Office in University Center for the Arts, Room 120
(970) 491-5529
music.colostate.edu
The master’s degree program in music therapy at Colorado State University is designed to provide Board Certified music therapists with advanced training in clinical skills and research. Our curriculum specializes in neuroscience and evidence-based music therapy to improve sensorimotor, speech and language, and cognitive function in children and adults with disabilities. Specifically, the study of music therapy at CSU is designed to prepare music therapists for advanced clinical work in music therapy, as music therapy supervisors and administrators, and for teaching positions at the college or university level.
The 30-hour master’s program requires a final clinical project and the completion of a common final exam. This program prepares the student for advanced clinical practice or to pursue research/doctoral study. Our master’s curriculum is approved by both the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the National Association of Schools of Music.
Applicants are expected to be Board-Certified Music Therapists (or eligible to sit for the exam) and demonstrate excellent musicianship and interpersonal skills.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
This degree is offered on campus and online. For additional program details, please visit our website.
Learning Objectives
Students who earn the degree will demonstrate advanced learning in clinical practice, research, and teaching. Specific outcomes include:
- Identify theoretical constructs from music therapy and related fields that underlie various clinical practices.
- Define a variety of philosophies, approaches, and/or theories in music therapy.
- Describe research according to ethical principles in a variety of methodologies in order to sufficiently address meaningful research questions in music therapy.
- 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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MU 543 | Intro to Applied Music Research Methods | 3 |
| MU 545 | Composition and Improvisation--Music Therapy | 3 |
| MU 648 | Neuroscience/Music Foundations in Therapy | 3 |
| MU 649 | Advanced Practice in Music Therapy | 3 |
| MU 686 | Music Therapy Practicum 1 | 3 |
| Music and Non-music Electives: 2 | 15 | |
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 |