Music Therapy
Request More Info
Music therapy is where art, science and patient care meet. Designed for music therapists with an existing bachelor’s degree in music therapy, this graduate-level program allows you to specialize in an area of interest and develop advanced clinical and research skills to further your practice.
During this program, you will develop advanced knowledge of a selected population or clinical area of practice, further your skills in research and writing for publication and gain clinical experience designed to enhance your ability to provide effective patient care. Thesis and non-thesis options are available.
- Program Type: Master's
- Academic Unit: Conservatory
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Standard credit hours: 34
- Delivery Mode: In-person
- Typical Program Length: 1-4 years
- Typical Course Load: 1-5 per semester
Why UMKC
Find career success
From academic and career advising to employment services and community partnerships, our award-winning faculty and staff can help you leverage industry connections and deliver the direction and support you need to succeed in your career.
Contribute to world-changing research
UMKC faculty and students break ground in key areas of science, technology, healthcare, education, law, the arts and the humanities — bringing in millions in funding in the process. If you want to work on the cutting edge of these fields and set yourself up for a career in innovation, there aren’t many better places to be.
Kansas City is our classroom
Our university is deeply integrated into the community, providing students with exclusive opportunities to gain hands-on experience, connect with area employers and network with local industry professionals.
After Graduation
Music therapists work in a rewarding role where they plan, direct and coordinate medical treatments according to patient needs. Employment for these professionals is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Potential careers
- Music therapist
- Counselor
- Teacher
$77,310
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Music Therapists (29-1129.02)
Potential Courses
Advanced Clinical Experience
This course gives you an opportunity to refine and enhance current clinical skills and integrate advanced-level competencies in musicianship, theory and clinical practice. You will also participate in…
Research Applications in Music and Behavior
Advanced study of research in music and behavior. Coursework addresses data gathering procedures specific to music, research ethics in music, preparation for publishing in music journals, and in-depth…
Seminar in Music Therapy
Designed to address relevant topics in the theory, practice and research of music therapy, this course promotes advanced-level practice for the music therapist. Topics are based on faculty scholarship…
Visit the Academic Catalog for a full listing of courses and descriptions.
Related Programs and Pathways
How to Apply
- Gather your materials
- Official transcripts.
- Names and locations of previous college(s) and dates you attended.
- Citizenship, residency and visa information (if applicable).
- Artistic resume or CV: Please list all relevant music experience such as ensembles, schools, teachers, performances and awards.
- Two references: List the names and contact information of your references, and the application system will send an email to them requesting that they submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters of recommendation must be received by Feb. 1.
- All applicants must successfully interview with the music therapy faculty.
- An audition for evaluative purposes is required for those with a bachelor's degree in music who are applying for the master's degree in the music therapy emphasis program. This audition will be scheduled separately from the interview and typically does not take place on one of the audition days. It is generally scheduled just before the start of the school year.
- Board-certified music therapists returning for the master's degree in music therapy must provide clinical skill competencies in lieu of an audition.
- Transcripts and test scores may be sent in after the Dec. 1 Conservatory application deadline but must be received by UMKC Admissions by Feb. 1.
- Complete the online application
- $45 for domestic graduate students or $75 for international graduate students.
Have questions? Request information to have an admissions counselor contact you about the requirements for this program.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: Dec. 15
Classes begin in August
Reduce Your Cost. Maximize Your Investment.
An amazing education shouldn’t break the bank, which is why we offer a number of automatic and competitive scholarships, grants and other financial aid opportunities — plus financial guidance from our expert advisors.