Ph.D. in Music Therapy

Program Overview

The Colorado State University Ph.D. in Music Therapy emphasizes research and scholarship, preparing students for careers in teaching, research, or advanced clinical practice. The program offers three core areas of study: research, clinical practice, and academic preparation. Students conduct original research and develop advanced competencies in evidence-based music therapy practices.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Ph.D. in Music Therapy at Colorado State University is designed for music therapists seeking careers in research, college-level teaching, or advanced clinical practice. The program emphasizes research and scholarship, providing students with the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research and develop original research in their areas of interest.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Advance scholarship in music therapy.
• Prepare students for professional goals in research, teaching, or advanced clinical practice.
• Develop students' research skills through coursework and collaborative research projects.
• Enhance students' understanding of advanced clinical competencies, focusing on evidence-based practices.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for teaching and learning in higher education.

Outline:

The Ph.D. in Music Therapy program consists of 72 credits, with 30 credits potentially transferable from a prior master's degree. The program is structured around three core areas:

Research Core:

• 12-15 credits focused on advancing research skills.
• Opportunities for original research.
• Courses include:
• MU 543: Intro to Applied Music Research Methods (3 credits)
• MU 743: Interpretivist Research in Music Therapy (3 credits)
• MU 744: Music Therapy Research to Practice (3 credits)
• MU 692G: Seminar: Music Therapy (3 credits)

Music Therapy Clinical Practice Core:

• 12-15 credits focused on advanced clinical competencies and evidence-based practices.
• Courses include:
• MU 544: Advanced Techniques-Neuroscience-Informed MT (3 credits)
• MU 545: Composition and Improvisation--Music Therapy (3 credits)
• MU 647: Historical Foundations of Music Therapy (3 credits)
• MU 648: Neuroscience/Music Foundations in Therapy (3 credits)
• MU 649: Advanced Practice in Music Therapy (3 credits)

Academic Core:

• 12-15 credits focused on preparing students for careers as educators or supervisors in music therapy.
• Courses include:
• EDAE 620: Processes and Methods (3 credits) or EDUC 651: Multicultural and Special Populations (3 credits)
• EDAE 639: Instructional Design (3 credits)
• MU 684: Supervised College Teaching (3 credits)
• MU 792: Seminar in Music Therapy (6 credits, taken twice)

Electives:

• 15 directed electives chosen in consultation with the graduate committee to meet the student's needs and career goals.
• Subjects may include:
• Neuroscience
• Music therapy methods
• Research methods
• Statistics
• Teaching methods
• Developmental science

Dissertation:

• MU 799: Dissertation (21 credits)
• Culminates in a substantial piece of original research.

Assessment:

• The program culminates in a final exam and the completion of a substantial piece of original research (dissertation).

Careers:

• The program prepares students for careers in:
• Research
• College-level teaching
• The program is effective Fall 2021.