Conservatory of Music
Master's Degree in Music Therapy
Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese translations.
Potential graduate students who hold a bachelor's degree in areas other than Music Therapy should visit the Certification (Equivalency) Program Plus Master's Degree.
Graduate level education is becoming the expected standard in many health professions. Although the AMTA currently supports standards for entry into the music therapy profession at a Bachelor’s Degree level, approximately 25% of music therapists in the US currently hold a Master’s degree. Advanced learning and skill development is seen as vital for maintaining both the quality of patient care, and to maintain a competitive position in current health care markets. As research-based profession, techniques and standards of care in music therapy are rapidly expanding. Advanced practitioners and researchers are collaborating in the development of empirically supported music-based treatments for specific problems and health-related needs in a variety of specializations.
At Pacific, graduate studies culminate in either research or clinical program projects that not only enhance the individual’s career, but also contribute to the advancement of the profession and to the quality and availability of music therapy services in expanding sectors of the health care arena.
| Coursework options, faculty supervision, and advanced level mentoring allow music therapy graduate students to develop advanced skills and knowledge for specializations in areas such as: | ||
| pediatric and adult medicine, and oncology | palliative care | |
| behavioral medicine | program development | |
| mental health or chemical dependency treatment | program management | |
| The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) | research | |
| University of the Pacific students pursuing the Master of Arts in Music Therapy are able to focus on their specific personal career goals, by selecting one of two tracks supporting: a) development of advanced clinical, administrative, and program development skills, or b) preparation for eventual entry into teaching and research careers. Generally, this will require completion of a master's degree in music therapy first, followed by doctoral level work available in other programs. | ||
| Board Certified Music Therapists (those student who pass the Board Exam) can receive Continuing Music Therapy Education (CMTE) by completing graduate coursework. (A NICE INCENTIVE FOR THE COMPLETION OF GRADUATE COURSEWORK) Credits are converted to CMTE credits as follows: | ||
| Graduate Credits | CMTE Credits | |
| 1 semester hour | 16 | |
| 2 semester hour | 33 | |
| 3 semester hour | 50 | |
| 4 semester hour | 66 | |
| 5 semester hour | 83 | |
| 6 semester hour | 100 | |
For entrance requirements and application, visit www.pacific.edu/homepage/graduate
Graduate Assistantship scholarships and part-time employment opportunities in local agencies may be available for Board-Certified Music Therapists. Contact 
Dr. Hsiao for more information.