Anthony Meadows, Professor of Music
Ruebush Hall, Room 216; (540) 665-4583; ameadows2@su.edu

The Professional Studies Program for Music Therapy Certification Eligibility is an approved program of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) that prepares students with an undergraduate degree in music or a related field for practice as a music therapist [Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) eligible]. Through an integrated series of courses, students develop foundational knowledge of theories and practices in music therapy, learn methods and techniques for a range of settings and populations, and integrate personal experiences and philosophies while discovering what it means to be a reflexive, ethical therapist.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the Professional Studies Program for Music Therapy Certification Eligibility will be able to:

• apply comprehensive knowledge of music therapy theories, methods and techniques to clinical practice settings;
• assess, integrate and interpret client’s history, needs and behaviors to develop a comprehensive treatment program;
• access, interpret and utilize current research to inform clinical decision-making processes;
  and
• demonstrate integrated music skills that meet the diverse musical needs of clients.

Clinical Training

Clinical Training is a core component of the degree program and students must complete all initial clinical clearance requirements (background check without disqualifying offenses, clear drug screens, current immunization records, annual TB tests, COVID-19 vaccinations, attendance at orientation and other site-specific requirements) prior to starting clinical training (practicum and internship) courses. Students who are unable or unwilling to complete clinical clearance requirements will not be admitted to practicum and/or internship placements.

Clinical Musicianship

Students are required to complete three music skills evaluations prior to starting internship - one at the end of each semester of coursework. Students must pass each evaluation in order to be eligible for internship. Students who fail any one of these evaluations will be given the opportunity to retake the evaluation. Students who fail a music skills evaluation may not proceed to the next semester of coursework, or begin internship, until they have passed the music skills evaluation associated with that semester of coursework. Students who repeatedly fail a music skills evaluation may be asked to withdraw from the program. 

Degree Requirements

The requirement is 39 credit hours and an overall grade point average of 3.0.

American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) Course Requirements

To meet AMTA accreditation requirements, students must receive a grade of C or higher in each music therapy course (indicated on the program tracking sheet). Students who do not receive a grade of C or higher will be required to repeat the course. Students who demonstrate patterns of course failures (repeated grades of C- or lower) may be asked to withdraw from the program.