Overview

The Music Therapy M.A. at New York University provides a comprehensive foundation in psychotherapeutic methods, clinical theory, and advanced research. This American Music Therapy Association-approved programme is designed to prepare students for diverse roles in healthcare, education, and social settings. Students benefit from a unique focus on personal growth alongside rigorous academic study.

Why Music Therapy at New York University?

Students learn from internationally recognised faculty who are active clinicians and innovators in the field. The programme maintains a highly selective environment with a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 4 to 1, ensuring personalised instruction and mentorship. Located in the heart of New York City, the university offers unparalleled access to multicultural resources and diverse clinical placements.

Practical training begins in the first semester, allowing students to apprentice with leading professionals. Facilities include the Nordoff-Robbins Centre for Music Therapy, where students engage with cutting-edge clinical practices. The curriculum is approved by the New York State Education Department, qualifying graduates for Creative Arts Therapy (LCAT) licensure after completing required post-graduate hours.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 55254 per year
National fee: USD 55254 per year
Local fee: USD 55254 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical clinical competencies, focusing on improvisation and psychotherapeutic frameworks. Modules may include:

Music Therapy Practicum: Children & Adolescence
Music Therapy Practicum: Adults and Elderly
Advanced Theory and Methods
Music Therapy Research
Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy
Group Music Therapy
Internship in Music Therapy
Cultural Humility in Music Therapy Practice
Digital Technology in Advanced Music Therapy Practice

Careers with Music Therapy

Graduates are prepared for specialised careers as board-certified music therapists (MT-BC) and licensed creative arts therapists. The programme equips students to work with clients across the lifespan, addressing physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Alumni find employment in various settings, including medical and psychiatric hospitals, drug rehabilitation centres, schools, and correctional facilities.

The degree also prepares students for leadership roles within the profession. By the end of the programme, students develop an advanced clinical specialisation in a specific area of music psychotherapy, such as geriatrics, paediatrics, or forensic settings. This expertise allows graduates to pursue focused career paths in their chosen clinical domains.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Key Concepts in Music Therapy

Theory Development in Music Therapy

Internship in Music Therapy

Group Music Therapy

Theory and Application of Improvisation in Music Therapy

The Voice in Music Therapy

Cultural Humility in Music Therapy Practice

Verbal Aspects of Music Therapy

Digital Technology in Advanced Music Therapy Practice

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-06 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

48 SCH

48-60

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Music Art Therapy View 1020 other Masters in Music in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Résumé/CV

Statement of Purpose

Transcripts

Letters of Recommendation

Proficiency in English

Interview/Audition

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 USD / year
Out-of-State

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 USD / year

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Music Therapy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New York City

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners