Master of Science in Music Therapy

Admission Requirements

1. One official transcript of all undergraduate and graduate work providing evidence of a baccalaureate degree in music* (60 credits in music) from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0, which includes the following courses: music therapy, methods and materials, psychology of music, practicum and a statistics course.
   * Interested non-music majors should contact the Program Coordinator, Dr. Kathy Murphy, before applying. Students without a degree in music, music therapy, or related discipline and a music minor may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis, but they should expect to take additional coursework.
2. Admissions essay in response to the following prompts:
   • Describe what has influenced your decision to study music therapy. Consider the impact of your life experiences and challenges and how you handled them.
   • Describe your relationship to music.
3. Contact information for three references
4. A video (or link to a video) demonstrating their musical skills. 
   The video should contain the following examples:
   • Two musical compositions demonstrating musical skill. These can be on any instrument of the applicants choosing. They can be vocal or instrumental.
5. Interview & music skills assessment with music therapy faculty.
   ​During the music skills assessment applicants will be asked to:
   • Demonstrate the ability to sing and accompany themselves on piano (2 songs)
   • Demonstrate the ability to sing and accompany themselves on guitar (2 songs)
   • Demonstrate musical skill by performing 2 songs of the applicants choosing
6. Music Theory Placement Test (sent to applicants after their interview)
7. Evidence of Music Therapy Board Certification (if applicable)

Deadlines for application to the Music Therapy master’s program can be obtained by contacting the Music Department 
at (845) 257-2700 or by visiting the Music Department’s website at http://www.newpaltz.edu/music/

Graduate Checklist

Program Requirements

Complete the prescribed course work and other requirements within five years after matriculation. Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, with no more than two grades below B-.

Advisement

You will be informed of your academic advisor and his/her office hours when you are accepted into the Music Therapy program. You should make an appointment immediately with your advisor to develop a comprehensive plan of study.

The comprehensive plan of study developed by you and your academic advisor officially outlines your degree requirements and eligibility for licensure as a creative arts therapist. Any changes in this plan of study will require prior approval from your academic advisor. Your academic advisor is available to assist you throughout your study and will serve as your guide during the program. It is important to maintain continuous communication with your academic advisor in order to facilitate your progress in the program.

Transfer Credit

With the approval of your academic advisor and the Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate, Professional & Interdisciplinary Studies, students can transfer up to 9 graduate credits. However, credits cannot be transferred after the Plan of Study is approved.

Please note: Courses taken prior to acceptance into the Music Therapy program may not be fully credited on your plan of study, even if taken at SUNY New Paltz.

Registering for Courses

Be sure to pre-register for your courses as outlined in the Plan of Study. You must meet with your advisor to discuss course work each semester. Pre-registration for the spring semester occurs in November and pre-registration for the summer and fall semesters occurs in April.

Change of Name and/or Address

Please notify the Music Department Office and the Records and Registration Office immediately if your name changes and/or if your address, telephone, and/or email address changes.

Sample Program

The Music Therapy program consists of 48 credit hours for students with baccalaureate degrees in Music Therapy or the MT-BC. Students with other degrees in music must complete 15 credits of undergraduate work in Music Therapy and meet competencies in sight-reading, voice, and piano and guitar accompaniment.

Course Work

Course work in music therapy is designed to offer sequential learning experiences that will develop clinical competencies for work as a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist. You should take these courses in the sequence suggested by your academic advisor.

Program Learning Objectives