Music Therapy Undergraduate / Graduate

Maryville University has offered education in music therapy since 1972, providing a long history and appreciation of the field. Music therapy is the use of music for the restoration, maintenance and improvement of mental and physical health. Music therapists use the inherent qualities of music to affect healing and change, and to influence physical, emotional and cognitive responses of individuals of all ages with behavioral, social, learning or physical disabilities.

This rapidly growing field can provide you with opportunities for an exciting and rewarding career. If you want to further your education beyond a bachelor's degree, the Master of Music Therapy (MMT) is available at Maryville, as well.

Program Features

One of a Kind
The Maryville Music Therapy Program was established in 1972 and is the only degree program of its kind in the St. Louis area. The program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and is fully approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

Internship
The four-year music therapy undergraduate program culminates in a six-month internship. You will work under the supervision of a board-certified music therapist in one of a wide choice of facilities approved by the AMTA.

Graduate Music Therapy Program
Once you receive your undergraduate degree in music therapy, you can begin work on your Masters of music therapy, which is offered within the School of Health Professions at Maryville. The Master of Music Therapy is designed to provide you with advanced clinical training supported by studies in psychotherapy, ethics, research and advanced models of treatment. Classes are held in the evening to accommodate your work schedule. Most full-time students complete the program in two academic years, while part-time students usually take three.

Combined Master's/Equivalency Program
If you have a bachelor's degree in music, you can be considered for the Master's/Equivalency program. In the Masters/Equivalency program, you will complete necessary undergraduate coursework for music therapy certification, as well as coursework for the Masters of Music Therapy.

Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling with a Music Therapy Specialization
Board-certified music therapists have an option to pursue a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling (MA) degree. As a student of the rehabilitation counseling program, you must complete 12 graduate credits hours in Music Therapy for the specialization in music therapy.

Professional/Career Opportunities

As a professional music therapist, you will serve individuals with mental disorders, substance abuse issues, Alzheimer's disease, autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory disorders and acute/chronic pain. Focus on preventative medicine continues to build, and many music therapists work to enhance quality of life, maximize well-being and increase self-awareness.

Music therapists often work as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team, working with other disciplines to meet common goals for the patient or client. They may interface with physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, speech therapists and other health care professionals.

Degree Offerings and Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy

Master of Music Therapy

Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling with a Music Therapy Specialization

Admission Requirements

In addition to the academic requirements listed below, applicants to the Music Therapy program are required to complete an audition and interview process with the Music Therapy faculty. The students are asked to demonstrate their musical performance abilities. Vocal and instrumental abilities can be joined, as in a self-accompanied song performance. Fundamental knowledge of music will be assessed.

For more information regarding admission requirements to the undergraduate Music Therapy program, click here.

For more informaiton regarding admission requirements to the graduate and graduate bridge Music Therapy program, click here.

University Accreditation
Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504. You can contact them by calling 800.621.7440.

School and College Accreditation
School of Health Professionals

National Association of Schools of Music
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, VA 20190; phone 703.437.0700