelines for details).  In addition, every applicant must meet with members of the music therapy department for an audition and interview.

Standard Admission (Equivalency programs)

For admission to the Equivalency Level, 60 credit programs, the applicant must have earned a bachelor’s degree in music, or a bachelor’s degree in another major, plus course work equivalent to a major in music.  In exceptional cases, an applicant who requires only minimal course work to attain this level of equivalency may be considered for professional admission.  Applicants are advised that certain graduate courses require prerequisites for the Music Therapy curriculum.  These include music courses in theory, aural skills, and history; competency on guitar, piano, and voice; a course in basic statistics for the social sciences; and a course in human anatomy and world music acceptable to the department.  Those who have not completed these courses may do so at the community college, undergraduate or equivalent level (through Immaculata or another institution) or at the graduate level (through Immaculata or another institution).  If needed, students may enroll in individual lessons to attain competencies in piano, voice, and guitar at Immaculata at the graduate level.  Faculty will assess these prerequisites and competencies during the admission process.

Admission with Advanced Standing

For admission to the Advanced MMTC or MAMT programs, the applicant must have completed a bachelor’s degree in music therapy, have MT-BC standing or already have met eligibility requirements and be in the process of obtaining music therapy board certification (whether or not the applicant has successfully passed the board certification exam itself).

Audition and Interview Requirements:

An audition and interview are required for both tracks and is arranged directly with the Program Director.  Each audition lasts one hour and has three components:

1. Performance of one piece on the applicant’s primary instrument.  Typically, pieces from “classical” tradition suffice.  Jazz standards or other nontraditional pieces may also be included in accordance with the applicant’s undergraduate concentration.  An accompanist is not required, and pieces do not need to be performed from memory.
2. Demonstration of existing skills in piano and guitar.  The applicant will present six pieces from the “popular” music literature (for example, children’s songs, pop music from the 1960s to present, folk music, religious music, and show tunes).  At least three songs should be performed on piano and three on guitar.  Diversity in musical style is encouraged.  The applicant must sing and play each song.  Memorization is welcomed but not necessary.
3. An interview, in which the applicant will be asked a range of questions related to their application and their academic, personal, and professional goals.

For successful applicants to the program, the audition also serves to evaluate music skills for therapy, and to assign music skills lessons requirements in piano, guitar, and voice (MUT 530, 532, 534) that will be undertaken during their program of study to achieve competency in these areas.

Students Interested in the Dual Degree in Music Therapy & Clinical Mental Health Counseling must first apply for entry to the university through the Graduate Music Therapy Program.

Master of Music Therapy and Counseling (Equivalency Track)

60 Credits

Core Requirements

GEN 501  Human Development	3
MUT 500  Theoretical Orientations to MT Clinical Practice	3
MUT 502  Theories and Processes in Music Therapy Practice	3
MUT 504  Theories and Practices in Medical Music Therapy	3
MUT 506  Theories and Practices in Psychiatric Music Therapy	3
MUT 608  Ethical and Professional Orientation in Music Therapy	2
MUT 609  Music Therapy Practice with Diverse Populations	2
MUT 512-514  Clinical Training: Integrating Theory & Practice	1, 1, 1
MUT 524  Graduate Internship I	2
MUT 525  Graduate Internship II	2
COUN 600  Research & Program Development	3
COUN 604  Group Process	3
COUN 608  Psychopathology	3
COUN 609  Career and Vocational Counseling	3
COUN 6xx  Counseling Elective	3

Advanced Music Therapy Clinical, Professional, Music, & Research Skills

(Choose 13 credits from the following)

MUT 600  Music and Imagery in Clinical Practice	2
MUT 601  Advanced Resource Development	2
MUT 603  Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy	2
MUT 606  Songs in Psychotherapy	2
MUT 613  Music Biofeedback Research	2
MUT 614  Grant Writing and Program Development in Music Therapy	2
MUT 626  Vocal Psychotherapy	2
MUT 642  Clinical Assessment in Music Therapy*	2
MUT 643  Integration of Verbal and Music Skills in Music Therapy*	2
MUT 645  Advanced Technology for Music Therapy	2
MUT 646  Music Therapy Research	2
MUT 630  Advanced Music Skills for Therapy	1
OR GEN 511  Music for Everyone	1

*Course required for LPC Track

Advanced Clinical Training & Final Components

MUT 610  Advanced Music Therapy Practicum	1
MUT 621  Advanced Music Therapy Internship I	1
MUT 622  Advanced Music Therapy Internship II	1
MUT 599  Comprehensive Exam in Music Therapy	0
MUT 690  Culminating Project in Music Therapy	3

Students entering the program through standard equivalency level admission, and who are not prepared to pass the diagnostic functional music skills proficiency examination, must complete one or more of the following courses (on a repeatable basis), until the necessary skills can be demonstrated.  (Note:  credit through these courses may count toward, and may surpass, required elective credits within the degree):

MUT 530  Music Skills for Therapy – Piano	1
MUT 532  Music Skills for Therapy – Guitar	1
MUT 534  Music Skills for Therapy – Voice	1

Master of Arts in Music Therapy (Equivalency Track)

60 Credits

Core Requirements

MUT 500  Theoretical Orientations to MT Clinical Practice	3
MUT 502  Theories and Processes in Music Therapy Practice	3
MUT 504  Theories and Practices in Medical Music Therapy	3
MUT 506  Theories and Practices in Psychiatric Music Therapy	3
MUT 608  Ethical and Professional Orientation in Music Therapy	2
MUT 609  Music Therapy Practice with Diverse Populations	2
MUT 512-514  Clinical Training: Integrating Theory & Practice	1, 1, 1
MUT 524  Graduate Internship I	2
MUT 525  Graduate Internship II	2
GEN 501  Human Development	3
GEN 502  Methods of Research OR	3
COUN 600  Research & Program Evaluation	3
GEN 503  Interpersonal Relations OR	3
COUN 604  Group Process	3
COUN 608  Psychopathology	3
Electives	6

Advanced Music Therapy Clinical, Professional, Music, & Research Skills

(Choose 13 credits from the following)

MUT 600  Music and Imagery in Clinical Practice	2
MUT 601  Advanced Resource Development	2
MUT 603  Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy	2
MUT 606  Songs in Psychotherapy	2
MUT 613  Music Biofeedback Research	2
MUT 614  Grant Writing and Program Development in Music Therapy	2
MUT 626  Vocal Psychotherapy	2
MUT 642  Clinical Assessment in Music Therapy*	2
MUT 643  Integration of Verbal and Music Skills in Music Therapy*	2
MUT 645  Advanced Technology for Music Therapy	2
MUT 646  Music Therapy Research	2
MUT 630  Advanced Music Skills for Therapy OR	1
GEN 511  Music for Everyone	1

Advanced Clinical Training & Final Components

MUT 610  Advanced Music Therapy Practicum	1
MUT 621  Advanced Music Therapy Internship I	1
MUT 622  Advanced Music Therapy Internship II	1
MUT 599  Comprehensive Exam in Music Therapy	0
MUT 690  Culminating Project in Music Therapy	3

Students entering the program through standard equivalency level admission, and who are not prepared to pass the diagnostic functional music skills proficiency examination, must complete one or more of the following courses (on a repeatable basis), until the necessary skills can be demonstrated. (Note: credit through these courses may count toward, and may surpass, required elective credits within the degree):

MUT 530  Music Skills for Therapy – Piano	1
MUT 532  Music Skills for Therapy – Guitar	1
MUT 534  Music Skills for Therapy – Voice	1

Master of Music Therapy and Counseling (Advanced Track)

48+12 Credits

Core Requirements

GEN 501  Human Development	3
MUT 608  Ethical and Professional Orientation in Music Therapy	2
MUT 609  Music Therapy Practice with Diverse Populations	2
COUN 600  Research & Program Development	3
COUN 604  Group Process	3
COUN 608  Psychopathology	3
COUN 609  Career and Vocational Counseling	3
COUN/MUT  Electives	9

Advanced Music Therapy Clinical, Professional, Music, & Research Skills

(Choose 14 credits from the following)

MUT 600  Music and Imagery in Clinical Practice	2
MUT 601  Advanced Resource Development	2
MUT 603  Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy	2
MUT 606  Songs in Psychotherapy	2
MUT 613  Music Biofeedback Research	2
MUT 614  Grant Writing and Program Development in Music Therapy	2
MUT 626  Vocal Psychotherapy	2
MUT 642  Clinical Assessment in Music Therapy*	2
MUT 643  Integration of Verbal and Music Skills in Music Therapy*	2
MUT 645  Advanced Technology for Music Therapy	2
MUT 646  Music Therapy Research	2
MUT 630  Advanced Music Skills for Therapy OR	1
GEN 511  Music for Everyone	1

*Course required for LPC Track

Advanced Clinical Training & Final Components

MUT 610  Advanced Music Therapy Practicum	1
MUT 621  Advanced Music Therapy Internship I	1
MUT 622  Advanced Music Therapy Internship II	1
MUT 599  Comprehensive Exam in Music Therapy	0
MUT 690  Culminating Project in Music Therapy	3
Electives	12

Students may select an additional 12 Credits of Electives in Music Therapy or Counseling or apply to attain the following:

• Addictions Studies Certificate (See CMHC Program)
• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (72 Degree Credits Total; See Below)

*Please note that students who choose not to pursue LPC Licensure may graduate with a 48 credit MAMT Degree without taking these credits for degree completion

DEGREE TOTAL 48 MMTC/60 Total

Master of Arts in Music Therapy (Advanced Track)

48 Credits

Core Requirements

GEN 501  Human Development	3
GEN 502  Methods of Research OR	3
COUN 600  Research & Program Evaluation	3
GEN 503  Interpersonal Relations OR	3
COUN 604  Group Process	3
MUT 608  Ethical and Professional Orientation in Music Therapy	2
MUT 609  Music Therapy Practice with Diverse Populations	2
Electives	15

Advanced Music Therapy Clinical, Professional, Music, & Research Skills

(Choose 14 credits from the following)

MUT 600  Music and Imagery in Clinical Practice	2
MUT 601  Advanced Resource Development	2
MUT 603  Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy	2
MUT 606  Songs in Psychotherapy	2
MUT 613  Music Biofeedback Research	2
MUT 614  Grant Writing and Program Development in Music Therapy	2
MUT 626  Vocal Psychotherapy	2
MUT 642  Clinical Assessment in Music Therapy*	2
MUT 643  Integration of Verbal and Music Skills in Music Therapy	2
MUT 645  Advanced Technology for Music Therapy	2
MUT 646  Music Therapy Research	2
MUT 630  Advanced Music Skills for Therapy* OR	1
GEN 511  Music for Everyone	1

*Required Courses

Advanced Clinical Training & Final Components

MUT 610  Advanced Music Therapy Practicum	1
MUT 621  Advanced Music Therapy Internship I	1
MUT 622  Advanced Music Therapy Internship II	1
MUT 599  Comprehensive Exam in Music Therapy	0
MUT 690  Culminating Project in Music Therapy	3

DEGREE TOTAL 48

Dual Degree in Music Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling

**Please note: Current Graduate Music Therapy students are required to apply for admission into the CMHC Degree prior to pursuit of advanced CMHC coursework

Master Of Music Therapy And Counseling Core Courses

GEN 501  Human Development	3
MUT 608  Ethical and Professional Orientation in Music Therapy	2
MUT 609  Music Therapy Practice with Diverse Populations	2
COUN 600  Research & Program Development	3
COUN 602  Theories of Counseling	3
COUN 604  Group Process	3
COUN 608  Psychopathology	3
COUN 609  Career and Vocational Counseling	3
COUN 614  Substance Abuse Ed & Counseling	3
COUN 630  Crisis Intervention & Counseling	3

TOTAL 28

Advanced Music Therapy Clinical, Professional, Music, & Research Skills

(Choose 14 credits from the following)

MUT 600  Music and Imagery in Clinical Practice	2
MUT 601  Advanced Resource Development	2
MUT 603  Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy	2
MUT 606  Songs in Psychotherapy	2
MUT 613  Music Biofeedback Research	2
MUT 614  Grant Writing and Program Development in Music Therapy	2
MUT 642  Clinical Assessment in Music Therapy*	2
MUT 643  Integration of Verbal and Music Skills in Music Therapy*	2
MUT 645  Advanced Technology for Music Therapy	2
MUT 646  Music Therapy Research I	2
MUT 647  Music Therapy Research II	2
MUT 630  Advanced Music Skills for Therapy OR	1
GEN 511  Music for Everyone	1

TOTAL 14
*Course required for LPC Track

Advanced Clinical Training & Final Components

MUT 610  Advanced Music Therapy Practicum	1
MUT 621  Advanced Music Therapy Internship I	1
MUT 622  Advanced Music Therapy Internship II	1
MUT 599  Comprehensive Exam in Music Therapy	0
MUT 690 Culminating Project in Music Therapy	3

TOTAL 6
MUSIC THERAPY TOTAL 48

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

15 Credits of Additional Coursework beyond 60 credit LPC degree requirements. Totaling 75 degree credits. Students complete the requirements for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling by taking the courses below. Students must successfully complete all of the requirements for the Master’s degree in Music Therapy before being eligible to receive the degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. For a full range of CMHC program description and content, please see Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the Graduate Catalog. 

GEN 503 Interpersonal Relations	3
COUN 601 Counseling Skills & Techniques	3
COUN 606 Family Counseling	3
COUN 614 Substance Abuse Ed & Counseling	3
COUN 618 Professional Orientation & Ethics	3
COUN 630 Crisis Intervention & Counseling	3
COUN 640 Diversity Counseling	3
COUN 641 Assessment for counselors	3
COUN 691 Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling**	3
COUN 692 Internship I in Clinical Mental Health Counseling**	3
COUN 693 Internship II in Clinical Mental Health Counseling**	3

** The CMHC degree requires 700 total hours of independent counseling internship

DUAL DEGREE TOTAL 75

Licensed Professional Counselor: State Licensure in PA

Students pursing the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Pennsylvania (in either the 48 or 60 credit programs) must complete 3600 hours of supervised clinical practice following completion of graduate study. Because the overall course of study must include a minimum of 60 graduate credits, students admitted with advanced standing must elect a minimum of 12 additional credits beyond the 48 required for their degree, any of which may be completed prior to or following graduation (for PA Licensure. Note that other states have different timing requirements). The student must also have successfully passed the Music Therapy Board Certification exam. For further information, refer to Pennsylvania law on the LPC at https://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter49/s49.13.html. Although Immaculata’s music therapy program is designed in accordance with educational requirements for licensure in Pennsylvania, the university cannot guarantee the student’s eligibility for licensure; therefore, the student must assume independent responsibility for ensuring that all requirements are met, on her or his own behalf. Students pursing licensure within jurisdictions other than Pennsylvania must consult and follow the regulations and procedures stipulated by those jurisdictions and must independently verify that Immaculata University’s Master of Arts in Music Therapy program is consistent with the educational requirements of those jurisdictions. The student is responsible for all state application procedures and fees (Pennsylvania or elsewhere) Students entering program with advanced standing (MT-BC) need not take 500 level music therapy courses.

1. Students electing a part-time internship may complete their internship over 3 semesters; MUT 521, MUT 522, and MUT 523 (Music Therapy Internship III) for an additional 2 credits.  (Note:  credit through this course may not count toward and may surpass required elective credits within the degree.)
2. Specific areas for advanced music study (1 credit) are based upon the individual needs and interests of the student and are arranged by advisement.

Course Descriptions

View MUT course descriptions.