Music Therapy, M.A., M.M.T.C.

Music Therapy Opportunities and Outcomes

In a survey of graduate alumni from the past five years, 100% of respondents reported employment in music therapy following graduation.

Our graduates work as clinicians in the following settings:

• Health care facilities: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Willow Tree Hospice, Friends Hospital, Reading Hospital
• Behavioral health care: Pennsylvania Counseling Services, Penn Medicine Princeton House, Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, Northbrook Behavioral Health Hospital, Onward Behavioral Health Programs, White Deer Run Addiction Rehab, ReMed brain injury rehabilitation services
• Music therapy agencies: Tempo! Music Therapy Services, Music Works, Great Lakes Music Company

Our equivalency students’ 2023 first-time music therapy certification exam pass rate was above average at 75%, compared with a national average of 69%. 

Music Therapy Program Highlights

• Take evening and weekend courses, allowing you to work during the day.
• Study current research, best practices, ethics, cultural diversity and a variety of theoretical approaches.
• Learn from faculty who maintain their own clinical practice and share their experiences with students.
• Practice your skills in an on-campus clinic where faculty support students in providing music therapy services to community members.
• Participate in workshops offered to students and alumni. Immaculata is an approved continuing education provider through the Certification Board for Music Therapists.
• Equivalency students can obtain board certification during their course sequence and begin their music therapy career before graduation.

Immaculata’s M.M.T.C. programs meet the educational requirements for counseling licensure in Pennsylvania. To pursue the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential, you must complete supervised professional practice following your graduate studies. Currently, Pennsylvania accepts the Music Therapy Board Exam as an entrance examination for professional counseling licensure. For further information, refer to the Licensure section of this handbook and Pennsylvania law.

You assume responsibility for ensuring that you meet all requirements for licensure, including payment of state fees. To pursue licensure outside Pennsylvania, follow the regulations and procedures stipulated by those jurisdictions and verify that your graduate studies in music therapy

Music Therapy and Counseling Dual Degree Option

If you are interested in a career in counseling and music therapy with greater opportunities for licensure portability, you may pursue both degrees at a significantly reduced credit load. Graduate music therapy students with advanced standing may apply to Immaculata’s CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and pursue the dual degree for a total of 74 credits, with a required internship in clinical mental health counseling. Earning a CACREP-accredited M.A. makes you eligible to become a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and simplifies the licensure process.

Music Therapy Program Accreditation

Immaculata University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the music therapy programs are approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

Music Therapy Admission and Audition Requirements

Please submit the application materials required for admission to Immaculata’s master’s programs. GRE test scores are not required.

Arrange an audition and interview with the program director. Each audition has three components: 

1. Perform one piece on your primary instrument, typically a piece from the “classical” tradition. Jazz standards or other nontraditional pieces may also be included according to your undergraduate concentration. An accompanist is not required, and pieces do not need to be performed from memory.
2. Demonstrate existing skills in piano and guitar through singing and playing six pieces (three songs on piano and three on guitar) from “popular” music literature (for example, children’s songs, pop music from the 1960s to present, folk music, religious music and show tunes). Diversity in musical style is encouraged. Memorization is welcomed but not necessary. Students pursuing an advanced degree will engage in a discussion about clinical applications for their musical selections.
3. Answer questions in an interview about your application and your academic, personal and professional goals.

The musical requirements above also serve as an evaluation of your existing skills so that faculty may make recommendations to help you achieve functional music skills for music therapy practice. Therefore, if you have limited experience on one or more above instruments, you are still encouraged to pursue admission. Please contact the program director for more information.

Music Therapy Program Financial Aid

Your education is one of the most significant investments you can make, and we are proud that Immaculata’s graduate music therapy programs are some of the most affordable of their kind in the region.

You may qualify for $20,500 in Stafford Unsubsidized loans per aid year or for a graduate assistantship. Find out more about financial aid.

You may be eligible for a tuition discount if your employer partners with Immaculata or if you are a board-certified music therapist who supervises fieldwork for IU students.