Degree in Music Therapy | University of the Pacific

Making a difference through music.

University of the Pacific's Master of Arts in Music Therapy is an immersive educational experience that prepares students to be become professional music therapists capable of fostering growth, facilitating healing, and enhancing well-being through the transformative medium of music.

The dynamic curriculum begins with strong foundational musicianship, adding advanced-level skills through a blend of theory, research, and clinical practice aligned with the standards of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Graduates emerge compassionate and skilled professionals ready to make a profound impact in the lives of individuals and communities.

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Which program am I qualified for?

For board-certified Music Therapists

For everyone else

For Board-Certified Music Therapists

Master of Arts in Music Therapy

2-year, 32-unit program
In-person on the Stockton campus
For board-certified music therapists or candidates eligible to sit for the board examination only
Limited graduate assistantships available

New to Music Therapy?

Equivalency + Master of Arts in Music Therapy

3-year, 55-unit program
In-person or hybrid on the Stockton campus; hybrid only on the San Francisco campus
Includes a 6-month clinical internship and the CBMT exam
Choose a Thesis or Non-Thesis track
For students entering the field of Music Therapy
Requires an undergraduate degree in music or a related field (e.g., psychology or special education).
Prerequisites:
1. For those without a degree in music, we require 20 semester hours of music coursework/experience to include:
(a) 8 units in music theory, musicianship, arranging, composition
(b) 6 units in music history (including popular, classical, and non-Western music)
(c) 2 units in applied music instruction (or its equivalent)
(d) 2 units in ensemble performance (or its equivalent)
(e) 2 additional units in music electives.
2. Health Science:
(a) 3 to 4 units abnormal/clinical psychology
(b) 3 units exceptional children/introduction to special education

Note: Pacific does not offer an Equivalency-only program.

Why choose Music Therapy at Pacific?

The following are required for admission into the Music Therapy program:

Music Therapy Board Certification (MT-BC), or eligibility to sit for the board examination (not required for Equivalency program)
Bachelor’s degree in music, music therapy or a related field
Official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended
General GRE (Not required for applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or higher)
Resume
Personal statement
Three (3) letters of recommendation
Musical Skills Assessment:
- Perform two contrasting pieces on primary instrument/voice.
- Sing one piece from traditional or contemporary musical repertoire with self-accompaniment on piano (e.g., popular, jazz, country, musical theater; a lead sheet or sheet music may be used).
- Sing one piece from traditional or contemporary musical repertoire with self-accompaniment on guitar (e.g., popular, jazz, country, musical theater; a lead sheet or sheet music may be used).
- Sing one piece a capella from memory, drawn from folk, patriotic or children's musical repertoires (e.g., America the Beautiful, You Are My Sunshine, This Little Light of Mine).
International students must submit additional application materials, including a transcript evaluation and an English proficiency examination.

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Click below to download a PDF for your selected course of study:

Master of Arts Curriculum Plan

Equivalency + Master of Arts (Thesis)

Equivalency + Master of Arts (No Thesis)

A limited number of GA positions are available to qualifying students entering the Master of Arts in Music Therapy program. Students in the Equivalency program are not eligible for Graduate Assistantships.

Partial Assistantships may be awarded. Assistantships may be extended into the second year, with the possibility of an increase in award depending on the candidate’s success with the assistantship and with graduate coursework.

Eligibility Requirements

Online application* to Pacific's MA in Music Therapy program (no Equivalency)
Music Therapy Board Certification (MT-BC)
Clinical work experience
Strong musicianship
Resume & cover letter
Interview

Benefits

Full tuition waiver
An annual stipend of $11,520 for 20 hrs/week of service
Health insurance
Serve as a clinical fieldwork (practicum) supervisor for pre-internship music therapy students under the supervision and with the support of the music therapy faculty.
Develop advanced clinical specializations, supervision and program development skills, college teaching or research.

*No supplemental application is required.

Tuition and fees are set annually. A limited number of Graduate Assistantships are available for the MA program only (no Equivalency). Graduate students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens may apply for federal student loans.

Current Tuition Rates

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