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music.colostate.edu

The goal of the Master of Music Therapy degree is to prepare students for advanced clinical practice with a variety of clientele. In addition, advanced training in research and functional music skills is emphasized. At the conclusion of the program, students are prepared to engage in advanced work in a variety of settings, in accordance with American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) Advanced Competencies. 

The Plan B requirement is a project that students undertake in MU 686, a graduate practicum course. Students will work with graduate practicum supervisors (who are individually placed with each student). The purpose of this course is for the student to thoroughly explore their clinical skills and develop an in-depth understanding of the population with which they primarily work. Students are expected to see a client(s) or client group(s) for a minimum of 2 hours of active music therapy implementation each week over the 16-week semester. Students will be expected to show improvements in their therapeutic skills over time, and will be graded on their ability to make improvements and demonstrate graduate-level clinical thinking skills.
 
The Plan B project needs to show graduate-level scholarship and be focused on a clinical population and/or skill set. Students will propose their project, create the project timeline, as well as indicate how they will meet advanced competencies with the project objectives. Projects must be approved by the supervising faculty member. Students must complete the project over the course of the semester (incompletes will not be given).

Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Identify theoretical constructs from music therapy and related fields that underlie various clinical practices.
  2. Define a variety of philosophies, approaches, and/or theories in music therapy.
  3. Describe research according to ethical principles in a variety of methodologies in order to sufficiently address meaningful research questions in music therapy.
  4. Implement a diverse and equitable approach to music therapy practice.

Admission

For information about the admissions processes to the Graduate School and School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, please visit our website.

Music Program Fee

A music program fee is assessed with Undergraduate and graduate music and musical theatre majors and music minors, per semester. Does not apply to the following students: online degree students and summers-only master's degree students.  Please visit the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for special course fees.

Effective Fall 2025

MU 543Intro to Applied Music Research Methods3
MU 545Composition and Improvisation--Music Therapy3
MU 648Neuroscience/Music Foundations in Therapy3
MU 649Advanced Practice in Music Therapy3
MU 686Music Therapy Practicum 13
Music and Non-music Electives: 215
EDCO 5XX/6XX
EDRM 5XX/6XX
HDFS 3XX/4XX/5XX
MU 3XX/4XX/5XX
PSY 3XX/4XX/5XX/6XX
Final Examination 3
Program Total Credits:30

A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program. 

1

All students complete a cumulative project in MU 686 to satisfy American Music Therapy Association requirements for graduate practicum.

2

Specific courses, music and non-music electives, will be approved by the student’s graduate committee. Students may be required to take additional course work as determined by diagnostic examination and/or their graduate committee.

3

The common final exam is required as the Plan B project for all MMT students.

For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees

NOTE:  Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.

Forms are available online.

Step Due Date
1. Application for admission (online) Six months before first registration
2. Diagnostic examination when required Before first registration
3. Appointment of advisor Before first registration
4. Selection of graduate committee Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) Two terms prior to final examination
7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) Within two working days after results are known
8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) When change is made
9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee
11. Final examination Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website.
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
15. Graduation Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website