Overview

The Music (Pre-Music Therapy) programme at New Mexico State University provides a comprehensive foundation for students aiming to enter the healthcare sector through the medium of music. This Bachelor of Arts degree blends artistic excellence with scientific enquiry to prepare graduates for professional certification pathways.

Students benefit from a diverse learning environment within the College of Arts and Sciences, where they engage in both theoretical and practical musical studies. The university provides access to specialised facilities and performance spaces that support the development of technical proficiency and creative expression.

The programme is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach, requiring students to complete significant coursework in psychology and human anatomy alongside their musical requirements.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 26883 per year
National fee: USD 26883 per year
Local fee: USD 8504 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to build core competencies in music and science. Modules may include:

Music History and Literature: Antiquity through Baroque
Music History and Literature: Classic through Romantic
Music History and Literature: 20th Century Through the Present
Sound and Music Technology
Beginning Conducting
Applied Music I
Applied Music II
Functional Piano I
BA Capstone
Anatomy and Physiology I
Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory
Abnormal Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Statistics
Physics of Music
Psychology
Human Growth and Behavior
Percussion Technique I
Guitar Methods
Class Voice I

Careers with Music (Pre-Music Therapy)

Graduates of this programme are primarily prepared to pursue the advanced clinical training and internships required to become board-certified music therapists. This pathway leads to professional roles in various healthcare and educational settings.

Potential industries for employment include mental health facilities, rehabilitative centres, and geriatric care units. Graduates may also find opportunities in special education or community outreach programmes that utilise music for therapeutic and developmental purposes.

The combination of psychological insight and musical expertise allows alumni to work within multidisciplinary teams alongside doctors, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. The degree serves as a robust platform for further postgraduate specialisation in clinical arts therapies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Ear Training

Music Theory

World Music, Jazz and Music Research

Abnormal Psychology

Developmental Psychology: Conception through Childhood

Anatomy and Physiology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

National: NMSU's priority deadline for completing the entire admission process is the Friday before the first day of class each semester.

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Las Cruces, United States

Disciplines

Music Art Therapy View 2682 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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Other requirements

General requirements

Have a high school degree with 2.75 GPA or above.

Official Transcript(s) with Graduation Date and GPA

Foreign Credential Evaluation report by a NACES-approved agency (preferably SpanTran) for every foreign transcript

Translated copy of official transcript from an approved translator – if official transcript is not in English

TOEFL or IELTS Score Report - unless you meet the exception for the language requirement criteria

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

26883 USD / year

≈ 26883 USD / year
Out-of-State

26883 USD / year

≈ 26883 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8557 USD / year

≈ 8557 USD / year

Living costs

Las Cruces

United States

806 - 1259 USD / month

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

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music (Pre-Music Therapy).

Available Scholarships

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

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