Degree in Music Therapy | University of the Pacific

Pacific’s Master of Arts in Music Therapy consists of two degree paths:

(1) Two-year path for board-certified music therapists or candidates eligible to sit for the board examination; and

(2) Three-year path plus the 6-month internship for students with an undergraduate degree in music or fields related to music therapy (e.g., psychology, special ed, etc.) who seek both entry- and advanced-level training in music therapy.

The course of study begins with strong foundational musicianship and adds specific knowledge and skills that meet both the professional and advanced-level competencies established by the American Music Therapy Association.

Interview with Claire Edelmann '19, MA, MT-BC

Designed for students with an undergraduate degree music therapy
Advanced-level clinical skills or research practice
Limited graduate assistantships available

2-Year Curriculum Plan, Thesis and Non-thesis Tracks

During the first two years, students focus on the completion of all entry level music therapy courses, fieldwork, and competencies, as well as some graduate-level courses.
Next, students complete a clinical internship and sit for the CBMT exam.
After the internship, students return to the university to complete graduate coursework, advanced clinical work, and a culminating graduate project (e.g., thesis or clinical clerkship portfolio).

3-year with Thesis Curriculum Plan

3-year Non-Thesis Curriculum Plan

Qualifying students entering the Master of Arts in Music Therapy program for the 2020-21 academic year, may apply for Graduate Assistantships (GA).

GA include full tuition waiver, an annual stipend of $5,760 for 10 hrs/week of service, and health insurance. Partial assistantships may also be awarded. Assistantships are available for a second year, with the possibility of an increase in award depending on the candidate’s success with the assistantship and with graduate coursework.

Graduate assistants serve as clinical fieldwork (practicum) supervisors for pre-internship music therapy students under the supervision and with the support of the music therapy faculty. The GA award supports MT-BCs in their development of advanced clinical specializations, supervision and program development skills, college teaching, or research.

Applications are open to Board-Certified Music Therapists; clinical work experience and strong musicianship is required. In addition to submitting the graduate school application, applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Program Director Fei-Lin Hsiao. Candidates may be interviewed in person or by video chat.

Two or Three-Year Path

Notable Program Features

Stockton or San Francisco Campus
Two-years (32 units) for students with undergraduate degree in music therapy
Three-years plus internship (55 units) for students with undergraduate degree in music or music-therapy related field
Fall or spring semester start
Rolling admission
In-person program

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in music or music therapy related field
General GRE (Not required for applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or higher)
Resume
Personal statement
Official transcripts
Three letters of recommendation
Musical Skills Assessment (live or video recording):
- Perform two contrasting pieces on primary instrument/voice.
- Sing one piece from a traditional or contemporary musical repertoire with self-accompaniment on piano.
- Sing one piece from a traditional or contemporary musical repertoire with self-accompaniment on guitar. (You may use sheet music or a lead sheet.) Examples: You Are My Sunshine, This Land is Your Land, This Little Light of Mine
- Sing one American folk song from memory a capella. Examples: Oh Susannah, Home on the Range, Aura Lee
For international students, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required.

Tuition

Tuition and fees are set annually: the per-unit graduate tuition rate for the 2021-22 academic year is $1,566 plus applicable fees.

Tuition and Fees

Graduate Assistantships

The Conservatory of Music offers a limited number of graduate assistantships for students applying to the two-year program. Interested applicants should contact Program Director Fei-Lin Hsiao at fhsiao@pacific.edu.

Federal Students Loans

Graduate students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens may apply for federal student loans.

Outcomes

Our graduates enter the field equipped to use music-based interventions in a focused and concentrated manner to address health-related, psychological, educational, and other rehabilitative needs. Advanced study in various research, theoretical, philosophical, and multicultural orientations further prepares graduates for work in research, higher ed, and complex clinical settings.

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