2024-2025 Graduate Academic Catalog

M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Music Therapy (60 credits)

On-Campus and Low-Residency Options

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Music Therapy is a 60-credit program that includes clinical work and supervision in music therapy and training in the integration of the arts in the practice of psychotherapy.

  • The program can be completed in three years of study.
  • A first field placement of 450 supervised hours, and a second field placement of 700 clinically supervised hours are required.
  • On-Campus and Low-Residency students follow the same program of study.

Program Prerequisites

  • A minimum of six credits in psychology with grades of B or better.
  • One three-credit course in the Principles and Practices of Music Therapy or GEXTH 6200 in addition to the 60-credit program of study.
  • A musical audition as part of the interview process.

For the university's transfer credit policy for this and other programs, see the Transfer of Credits page.

Program of Study

Core Courses (30 credits)

GEXTH 5032Orientation to Expressive Therapies

3

GEXTH 5118Group Counseling: Music Therapy

3

GEXTH 6032Human Development Across the Lifespan

3

GEXTH 6102Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice

3

GEXTH 6105Examining Power Privilege & Oppression in Clinical Practice

3

GEXTH 6106Research and Program Evaluation

3

GEXTH 6415Psychopathology and Clinical Practice

3

GEXTH 6416Theories of Mental Health Counseling

3

GEXTH 6417Assessment and Testing in Mental Health Counseling

3

GEXTH 6418Vocational and Career Counseling

3

Field Experience Courses (12 credits)

GEXTH 5119Clinical Skills and Applications

3

GEXTH 6433Music Therapy as Trauma-Informed Practice: Supervision I

3

GEXTH 7714Supervision in Music Therapy and Counseling II

3

GEXTH 7718Supervision in Music Therapy and Counseling III

3

Note: Students who fail the music proficiency exam must take individual music lessons until the proficiency is passed.

Electives (6 credits)

Choose 2 courses from the following list:
GEXTH 5010Principles and Practices of Expressive Arts Therapy

3

GEXTH 6025Marriage and Family Therapy

3

GEXTH 6040Treatment of Substance Use Disorders and Addictions

3

GEXTH 7017Thesis Seminar

3

Students must choose GEXTH 6025 and GEXTH 6040, if required for counseling licensure as determined by student location. 

Students can also complete a 3-credit specialization or non-specialization elective course in consultation with their advisor. 

Specialization Courses (12 credits)

GEXTH 5117Theories in Music Therapy

3

GEXTH 6212Clinical Musicianship

3

GEXTH 7000Clinical Voice through Improvisation, Composition & Technology

3

GEXTH 7780Clinical Methods Development

3