BACCALAUREATE AND MASTER’S DEGREES
NEW PROPOSAL FORM: ONE-STEP PROCESS
(Submit One Copy)
REVISED FORMAL PROPOSAL
Institution: Kennesaw State University
1. Institutional Contact (President or Vice President for Academic Affairs): Vice
President for Research and Graduate Dean, Dr. Charles Amlaner
Date:
School/Division: College of the Arts
Department: School of Music
Departmental Contact: Dr. Harry E. Price
Name of Proposed Program/Inscription:
Degree: Master of Music
Major: Music Therapy
CIP Code:
Anticipated Starting Date: Fall 2012
1. Program Description and Objectives:
Kennesaw State University, the College of the Arts (COTA), and the School of Music (SOM)
propose a new academic program leading to awarding a Master of Music degree, with emphasis
in Music Therapy. The 32-semester hour program includes a 12-hour music therapy core, an 11hour music concentration (includes a thesis or final project), and 9 hours of outside electives in
related fields.
a. Objectives of the program
The objective of the music therapy program at KSU will be to prepare qualified music
therapists through the integration of comprehensive coursework, clinical training, and the
understanding of evidenced-based practice through the examination of current research. Music
therapy coursework will include opportunities for improved critical thinking, personal growth,
and utilization of technology. The educational philosophy of the music therapy program at KSU
will be from a cognitive-behavioral approach; however, KSU music therapy coursework will
promote a basic understanding of each of the common approaches and orientations within the
field.
b. Needs the program will meet
KSU enrolls traditional students as well as a large number of non-traditional and
commuter students. The music therapy program at KSU will provide opportunities for music
therapists working in the greater Atlanta area with an opportunity for graduate study without
having to relocate or completely leave their jobs. KSU has received informal inquiries and two
formal emails about the program from music therapists in the Atlanta area as well as from
undergraduate music education students currently at other universities. KSU will also offer the
combined Bachelor’s Equivalency and Master’s degree for those students without an
undergraduate degree in music therapy.
c. Brief explanation of how the program is to be delivered
The music therapy program at KSU will be delivered in the traditional face-to-face
instruction format due to the hands-on nature of instruction in the music disciplines. There might
be a few online courses used as electives.
KSU Music Therapy 2 of 34
d. Prioritization within the institution’s strategic plan
Adding a music therapy degree fits well with KSU’s strategic plan as well as plans for
growth for the School of Music. It also fits well the existing strong programs in Ociology,
Psychology, and Nursing. KSU has a commitment to public service and to the promotion and
support of visual, performing, and cultural arts in the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta area. This
program will address all of these.
2. Description of the program’s fit with the institutional mission and nationally accepted
trends in the discipline.
The mission of the KSU School of Music is to become a “nationally recognized leader in
the southeast for educating future teachers, performers, artists, and scholars, creating an inspired
musical culture for its diverse communities.” Last year, the KSU School of Music had grown by
15%. The addition of a music therapy program at KSU supports its mission toward growth and
public service to the community. The program will also be related to Music Therapy National
Association, since it governs professionals in this area and licenses them.
3. Description of how the program demonstrates demand and a justification of need in the
discipline and geographic area and is not unnecessary program duplication.
The state of Georgia currently only has one graduate program in music therapy and there
are no graduate programs in the neighboring states of Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, or South
Carolina. Students from these non-Georgia states could attend KSU at in-state tuition rates as
part of the Academic Common Market, which we will apply for if this program is approved.
There are a large number of board-certified music therapists practicing at the bachelor’s level in
the greater Atlanta area, who would also potentially benefit from the graduate program nearby.
Additionally, current KSU music students could pursue the combined Equivalency/Master’s
degree program after completion of a different bachelor’s music degree.
KSU Music Therapy 3 of 34
4. Brief description of institutional resources that will be used specifically for the program
(e.g., personnel, library, equipment, laboratories, supplies & expenses, capital
expenditures at program start-up and when the program undergoes its first
comprehensive program review.
The Kennesaw State University School of Music is housed in four buildings: the Music
Building, Wilson Building, Wilson Annex, and the Bailey Performance Center. The Music and
Wilson buildings house numerous classrooms, studios, and a keyboard lab/music technology
classroom. A large classroom (Wilson Building 114), used for music education classes, is
already stocked with a variety of instruments applicable to music therapy education (see
Appendix A for full instrument inventory). All classrooms are wired for Internet and have
computers and projectors for PowerPoint lectures and other multimedia presentations. The
Bailey Performance Center, opened in 2007, is a 630-seat auditorium designed to accommodate
a wide range of performance ensembles both for the School of Music and the wider community.
The Wilson Annex, opened in 2009, houses a small classroom, music studios, as well as state-ofthe-art practice rooms with soundproofing and USB recording capability. The School of Music
also houses the Performing Arts Library that offers music scores, music recordings, and DVDs.
The Music Library has access to Internet databases for scholarly journals related to the study of
music, music education, and music therapy, most of which can be accessed online.
Personnel resources for the music therapy program will include hiring a Director of
Music Therapy/faculty member and one graduate assistant the first year, and a second music
therapy faculty member and graduate assistant the second year. Finally, an administrative
assistant will be hired and assigned to music therapy the third year. Each graduate assistant will
receive an $8,000 stipend. The KSU School of Music already employs two music therapists, with
one as an adjunct professor who teaches the Music for Special Learners class for undergraduate
KSU Music Therapy 4 of 34
music education majors. This adjunct professor will also teach in the new music therapy program
from the beginning.
5. Curriculum: List the entire course of study required and recommended to complete the
degree program. Provide a sample program of study that would be followed by a
representative student.
Music Therapy students at KSU will essentially have three different track options, two of
which result in a mater’s degree: Master of Music in Music Therapy Degree only (for those
students who already possess a bachelor’s degree in music therapy), Master of Music in Music
Therapy Degree/Combined Equivalency, and the Music Therapy Bachelor’s Equivalency only
with no master’s degree (for people typically with an undergraduate music degree other than
music therapy).
MASTER OF MUSIC IN MUSIC THERAPY DEGREE
Kennesaw State University will offer the Master of Music in Music Therapy Degree. In
accordance with AMTA, this degree will place advanced music therapy studies within a musical
context: 38% music therapy (12 credit hours), 34% music (11 credit hours), and 28% outside
electives in related areas (9 credit hours). The degree requires 32 graduate credit hours as
outlined in the curricular table below. Students without a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy
must complete all of the Equivalency requirements including MUTH 5108 Clinical Internship
before taking any of the graduate courses in the Music Therapy Core (12 hrs). Required graduate
courses in the Music Concentration (11 hrs) and in Outside Electives (9 hrs) may be taken
concurrently with Equivalency courses. Students must earn a semester grade of C or better in all
graduate classes. Students must complete either a Thesis (MUTH 7101) or a Clinical Project
(MUTH 7102) as a capstone for the MM degree. The Director of Music Therapy must approve
the choice. In accordance with the AMTA Advanced Competencies, graduate students must
KSU Music Therapy 5 of 34
complete an advanced clinical practicum beyond the 1200 hours required for internship. This
advanced practicum will be embedded into MUTH 6101 and MUTH 6102.
Combination Equivalency/Master’s Students must begin the program in the fall semester
in order to begin the course sequence in the correct order. Students may start taking supportive
courses in the spring or summer with permission from the Director of Music Therapy at KSU.
Full-time students should complete the combined Equivalency/Master’s program in 7-8
semesters, including summers.
Master of Music in Music Therapy at Kennesaw State University
Music Therapy Core (12 Credit Hours)
Course Num Title
MUTH 6101 Advanced Music Therapy Methods I
MUTH 6102 Advanced Music Therapy Methods II
MUTH 6105 Advanced Repertoire for Music Therapy
MUTH 6104 Music Therapy Education & Supervision
Music Concentration (11 Credit Hours)
Credits
3
3
3
3
MUSI 6010
MUSI 6103
MUSI 7010
Introduction to Scholarship in Music
Graduate Research Methods in Music
Music Entrepreneurship
3
3
2
MUTH 7101
OR
MUTH 7102
Graduate Thesis in Music Therapy
OR
Graduate Clinical Project in Music Therapy
3
Suggested Outside Electives (Choose 9 Credit Hours)
ECE 7700
INED 7720
INED 7781
GERO 6100
GERO 6200
GERO 6300
SW 7900
HS
4420/****
HS
3335/****
Scientific Foundations of Early Childhood
Education
Classroom Behavioral Strategies
Cultural Issues for ESOL Teachers
Sociocultural Aspects of Aging
Health Care for Older Adults
Psychology of Aging
Death and Dying
Dynamics of Family Violence
3
Working with Families
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
KSU Music Therapy 6 of 34
SW 8729
NURS 7780
NURS 7795
NURS 7725
Crisis Intervention
Ethics of Leadership
Global Initiatives in Healthcare
Healthcare Theory
3
2
3
2
NURS 7794
Advanced Leadership & Policy in a
Multicultural, Changing World
Health Policy & Finance
3
NURS 7785
2
Sample schedule for graduate students who already have a bachelor’s degree in music
therapy:
Fall 2012
MUSI 6010
MUTH 6101
MUTH 6104
**** ****
Spring 2013
MUTH 6102
MUSI 6103
MUTH 6105
MUSI 7010
Introduction to Scholarship in Music
Advanced Music Therapy Methods I
Music Therapy Education & Supervision
Outside Graduate Elective
TOTAL
3
3
3
3
12
TOTAL
3
3
3
2
11
Advanced Music Therapy Methods II
Graduate Research Methods in Music
Advanced Repertoire for Music Therapy
Music Entrepreneurship
Summer 2013
**** ****
Outside Graduate Elective
MUTH 7101 Graduate Thesis in Music Therapy
OR
MUTH 7102 Graduate Clinical Project in Music Therapy
6
TOTAL
3
9
Sample schedule for combination Equivalency/Master’s students by academic year and
term:
Fall 2012
MUTH 5101
MUTH 5103
MUSI 7020
MUSI 3353
MUSI 6010
Music Therapy Foundations I
Recreational Music Techniques
Psychology of Music
Guitar techniques class
Introduction to Scholarship in Music
TOTAL
Spring 2013
MUTH 5102 Music Therapy Foundations II
3
3
3
1
3
13
3
KSU Music Therapy 7 of 34
MUED 3308
MUTH 5105
MUTH 5107
MUSI 7010
Music Education for Exceptional Students
Behavior Modification in Music
Intermediate Class Guitar for Music Therapy Majors
Music Entrepreneurship
TOTAL
3
3
2
2
14
NOTE: Students must fill in courses in Music Foundations and Clinical Foundations as needed.
Clinical internship may be done during Summer 2013 or Fall 2013. If a student is waiting for an
internship opening later in the Fall or Spring, then that student may take graduate courses from
the Music Concentration and/or the Outside Electives prior to internship. Internship may also be
split up into two summers at the discretion of the Internship Director and the Director of Music
Therapy in order to accommodate the working professional.
Summer 2013
BIOL **** Human Anatomy Survey
**** ****
Outside Graduate Elective
MUTH 5108 Music Therapy Clinical Internship
3
3
(min) 3
TOTAL
9
NOTE: MUTH 5108 Clinical Internship will have variable start dates and will most likely span
across the summer-fall semesters.
Fall 2013
MUTH 5108 Music Therapy Clinical Internship
(min) 3
TOTAL (min) 3
Spring 2014
MUTH 6105 Advanced Repertoire for Music Therapy
**** ****
Outside Graduate Electives
TOTAL
3
6
9
TOTAL
3
3
3
9
Fall 2014
MUTH 6101 Advanced Music Therapy Methods I
MUTH 6104 Music Therapy Education & Supervision
**** ****
Outside Graduate Elective
Spring 2015
MUTH 6102 Advanced Music Therapy Methods II
MUSI 6103 Graduate Research Methods in Music
MUTH 7101 Graduate Thesis in Music Therapy
OR
3
3
KSU Music Therapy 8 of 34
MUTH 7102
Graduate Clinical Project in Music Therapy
TOTAL
3
9
TOTAL
3
3
Summer 2015
MUTH 7101 Graduate Thesis in Music Therapy
OR
MUTH 7102 Graduate Clinical Project in Music Therapy
NOTE: Students may choose to do the Thesis/Clinical Project in the Spring or Summer
semesters according to their work load.
Master of Music in Music Therapy Students who already have a bachelor’s degree in music
could possibly complete the program in 3 semesters if they are going to school full-time.
EQUIVALENCY PROGRAM
Admitted students with a bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or a related field
can complete the Bachelor’s Equivalency in music therapy at KSU. This course of study will
address the AMTA Professional Competencies and culminate in the music therapy internship and
board certification, though it is not a music therapy degree in and of itself. Students have the
option of completing only the Equivalency or continuing on to earn a graduate degree in music
therapy from KSU, which is likely the most common track for these students. Music Therapy
Equivalency courses do not count towards the 32 graduate credit hours required for the Master of
Music in Music Therapy. Students without a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy must complete
Equivalency requirements, including MUTH 5108 Clinical Internship, before taking graduate
courses in the Music Therapy Core (12 hrs) for the Master of Music in Music Therapy degree.
Graduate courses in the Music Concentration (11 hrs) and in Outside Electives (9 hrs) may
be taken concurrently with Equivalency courses.
Equivalency students must have a minimum of 40 credit hours in general music
foundations. Students must complete these required undergraduate music courses if reasonable
KSU Music Therapy 9 of 34
substitutions are not found on the student’s transcript. Students may be asked to present course
syllabi from their bachelors’ institutions, in order to compare course content. Courses under
“Clinical Foundations” do not need to be retaken if already taken as part of bachelor’s degree.
Students must have a minimum of four semesters on an applied instrument. Equivalency students
must also pass both a guitar and piano proficiency exam (both with a vocal component), before
they will be eligible for internship. Equivalency students will take MUTH 5106, 5107, and
MUSI 1165, 1166, 3165, or 3166 as needed until they can pass the proficiency exams. Students
will also take MUED 3355 if they have a deficiency in singing. Students must earn a semester
grade of C or better in all required music therapy classes.
Equivalency Students must begin the program in the fall semester in order to begin the
course sequence in the correct order. Students may start taking supportive courses from the
Clinical Foundations or Music Foundations categories in the spring or summer with permission
from the Director of Music Therapy at KSU. Full-time students should complete the Music
Therapy Bachelor’s Equivalency requirements in 3 semesters. Students will be evaluated closely
on both their academic and clinical skills each semester through music therapy coursework and
practicum experience. The guitar and piano proficiency exams also do serve as barrier exams in
the program. Students will not be cleared for internship without passing these exams.
Music Therapy Bachelor’s Equivalency at Kennesaw State University
Music Therapy Core (21 Credit Hours)
Course Num Title
MUTH 5101 Music Therapy Foundations I
MUTH 5102 Music Therapy Foundations II
MUSI 7020
Psychology of Music
MUTH 5105 Behavior Modification in Music
MUTH 5108 Music Therapy Clinical Internship
Clinical Foundations (12 Credit Hours)
Credits
3
3
3
3
3 (min)
KSU Music Therapy 10 of 34
PSYC 1101
Introductory Psychology
PSYC 4430
Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 3305
Life Span Developmental Psychology
BIOL ****
Human Anatomy Survey
Music Foundations (40 Credit Hours, taken as needed)
3
3
3
3
MUSI 1165
MUSI 1166
MUED 3353
MUTH 5107
MUSI 1121
MUSI 1111
MUSI 1122
MUSI 1112
MUSI 2221
MUSI 2111
MUSI 2222
MUSI 2112
MUSI 3324
MUSI 3311
MUSI 3312
MUSI 3331
or MUSI
3332
MUAP ****
MUSI ****
MUED 3355
Class Piano I
Class Piano II
Guitar Techniques Class
Intermediate Class Guitar for Music Therapy Majors
Music Theory I
Aural Skills I
Music Theory II
Aural Skills II
Music Theory III
Aural Skills III
Music Theory IV
Aural Skills IV
Instrumentation and Arranging
History of Music I
History of Music II
Choral Conducting or Instrumental Conducting
1
1
1
2
3
1
3
1
3
1
3
1
3
3
3
2
Applied Lessons (1-2 credits, 4 semesters min)
Large Ensemble (4 semesters min)
Voice Techniques Class (only taken if deficiencies
are present)
4-8
4 (min)
1
MUSI 1107
Arts in Society (World Music)
3
Sample schedule for equivalency students by academic year and term:
Fall 2012
MUTH 5101
MUTH 5103
MUSI 7020
MUED 3353
Music Therapy Foundations I
Recreational Music Techniques
Psychology of Music
Guitar Techniques Class
TOTAL
Spring 2013
MUTH 5102 Music Therapy Foundations II
MUED 3308 Music Education for Exceptional Students
3
3
3
1
10
3
3
KSU Music Therapy 11 of 34
MUTH 5105 Behavior Modification in Music
MUTH 5107 Intermediate Class Guitar for Music Therapy Majors
TOTAL
Summer 2013
BIOL **** Human Anatomy Survey
MUTH 5108 Music Therapy Clinical Internship
3
2
11
3
(min) 3
TOTAL
6
NOTE: Students must fill in courses in Music Foundations and Clinical Foundations as needed.
Clinical Internship may be done during Summer 2013 or Fall 2013. If a student is waiting for an
internship opening later in the Fall or Spring, then that student may take graduate courses from
the Music Concentration or the Outside Electives prior to internship. Internship may also be split
up into two summers at the discretion of the Internship Director and the Director of Music
Therapy in order to accommodate the working professional.
a. Clearly differentiate which courses are existing and which are newly developed
courses. Include the course titles as well as acronyms and credit hour
requirements associated with each course.
The courses that are newly developed are designated by “NEW” after the course number.
b. Append course descriptions for all courses (existing and new courses).
Course
Number
Course Title
Credit
Hr(s)
Course Description
Course
Prerequisites
Req &
Conc
MUTH
5101
(NEW)
Music
Therapy
Foundations I
3-1-3
None
REQ
– ALL
MUTH
5102
(NEW)
Music
Therapy
Foundations
II
3-1-3
Exploration of the foundations of music
therapy including history, current
practice, approaches, philosophies,
interventions, and materials. Includes a
practicum and a weekly skills lab. This
course is an undergraduate requirement
for the Bachelor’s Equivalency in Music
Therapy. This course does not count
toward the Master of Music in Music
Therapy.
Exploration of the treatment process in
music therapy. Includes a practicum
and a weekly skills lab. This course is
an undergraduate requirement for the
Bachelor’s Equivalency in Music
Therapy. This course does not count
toward the Master of Music in Music
Therapy.
None
REQ
– ALL
KSU Music Therapy 12 of 34
MUED
3308
Music
Education for
Exceptional
Students
3-0-3
MUTH
5103
(NEW)
Recreational
Music
Techniques
3-0-3
MUTH
5107
(NEW)
Intermediate
Class Guitar
2-0-2
MUTH
5105
(NEW)
Behavior
Modification
in Music
3-0-3
MUSI
6010
(NEW)
Introduction
to
Scholarship
in Music
3-0-3
This course focuses on characteristics
and abilities of individuals with
disabilities and the effect upon musical
learning and performance. Students
will develop materials and teaching
strategies in music appropriate to
students with special needs. Content
includes current legal, educational, and
therapeutic issues as they relate to the
teaching of music. The course includes
field experiences.
This is an experiential-learning course
that provides students with
opportunities to practice skills with a
variety of age groups and ability levels
through group role-play. Each week will
include practice sessions, either inclass simulations or in community
settings, to demonstrate students’
progress as group leaders. Students will
learn to lead group music activities
including singing, instrument play,
movement, lyric analysis, and
songwriting. This course is an
undergraduate requirement for the
Bachelor’s Equivalency in Music
Therapy. This course does not count
toward the Master of Music in Music
Therapy.
Intermediate guitar group instruction
with a voice component for music
therapy majors. Focus on bar chords,
intermediate finger picking patterns,
intermediate repertoire development,
and song leading with increased skill
level. This course is designed to
prepare students to pass the Guitar
Proficiency Exam, which is an
undergraduate requirement for the
Bachelor’s Equivalency in Music
Therapy. This course does not count
toward the Master of Music in Music
Therapy degree.
None
REQ ALL
None
REQ ALL
MUTH 5106
or equivalent
AS
NEED
-ED
Behavioral techniques for use in music
education and music therapy. This
course is designed to fulfill an
undergraduate requirement for the
Music Therapy Equivalency. This
course does not count toward the
Master of Music in Music Therapy
degree.
Use of reference, research, and
bibliographical sources in music.
None
REQALL
Admission to
graduate
study in music
REQALL
KSU Music Therapy 13 of 34
MUSI
7010
(NEW)
Music
Entrepreneur
-ship
2-0-2
MUTH
6101
(NEW)
Advanced
Music
Therapy
Methods I
3-0-3
MUTH
6102
(NEW)
Advanced
Music
Therapy
Methods II
3-0-3
This course will provide information on
self-promotion as a music entrepreneur
including creation of websites,
marketing, and financial considerations
that a music therapist in private practice
will need.
This course is designed to develop
advanced knowledge in various topics
in and related to music therapy practice.
Topics may include advanced study in
hospice music therapy, medical music
therapy (including NICU), psychiatric
music therapy, geriatrics, or music
therapy in counseling. Though topics
may rotate each semester, focus will be
on designing treatment programs for
current and emerging populations,
applying current music therapy research
to practice, and practicing advanced
clinical skills. This course requires and
advanced practicum beyond the music
therapy internship. This course is
required for the Master of Music in
Music Therapy degree.
This course is designed to develop
advanced knowledge in various topics
in and related to music therapy practice.
Topics may include advanced study in
hospice music therapy, medical music
therapy (including NICU), psychiatric
music therapy, and music therapy in
counseling. Though topics may rotate
each semester, focus will be on
designing treatment programs for
current and emerging populations,
applying current music therapy research
to practice, and practicing advanced
clinical skills. In addition, this course will
also explore methods of music therapy
practice in other cultures and methods
of self-care for the music therapist. This
course requires and advanced
practicum beyond the music therapy
internship and is required for the Master
of Music in Music Therapy degree.
Admission to
graduate
study in music
REQALL
Bachelor’s
degree in
music therapy
or completion
of all
Equivalency
coursework
including
internship
REQALL
MUTH 6101
REQALL
KSU Music Therapy 14 of 34
MUTH
6104
(NEW)
Music
Therapy
Education
and
Supervision
3-0-3
MUTH
6105
(NEW)
Advanced
Repertoire for
Music
Therapy
3-0-3
MUSI
7030
(NEW)
Graduate
Research
Methods in
Music
3-0-3
This course is designed to impart
advanced knowledge in the areas of
music therapy supervision and
education through readings, lecture,
discussion, and role-play. Students will
learn the nuances of supervising music
therapy students, interns, and other
professionals. Students will also receive
an introduction to course design in
music therapy. This course is required
for the Master of Music in Music
Therapy degree.
This course is designed to teach
advanced skills and repertoire for guitar
and piano as appropriate for music
therapy sessions. Focus will be on
replicating vocals and accompaniment
with stylistic accuracy and improving
improvisations skills. This course is
required for the Master of Music in
Music Therapy degree.
This course is designed to impart
advanced knowledge of quantitative
research methods including design,
levels of data, variables,
parametrics/nonparametrics, statistical
tests, sampling,
counterbalance/randomization, and
reliability/validity. The course is required
for the Master of Music in Music
Therapy degree and is an elective for
the Master of Music in Music Education
degree.
Bachelor’s
degree in
music therapy
or completion
of all
Equivalency
coursework
including
internship
REQALL
Bachelor’s
degree in
music therapy
or completion
of all
Equivalency
coursework
including
internship
Admission to
graduate
study in music
REQALL
REQALL
c. When describing required or elective courses, list all course prerequisites.
The prerequisites are listed above for each course.
d. Provide documentation that all courses in the proposed curriculum have met all
institutional requirements for approval.
If an existing course is used, it has previously been approved. All new courses have gone
through the Kennesaw State University approval process and are attached to this proposal.
e. Append materials available from national accrediting agencies or professional
organizations as they relate to curriculum standards for the proposed program.
In Appendix A, the American Music Therapy Association Standards For Education And
Clinical Training is listed. This program has already been submitted to AMTA for consideration.
KSU Music Therapy 15 of 34
Once the program is approved by Kennesaw State University and the state, it will then be sent to
the National Association for Schools of Music (Appendix B) for approval in either the July or
November meeting.
f. Indicate ways in which the proposed program is consistent with national
standards.
Please see Appendixes A and B, which list all the relevant rules from the Music Therapy
National Association and the National Association of Schools of Music. As is clear, it is a
standardized degree offering, nationally.
g. If internships or field experiences are required as part of the program, provide
information documenting internship availability as well as how students will be
assigned and supervised.
Pre-internship Clinical Training
KSU students will complete the required 180 pre-internship clinical hours during the
Equivalency coursework. Practicum experiences are embedded into three of the courses: MUTH
5101 Music Therapy Foundations I, MUTH 5102 Music Therapy Foundations II, and MUED
3308 Music Education for Exceptional Students. Students must complete a minimum of 60
clinical hours (4 hour per week) for each of these three courses at an approved practicum site.
Students will not pass these academic courses if they do not meet competency level for the
attached practicum as determined by their practicum supervisor. Students must work with at least
three different populations during the course of their pre-internship clinical experiences and will
be encouraged to select a different practicum site for each of the three courses to meet this
requirement. Students will keep a time log for each practicum to document their 60 hours per
course (4 hours per week) and to specify how the time was spent. This log will be due at the end
of the semester as a required assignment for the attached academic course. Acceptable clinical
hours include both direct and indirect patient contact, including observing, co-leading, and
KSU Music Therapy 16 of 34
leading sessions, session planning, meeting with supervisors, and documentation. Mock sessions
and classroom role-play do not count as clinical hours.
Supervision
All practicum supervisors will fill out an evaluation form twice per semester for each student:
at midterm and at the end of the semester. The midterm evaluation will allow the academic
professor to become aware of any problems that a student is having and an provide an
opportunity to work with the student on a plan for improvement for the second half of the
semester, if needed. The midterm and final practicum evaluations will count as exam grades for
the academic courses.
Internship
KSU students will be required to do 1,020 internship hours (40 hrs/wk for 25.5 weeks or the
equivalent in part time work). When added to the 180 hours of pre-internship clinical experience
this brings the student to the required 1200 clinical hours. Included in the 1,020 internship hours
shall be both direct and indirect patient contact including observing, co-leading, and leading
sessions, session planning, meeting with supervisors, documentation, and any other activities as
assigned by the internship director. KSU music therapy faculty will stay involved with the
student throughout the internship process. A written internship agreement will be made between
the academic faculty, the internship director, and the student to ensure that exit level
competencies are met at the conclusion of the internship. The academic faculty will also request
a copy of the midterm and final evaluations for each student from the internship director. If any
issues arise by midterm in the internship, the academic faculty will work with the Internship
Director to develop a plan of action for the student.
h. Indicate the adequacy of core offerings to support the new program.
KSU Music Therapy 17 of 34
Core classes will be offered every year as well select courses in the summer. A few will be
every two years; well within the timeline a graduate student would expect. This would allow all
students access and timely course completion.
6. Admissions criteria. Please include required minima scores on appropriate
standardized tests and grade point average requirements.
KSU Music Therapy students must be admitted to the Graduate College, the School of Music,
and the Music Therapy Program. General admission policies are listed below:

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in music or a related field from an
accredited institution with an adjusted GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Applicant must submit an application, transcript, résumé, personal essay, and two
letters of recommendation from former professors or employers in music or related
fields. GRE scores are not required.

Applicant must participate in an on-site interview with the Director of Music
Therapy. During this interview applicant must demonstrate guitar, piano, vocal,
and/or principal instrument skills as applicable. Equivalency students will be asked
to match pitch vocally during the interview to screen for potential vocal deficiencies.

Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in music therapy must have completed a
music therapy clinical internship and have obtained board certified or be eligible for
board certification by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. These applicants
must also submit a DVD of an actual or mock music therapy session led by the
applicant.

Applicants who are non-native English speakers must pass the TOEFL with the
following scores: 550 (paper version), 213 (computer version), and 80 (internet
version).
KSU Music Therapy 18 of 34

Once admitted into the program, all students must take Music History, Music
Theory, and Aural Skills entrance examinations.

Equivalency students (without an undergraduate degree in music therapy)
must have a bachelor’s degree in music or a related field. Acceptable related fields
are psychology, education, social work, or nursing; however, these applicants must
have previous musical training and serious study on a classical instrument. These
students must make up any deficiencies in the Music Foundations category of the
Equivalency program.
7. Availability of assistantships (if applicable).
This submission indicates a need for two assistantships by the time the full faculty and
degree are in place; one the first and one the second year. It is anticipated that the number of
students in the program will well support the funds for these assistantships.
8. Student learning outcomes and other associated outcomes of the proposed program.
Students who graduate from this program will be expected to demonstrate the following:
A. Demonstrate advanced competencies as outlined by the American Music Therapy
Association before the faculty and their peers.
B. Develop depth and breath of understanding in required areas, including music
therapy, music research, and musicianship.
C. Be involved with the community and develop their skills to promote themselves and
their programs.
D. Develop advanced capacities to work independently and make effective artistic,
intellectual, and professional judgments in their area of expertise.
KSU Music Therapy 19 of 34
E. Produce an acceptable thesis or final project working with a committee to monitor
progress and certify completion of the degree.
F. Demonstrate appropriate levels of knowledge and skills upon graduation, regarding
levels of artistic, intellectual, and disciplinary engagement with the subject matter
and projects related to the degree.
9. Administration of the program:
a. Indicate where the program will be housed within the academic units of the
institution.
The Master of Music in Music Therapy program will be housed in the School of Music
within the College of the Arts at Kennesaw State University.
b. Describe the administration of the program inclusive of coordination and
responsibility.
The Director of Music Therapy, who will report to the SOM Director, will administer it
in the School of Music. Ultimately, a staff member will assist with these efforts, as the
program grows.
10. Waiver to Degree-Credit Hour (if applicable): If the program exceeds the maximum
credit hour requirement at a specific degree level, then provide an explanation supporting
the increase in hours (Note: The maximum for bachelor’s degrees is 120-semester credit
hours and the maximum for master’s degrees is 36-semester credit hours).
Not applicable, since the Master of Music in Music Therapy degree is 32 hours.
11. Accreditation: Describe disciplinary accreditation requirements associated with the
program (if applicable).
The National Association of Music Therapy is currently considering the program. This is
being done at the same time that the state of Georgia considers offering the program. The
National Association of Schools of Music accrediting body requires us to send the degree to the
organization’s Commission on Accreditation after the state of Georgia’s approval. At that point,
KSU Music Therapy 20 of 34
NASM will review the proposal at its next meeting in either June or November for the program
approval.
12. Projected enrollment for the program especially during the first three years of
implementation. Please indicate whether enrollments will be cohort-based.
Fall 2012
Fall 2013
Fall 2014
Fall 2015
Fall 2016
10
20
25
33
40
Enrollment
13. Faculty
a. Provide an inventory of faculty directly involved with the administration of the
program. For each faculty member, provide the following information:
Faculty Name
Rank
Highest
Degree
Degrees
Earned
TBD
TBD
Ph.D.
TBD
Music Therapy
0%
TBD
TBD
Ph.D.
TBD
Music Therapy
0%
Adjunct
M.M.
B.M.T.,
M.Ed.
Music Therapy
3 FTE/yr
Amber Weldon-Stephens
Academic
Discipline
Current
Workload
Expected responsibilities in the program:
The people responsible for the daily management of this program would be the new
faculty who we are listing in this degree proposal. They will report to the Director of the
School of Music. The only person who is currently on the faculty who would teach a music
therapy course is Amber Wedlon-Stephens.
Teach graduate and cross-listed courses:
In addition to the music classes that have been proposed in the Master’s of Music degree
currently being considered and the existing courses currently being offered by KSU, the new
faculty and Adjunct Professor Weldon-Stephens will teach the music therapy courses.
Total Number of Faculty: ______3_____
KSU Music Therapy 21 of 34
b. If it will be necessary to add faculty in order to begin the program, give the
desired qualifications of the persons to be added, with a timetable for adding new
faculty and plan for funding new positions.
Personnel resources for the music therapy program will include hiring a Director of Music
Therapy/faculty member and one graduate assistant the first year, a second music therapy faculty
member and a second graduate assistant the second year, and an administrative assistant assigned
to music therapy the third year. Each graduate assistant will receive an $8,000 stipend. The KSU
School of Music already employs one music therapist as an adjunct professor who teaches the
Music Education for Exceptional Students class for undergraduate music education majors. This
adjunct professor will also teach in the new music therapy program from the beginning.
14. Fiscal, Facilities, Enrollment Impact, and Estimated Budget
a. Provide a narrative that explains how current institutional resources will be
expended specifically for this program. Provide a narrative that explains how the
institution will fiscally support the establishment of the new program through the
redirection of existing resources and acquisition of new resources. Indicate whether
the institution will submit a request for new funds as part of its budget request. The
narrative also needs to explain the basis of the institution’s projections with regard
to anticipated EFT, head count, student enrollment, estimated expenditures, and
projected revenues.
The faculty will be two new members of the School of Music, with the exception of one
therapist who will likely teach an additional course or two, in addition to the current course
taught once a year. It is anticipated that the bulk of the funding for this degree will come
from the tuition. It will be the only master’s degree in music therapy that has a physical
location in Georgia. Being in Atlanta makes it quite attractive., and being about 90 minutes
from Chattanooga, makes it available to people in that city as well. There is a master’s
available at the Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville; however, it is online
and only for people who have an undergraduate degree in music therapy. This will be the
only degree that allows an equivalency to be included with master’s. SO, the degree will be
both a master’s and make available the equivalency. This means that students in other areas
KSU Music Therapy 22 of 34
of music or related degrees can attend this program for certification and a master’s degree.
The sample degrees show what it would be with or without an equivalency.
First Year
FY 2013
I. ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS
Student Majors
Shifted from other programs
New to the institution
Total Majors
Course Sections Satisfying Program
Requirements
Previously existing (including cross
listing)
New
Total Program Course Sections
Credit Hours Generated by Those
Courses
Existing enrollments
New enrollments
Total Credit Hours
DEGREES AWARDED
II. EXPENDITURES
Personnel – reassigned or existing
positions
Faculty
Part-time Faculty
Graduate Assistants
Administrators
Support Staff
Fringe Benefits
Other Personnel Costs
Total Existing Personnel Costs
Personnel – new positions
Faculty
Part-time Faculty
Graduate Assistants
Administrators
Support Staff
Fringe Benefits
Other personnel costs
Total New Personnel Costs
Start-up Costs (one-time expenses)
Library/learning resources
Equipment
Other
Second Year
FY 2014
Third Year
FY 2015
Fourth Year
FY 2016
Fifth Year
FY 2017
0
10
10
0
20
20
0
25
25
0
33
33
0
40
40
1
3
3
3
3
7
8
4
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
300
300
0
600
600
0
750
750
0
990
990
0
1200
1200
0
4
10
15
15
EFT Dollars
EFT Dollars
EFT Dollars
EFT Dollars
EFT Dollars
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3,000
0
0
0
0
0
3,000
0
6,000
0
0
0
0
0
6,000
0
6,000
0
0
0
0
0
6,000
0
6,000
0
0
0
0
0
6,000
55,000
0
8,000
0
0
17,000
0
80,000
106,000
0
16,000
0
0
34,000
0
159,000
106,000
0
16,000
0
24,000
40,000
0
189,000
106,000
0
16,000
0
24,000
40,000
0
189,000
106,000
0
16,000
0
24,000
40,000
0
189,000
1,000
2,000
0
300
2,000
0
200
2,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
KSU Music Therapy 23 of 34
Physical Facilities: construction or major
renovation
Total One-time Costs
0
0
0
0
0
3,000
2,300
2,200
0
0
Operating Costs (recurring costs – base
budget)
Supplies/Expenses
Travel
Equipment
Library/learning resources
Other
Total Recurring Costs
100
1,000
0
0
0
1,100
100
2,000
0
600
0
2,700
100
2,000
0
400
0
2,500
100
2,000
0
600
0
2,700
100
2,000
0
600
0
2.700
84,100
164,000
193,700
191,500
191,500
GRAND TOTAL COSTS
III. REVENUE SOURCES
Source of Funds
Reallocation of existing funds
New student workload
New Tuition (not including mandatory fees)
Federal funds
Other grants
Student fees ($200 per term for lessons)
Other
New state allocation requested for budget hearing
2,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
60,000
0
0
1,600
0
0
120,000
0
0
3,200
0
0
150,000
0
0
4,000
0
0
198,000
0
0
4,400
0
0
240,000
0
0
4,800
0
0
63,600
126,200
159,000
205,400
247,800
Nature of Funds
Base budget
One-time funds
GRAND TOTAL REVENUES
KSU Music Therapy 24 of 34
Facilities Information for New Academic Programs
Proposed Location for the Program: ________School of Music______
Floor area required for the program (gross and net square feet): ____0________
Type of spaces required:
 Number of classrooms
 Number of labs
 Number of offices
 Other spaces
_2_(space likely available/not include cross-listed)_
____0______
____2______
____0_______
Place an “X” beside the appropriate selection:
____X___
Existing facility will be used as is (area square footage):
________
Existing facility will require modification (area square footage):
Projected renovation cost:
Estimated relocation cost:
Total funding required:
Source of Funding:
____0___
Construction of new facilities will be required (area square footage):
Estimated construction cost:
Estimated total project cost:
Proposed source of funding:
List any infrastructure impacts that the program will have (i.e., parking, power, HVAC, etc.) and
indicated estimated cost and source of funding.
None
Other comments:
The current space available is adequate.
Note: A system office Facilities Project Manager (through the Office of Facilities) may contact
you with further questions separate from the review of the new academic program.
KSU Music Therapy 25 of 34
APPENDIX A
American Music Therapy Association Standards For Education And Clinical Training
1.0 General Standards For Academic Institutions
1.1 Only regionally accredited, degree-granting institutions awarding at least the bachelor’s
degree may offer an academic program in music therapy eligible for program approval by the
Association.
1.2 The Association will grant academic program approval only when every music therapy
curricular program of the applicant institution (including graduate work, if offered) meets the
standards of the Association. Note: This policy excludes doctoral degree programs in music
therapy until such time as AMTA and NASM have worked together to delineate the doctoral
degree in music therapy.
1.3 The administrative section of the academic institution housing the music therapy unit shall
have a clearly defined organizational structure, with administrative officers who involve music
therapy faculty at the appropriate level of decision making and who provide the necessary
support systems for effective implementation of the program.
1.4 The music therapy unit shall be administratively organized in a way that enables students to
complete the program and accomplish its educational objectives within the designated time
frame.
1.5 The academic institution shall have the space, equipment, library, technology, and instrument
resources necessary to support degree objectives.
1.6 The rationale and objectives of each music therapy degree program offered by the academic
institution shall be clearly defined, responsive to significant trends and needs in the profession,
and consistent with clinical and ethical standards of practice.
1.7 The degree title shall be consistent with educational objectives and curricular requirements of
the program.
1.8 The music therapy unit shall have criteria and procedures for admission that reflect the
abilities and qualities needed by the student to accomplish degree objectives. The unit shall also
have criteria and procedures for determining advanced standing and transfer credit.
1.9 The music therapy unit shall have criteria and procedures for determining student retention,
and specifying conditions for dismissal. These shall reflect the level of competence expected of
students at various stages during and upon completion of the program.
1.10 The music therapy unit shall take primary responsibility for academic advisement and
career counseling of all music therapy majors.
KSU Music Therapy 26 of 34
1.11 The music therapy unit shall conduct periodic evaluation of its programs and graduates
according to competency objectives of each degree program. The results of these evaluations
shall be used as the basis of program development, quality control, and change.
1.12 All music therapy programs in branch campuses or extension programs must meet all
NASM Standards for Branch Campuses and External Programs.
1.13 All programs approved by the Association that offer distance learning programs must meet
NASM Standards for Distance Learning and the AMTA Guidelines for Distance Learning.
2.0 STANDARDS FOR COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION
2.1 The Association shall establish and maintain competency-based standards for ensuring the
quality of education and clinical training in the field. Specifically:
2.1.1 The Association shall establish educational objectives for academic and clinical training
programs that are outcome specific. That is, the standards shall specify learning outcomes, or the
various areas of knowledge, skills, and abilities that graduates will acquire as a result of the
program.
2.1.2 The Association shall formulate and update these competency objectives based on what
knowledge, skills, and abilities are needed by graduates to perform the various levels and types
of responsibilities of a professional music therapist. As such, the standards must continually
reflect current practices in both treatment and prevention, illness and wellness; embrace diverse
models, orientations and applications of music therapy; address consumer needs; and stimulate
growth of the discipline and profession.
2.1.3 The Association shall use these competency-based standards as the basis for evaluating
academic and clinical training programs and awarding its approval.
2.2 The Association shall establish curricular structures for academic programs based on
competency objectives and title of the degree. A curricular structure gives credit distributions for
broad areas of study that must be included in each degree type (e.g., for the M.M. degree, 40% in
music therapy, 30% in music, 30% in electives). These curricular structures shall be consistent
with those outlined by NASM.
2.3 Academic institutions shall design degree programs in music therapy according to the
competency objectives required or recommended by AMTA and the appropriate curricular
structure.
2.4 Internship programs shall be designed according to competency objectives delineated by the
Association, and in relation to the competency objectives addressed by affiliate academic
institutions.
2.5 The academic institution and internship program shall evaluate students of its programs
according to the competency requirements established by AMTA, and shall use the evaluation in
determining each student’s readiness for graduation.
KSU Music Therapy 27 of 34
3.0 STANDARDS FOR BACHELOR’S DEGREES
3.1 Academic Component
3.1.1 The bachelor’s degree in music therapy (and equivalency programs) shall be designed to
impart professional competencies in three main areas: musical foundations, clinical foundations,
and music therapy foundations and principles, as specified in the AMTA Professional
Competencies. A program of academic coursework and clinical training that gives students who
have degrees outside of music therapy the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in music therapy
may be offered post-baccalaureate. For equivalency programs combined with the master’s
degree, all AMTA Standards for Master’s Degrees must be met.
3.1.2 In compliance with NASM Standards, the bachelor’s degree in music therapy shall be
divided into areas of study as follows (based on 120 semester hours or its equivalent). Please
note that the following outline of content areas listed below is not intended to designate course
titles.
Musical Foundations (45%)
Music Theory
Composition and Arranging
Music History and
Literature
Applied Music Major
Ensembles
Conducting
Functional Piano, Guitar,
Percussion, and Voice
Improvisation
Clinical Foundations (15%)
Exceptionality and Psychopathology
Normal Human
Development
Principles of Therapy
The Therapeutic Relationship
Music Therapy (15%)
Foundations and Principles
Assessment and Evaluation
Methods and
Techniques
Pre-Internship and Internship Courses
Psychology of Music
Music Therapy
Research
Influence of Music on Behavior
Music Therapy with Various Populations
General Education (20-25%)
English, Math, Social Sciences, Arts, Humanities, Physical
Sciences, etc.
Electives (5%)
3.1.3 The academic institution shall take primary responsibility for the education and clinical
training of its students at the professional level. This involves: offering the necessary academic
courses to achieve required competency objectives, organizing and overseeing the student’s
clinical training, integrating the student’s academic and clinical learning experiences according
to developmental sequences, and evaluating student competence at various stages of the
program.
3.1.4 The music therapy unit shall evaluate each student’s competence level in the required areas
prior to completion of degree or equivalency requirements.
3.2 Clinical Training Component
3.2.1 The academic institution shall take primary responsibility for providing students with the
entire continuum of clinical training experiences with a representative range of client populations
in diverse settings. Toward that end, the academic institution shall establish and maintain
KSU Music Therapy 28 of 34
training and internship agreements with a sufficient number and diversity of field agencies that
have the client population, supervisory personnel, and program resources needed to train interns
and/or provide pre-internship clinical training experiences. Qualified supervision of clinical
training is required and coordinated or verified by the academic institution.
3.2.2 The academic institution shall design its own clinical training program, including types of
pre-internship and internship requirements, the number of hours for each placement, the variety
of client types involved, and whether internship sites will be approved by the Association, the
academic institution, or both. These pre-internship and internship experiences shall be designed,
like academic components of the program, to enable students to acquire specific professional
level competencies. At least three different populations should be included in pre-internship
training. The academic institution shall describe the design of its clinical training program in the
application for approval or re-approval by the Association.
NOTE: Academic course hours that include role-playing or instructing students in music skills,
session planning, documentation, and related skills for hypothetical clinical sessions in music
therapy may not be utilized as clinical training hours.
3.2.3 Internship, here defined as the culminating, in-depth supervised clinical training at the
professional level, may be designed in different ways: part or full time, in one or more settings,
for varying periods or time frames, and near or distant from the academic institution. Internships
are always under continuous, qualified supervision by a credentialed music therapist. (See
Qualification Standards for definition of internship supervisor.) Each internship shall be designed
or selected to meet the individual needs of the student. This requires joint planning by the
academic faculty, the internship supervisor, and the student, as well as continuous
communication throughout the student's placement.
3.2.4 Internship programs may be approved by an academic institution, the Association, or both.
Academic institutions will maintain information about affiliated internship programs that they
have selected and approved for their own students, and the Association will maintain a national
roster of all AMTA-approved internship sites open to any student from any academic institution.
Internship sites may choose to establish both university-affiliated internship(s) and a national
roster internship program so long as the internship site stays within the standards set by the
National Roster Internship Guidelines. The internship supervisor shall make final acceptance
decisions regarding applicants for their internship, regardless of whether the internship has been
approved by the academic institution or the Association.
3.2.5 University-affiliated internship programs must meet all AMTA standards of the Clinical
Training Component and Qualifications for Clinical Supervisors in this document, as well as
AMTA Guidelines for Distance Learning (if applicable). These programs will be reviewed in
conjunction with academic program approval or re-approval by the Association. Universityaffiliated internships must be designed so that the music therapy intern spends at least half of the
internship hours at one or more placements under the direct supervision of a credentialed music
therapist who regularly provides professional music therapy services at that placement(s). For
any portion of the internship when there cannot be a music therapist on site, the student must
have a credentialed music therapist providing direct supervision under the auspices of the
university. Direct supervision includes observation of the intern’s clinical work with feedback
KSU Music Therapy 29 of 34
provided to the intern.
3.2.6 The academic institution shall develop an individualized training plan with each student for
completion of all facets of clinical training based on the AMTA competencies, student's needs,
student’s competencies, and life circumstances. The various clinical training supervisors will
work in partnership with the academic faculty to develop the student's competencies and to meet
the individualized training plan. It is recommended that this training plan for clinical training
shall include specification of placements, minimum hours in each aspect of clinical training
including both pre-internship and internship experiences, and the roles and responsibilities of the
student, the qualified on-site supervisor, and the academic faculty. A written internship
agreement will also be made between the student, internship supervisor, and the academic
faculty to describe the student’s level of performance at the initiation of the internship. The
academic faculty will assume responsibility for the initiation of the internship agreement with the
intern and the internship director. The internship agreement shall include
• The academic institution's evaluation of the student's level of achievement on each of the
AMTA Professional Competencies based on information gathered from music therapy
faculty, recent supervisors, written evaluations of clinical work, and the student.
• The number of clinical training hours the student has completed (> 180) and the minimum
number of hours required for internship (> 900) to a total of > 1200).
• The starting and estimated ending dates of the internship. For national roster sites, these are
provided by the internship director.
• Any academic requirements the student must fulfill for the University during internship. The
signature of the Internship Director on the internship agreement signifies that these
requirements may be reasonably completed over and above the site’s requirements of the
intern.
All parties will participate in the formulation of the agreement which should be completed by the
end of the first week of the internship. The agreement will carry the signatures of the academic
faculty involved in assessing student competence, the internship director, and the student.
The internship agreement may also include other pertinent information, such as the length of the
internship; the student’s work schedule; the supervision plan; role and responsibilities of each
party; and health, liability, and insurance issues. The content and format of each internship
agreement may vary according to the situation and parties involved. This internship agreement is
required for both the university affiliated and AMTA national roster internship programs. These
individualized training plans and internship agreements are separate and distinct from any
affiliation agreements or other legal documents that delineate the terms of the relationship
between the university and the clinical training site(s).
3.2.7 The internship program shall have its own competency-based evaluation system to
determine whether each intern has attained required AMTA competencies. The internship
program shall also solicit intern site evaluations for quality assurance purposes. These
evaluations shall be forwarded to the intern's academic institution.
3.2.8 Every student must complete a minimum of 1200 hours of clinical training, with at least
15% (180 hours) in pre-internship experiences and at least 75% (900 hours) in internship
KSU Music Therapy 30 of 34
experiences. Clinical training is defined as the entire continuum of supervised field experiences,
including observing, assisting, co-leading, leading, and assuming full responsibility for program
planning and music therapy treatment implementation with clients. It is recommended that hours
of clinical training include both direct client contact and other activities that relate directly to
clinical sessions in music therapy. Such experiences also may include time in group and
individual supervision of client sessions, session planning, and documentation for clients.
Academic institutions may opt to require more than the minimum total number of hours, and
internship programs may opt to require more hours than the referring or affiliate academic
institution. In addition, when a student is unable to demonstrate required professional level
competencies, additional hours of internship may be required of the student by the academic
institution in consultation with the internship supervisor.
3.2.9 The internship must be satisfactorily completed before the conferral of any music therapy
degree or completion of a non-degree equivalency program. The student must have received a
grade of C- or better in all music therapy courses in order to be eligible for internship. The
academic institution has the ultimate responsibility to determine whether these requirements
have been successfully met.
3.2.10 Existing internship sites already approved by the Association shall maintain their approval
status pending adherence to the National Roster Internship Guidelines.
4.0 STANDARDS FOR MASTER’S DEGREES
The purpose of the master’s degree programs in music therapy is to impart advanced
competencies, as specified in the AMTA Advanced Competencies. These degree programs
provide breadth and depth beyond the AMTA Professional Competencies required for entrance
into the music therapy profession.
4.1 Curricular Standards: Each graduate student in a master’s degree program is expected to gain
in-depth knowledge and competence in both of the following areas. These areas may be
addressed in either separate or combined coursework as deemed appropriate.
4.1.1 Music Therapy Theory (e.g., principles, foundations, current theories of music therapy
practice, supervision, education, implications for research);
4.1.2 Advanced Clinical Skills: In-depth understanding of the clinical and supervisory roles and
responsibilities of a music therapist. Advanced clinical skills are acquired through a supervised
clinical component, defined as one or more music therapy fieldwork experiences that focus on
clients and require post-internship, graduate training.
NB: All master’s degrees in music therapy must include a supervised clinical component beyond
the completion of the 1200 hours of clinical training required for acquisition of the AMTA
Professional Competencies and concurrently with or following completion of graduate music
therapy courses. It is strongly advised that the student receive direct supervision under the
auspices of the University in either on-site or consultative form. Such supervision must be
provided by a music therapist who has acquired advanced clinical competencies.
KSU Music Therapy 31 of 34
In addition, each graduate student in a master’s degree program is expected to gain in-depth
knowledge and competence in one or more of the following areas:
4.1.3 Research (e.g., quantitative and qualitative research designs and their application to music
therapy practice, supervision, administration, higher education);
4.1.4 Musical Development and Personal Growth (e.g., leadership skills, self-awareness, music
skills, improvisation skills in various musical styles, music technology);
4.1.5 Clinical Administration (e.g., laws and regulations governing the provision of education
and health services, the roles of a clinical administrator in institutions and clinical settings).
4.2 Curricular Structures
4.2.1 Practice-Oriented Degrees. These degrees focus on the preparation of music therapists for
advanced clinical practice.
4.2.2 Research-Oriented Degrees. These degrees focus on the preparation of scholars and
researchers in music therapy, preparing graduates for doctoral study.
4.2.3 Degrees Combining Research and Practice Orientations. These degrees focus on the
simultaneous development of the ability to produce research findings and utilize, combine, or
integrate these findings within the practice of music therapy.
4.2.4 Graduate education requires the provision of certain kinds of experiences that go beyond
those typically provided in undergraduate programs. These include opportunities for active
participation in small seminars and tutorials and ongoing consultation with faculty prior to and
during preparation of a final project over an extended period of time.
4.2.5 A culminating project such as a thesis, clinical paper, or demonstration project is required.
4.2.6 Master’s degree programs include requirements and opportunities for studies that relate
directly to the educational objectives of the degree program, including supportive studies in
music and related fields.
4.2.7 Within master’s degree programs, academic institutions are encouraged to develop
graduate level specialization areas and courses on advanced topics based on faculty expertise and
other resources available at the institution. Therefore, the curriculum and the requirements of
each program must be tailored to the resources available, the mission of the institution, and the
contribution they aspire to make to the profession of music therapy.
4.2.8 At least one-half of the credits required for the master’s degree must be in courses intended
for graduate students only. A single course that carries both an undergraduate and a graduate
designation is not considered a course intended for graduate students only. To obtain graduate
credit, students enrolled in a single course that carries a separate undergraduate and graduate
designation or number must complete specific published requirements that are at a graduate
level. Distinctions between undergraduate and graduate expectations must be delineated for such
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courses in the course syllabi. Only courses taken after undergraduate courses that are prerequisite
to a given graduate program may receive graduate credit in that program.
4.2.9 Students entering the master’s degree without the bachelor’s degree in music therapy
and/or the MT-BC credential must take a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours
graduate credits toward advanced competence in addition to and beyond any courses needed to
demonstrate AMTA Professional Competencies.
4.2.10 A master’s degree in music therapy must include a minimum of 12 semester hours or 18
quarter hours of graduate credits in music therapy in addition to and beyond any courses needed
to demonstrate the AMTA Professional Competencies. These courses must be intended for
graduate students only and should not carry designations for both graduate and undergraduate
students.
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APPENDIX B
The Master’s Degree in Music Therapy
1. The master’s degree shall impart further breadth and depth to entry-level competencies such
as knowledge and skills mastery in music foundations, clinical foundations, and music
therapy.
2. The master’s degree shall also impart basic competence in one or more of the following
areas:
a. advanced topics, (e.g., music therapy theory development, quantitative and qualitative
research, supervision, college teaching, administration);
b. advanced clinical specializations (e.g.):
(1) a particular method such as music psychotherapy, music medicine, wellness and
prevention; or
(2) a particular clinical approach such as developmental, behavioral, or psychodynamic;
or
(3) a particular client population such as children with disabilities, developmentally
disabled, geriatric; or
(4) an area of practice requiring training beyond the entry level.
3. Other studies in music related to the objectives of the degree comprise at least one-third of
the curriculum. These studies may include course work in diverse areas (e.g., performance,
ethnomusicology, advanced musicianship, and analysis). The remainder of the curriculum
consists of supportive studies which bear directly on the specific educational objectives of
the degree program and which facilitate successful completion of the final project.
4. A final thesis project, clinical project, or demonstration project is required.
5. Students entering the master’s degree without the bachelor’s degree in music therapy and/or
the MT-BC credential must take a minimum of 30 to 36 graduate semester hours of credit
toward advanced competence in addition to and beyond any courses needed to demonstrate
entry-level competencies.
6. Master’s degree programs in music therapy may carry the title Master of Arts in Music
Therapy, Master of Science in Music Therapy, Master of Music in Music Therapy, or Master
of Music Therapy. Degree programs titled Master of Music Therapy require that at least onehalf of the course work be in music therapy studies.
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