Music Therapy Temple University

Overview

The Music Therapy programme at Temple University provides comprehensive training for students aiming to enter the clinical field of healthcare through musical intervention. This Bachelor of Music degree integrates rigorous academic coursework with practical experience to ensure graduates are prepared for entry-level professional roles. Students explore how music can maintain and improve cognitive, emotional, and physical health.

Spanning four and a half years, the curriculum includes 130 credits and a mandatory 1,000-hour supervised post-academic clinical internship. This intensive training allows students to assume full professional responsibilities at approved clinical sites during their final two semesters. The programme is fully approved by the American Music Therapy Association, ensuring high educational standards.

Why Music Therapy at Temple University?

Studying at the Boyer College of Music and Dance offers access to a tight-knit academic community where faculty members provide individual mentorship. Students benefit from the Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts, which hosts over 1,400 annual events, including concerts and master classes. The university also offers specialised research facilities and unique ensembles like the Electroacoustic Ensemble Project.

The programme provides flexibility through Jazz or Traditional concentrations, allowing students to align their musical training with specific career aspirations. Additionally, the Music Therapy Club and other student organisations offer peer support and professional networking opportunities. Students may also take advantage of study away programmes in countries such as Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 39072 per year
• National fee: USD 39072 per year
• Local fee: USD 22248 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on clinical methods, ethics, and research. Modules may include:

• Developmental Music Therapy
• Music Therapy Overview
• Medical/Rehabilitative Music Therapy
• Secondary Piano
• Applied Music
• Music History
• Psychology
• Music Theory
• Functional Instrument Lessons

Careers with Music Therapy

Graduates are eligible to sit the national examination of the Certification Board for Music Therapists to become board-certified professionals. This qualification enables them to work in a wide range of clinical and community environments. Employment opportunities are commonly found in the following settings:

• General hospitals and psychiatric facilities
• Geriatric facilities and hospice programmes
• Rehabilitation centres and private practices
• Schools and community centres
• Prisons and training institutes
• Universities and research settings

The Temple University Career Center and Boyer College faculty assist students in finding meaningful internships and job opportunities. These connections help graduates transition smoothly into the workforce, applying their clinical training to real-world therapeutic challenges.