Music Therapy Slippery Rock University

Overview

The Music Therapy programme at Slippery Rock University provides a comprehensive graduate education designed to advance the clinical and research capabilities of professional music therapists. This Master of Music Therapy (M.M.T.) degree focuses on deepening the therapeutic relationship through a curriculum rooted in social justice, ethics, and cultural diversity.

The course is structured to accommodate working professionals, offering a flexible delivery method that allows students to complete their studies while maintaining their current clinical practice. Students can choose between a standard 36-credit track or an expanded 48-credit path that includes a concentration in counselling.

Why Music Therapy at Slippery Rock University?

Slippery Rock University offers a highly respected curriculum that is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). These endorsements ensure that the education provided meets the highest national standards for professional practice and academic rigour.

Students benefit from learning under internationally recognised faculty members who are experts in the field of music therapy. The programme’s distinctive focus on advanced musicianship and clinical theory prepares graduates to handle complex client needs across various healthcare and educational settings.

A unique feature of the programme is the optional 48-credit track, which provides an endorsement in Clinical Mental Health Counselling. This specific pathway is designed to help students meet the educational requirements for professional licensure in Pennsylvania, though specific state requirements may vary.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 14418 per year
• National fee: USD 14418 per year
• Local fee: USD 9612 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to enhance both artistic and theoretical skills. Modules may include:

• Music Therapy Research
• Advanced Music Therapy Theory
• Clinical Mental Health Counselling
• Ethics and Social Justice
• Advanced Musicianship
• Clinical Supervision

Careers with Music Therapy

Graduates of the Music Therapy programme at Slippery Rock University are prepared for high-level roles in clinical practice, administration, and academia. The advanced nature of the M.M.T. degree often leads to increased earning potential and specialised opportunities in diverse professional environments.

Common career paths for graduates include roles as clinical music therapists, program directors, or clinical supervisors. Many alumni also find success as hospice or palliative care specialists, university instructors, or mental health and behavioural specialists in private and public sectors.

The programme also equips students with the entrepreneurial skills necessary to establish and manage their own private practices. By integrating advanced therapeutic techniques with leadership training, the university ensures that graduates can influence the future of the music therapy profession.