MASTER OF MUSIC THERAPY (M.M.T.)

The Master of Music Therapy degree advances students from competencies achieved in undergraduate studies to competencies which are in-depth, analytic, interdisciplinary, and global. The program prepares students as clinicians, scholars, and leaders in the profession of Music Therapy. Graduate education provides the opportunity to acquire an advanced theoretical, research, and practical base for meeting the changing needs, nationally and internationally, of the people served by Music Therapists. Students may choose to focus on a specific area of concentration or choose a general track of study. The program is offered in an asynchronous learning format designed specifically to meet the needs of music therapists whose practice, family, or other life commitments may preclude the possibility of study on a full-time basis in a fixed time and geographic place. By means of on line education, teleconferencing and videoconferencing, this program permits the establishment of virtual collaborative learning communities not limited by geographic constraints. On-campus visits twice per semester are mandatory as part of the degree program.

ACCREDITATION AND AFFILIATIONS

The Master of Music Therapy Degree Program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

CHANGE IN TUITION RATE:

All students accepted in the Master of Music Therapy Program are eligible for in-state tuition. (This does not apply to Equivalency students.)

REGULAR ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Depending on the admission test one selects, the following formula is used to determine eligibility for regular admission:

• GRE score (verbal + quantitative) + [GPA (upper division) X 100] = 1200 or more
• MAT score (minimum 385) + [GPA (upper division) X 100] = 700 or more

In addition to meeting the formula for admission, applicants must:

• Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• Have completed a bachelor's degree in music therapy, including an internship in an approved program, or have completed a degree equivalency program, including an internship in an approved program.
• Show evidence of certification with the CBMT or be listed in the Music Therapy Registry for non-board-certified music therapists.
• Provide 2 letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references
• Have access to a computer with Internet connection. Due to rapid changes, specific computer system requirements will be specified upon acceptance.

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students will be eligible for provisional admission in the following circumstances:

• GRE score (verbal + quantitative) + [GPA (upper division) X 100] = 1100 to 1199
• MAT score (minimum 385) + [GPA (upper division) X 100] = 660-669

To gain regular admission, provisional students must complete 12 hours of graduate coursework at GCSU with no less than a "B" in each course approved by the Graduate Coordinator and by the Director of Music Therapy Programs.

EQUIVALENCY/MASTER ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students may be admitted jointly to the Degree Equivalency/Master of Music Therapy Program. The Degree Equivalency Program must be completed on the GCSU campus and consist of undergraduate preparatory music therapy courses. Supportive field courses for the Master of Music Therapy Program may be taken. No core music therapy courses may be taken until the equivalency and internship are completed without instructor and advisor permission.

Students must:

• Be eligible for admission to the Degree Equivalency Program (See undergraduate catalog for requirements)
• Have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
• Have successfully completed the GRE, or MAT according to GCSU's minimum acceptable scores.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

A minimum of 9 credits from supportive field areas, selected in consultation with advisor (i.e., Health Sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Special Education, Women's Studies, Administration, Business). All courses must be graduate level.

These courses may be taken on the GCSU campus or transferred from other colleges or universities. No more than 9 semester hours of supportive field courses may be transferred from another institution.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

Developmental Disabilities and Special Education

Mental/Physical Health

Women's Issues

Multicultural/International

General/Administration

Courses required in the M.M.T. degree program must be completed within a period of 6 years from the date the student begins taking courses at Georgia College & State University. Courses completed more than 6 years prior to completion of the requirements for the MMT degree will be regarded as outdated and will not be applied toward the degree program. This includes courses that may be transferred in from other institutions.

STEPS IN COMPLETING THE MASTER OF MUSIC THERAPY

1. Submit a complete application for graduate study and all supporting documents to the Graduate Admissions Office
2. Consult with the faculty advisor for development of a program of study and area of concentration
3. Complete courses with 3.0 GPA
4. Complete the comprehensive written examination
5. Choose a graduate committee
6. Submit a proposal for the clinical project or thesis
7. Complete the Final Clinical Project or Thesis defense
8. Submit a written application for graduation by the date specified in the official University calendar.

THESIS/FINAL CLINICAL PROJECT GRADUATE COMMITTEE

After successful completion of the written comprehensive examination, the student will choose a graduate committee to include the student's advisor, one professor from a supportive field area within the specified concentration, and one professor from any supportive field area. This committee will review the proposal for the thesis or clinical project and upon acceptance of the proposal the thesis or clinical project may be implemented. The student will arrange the defense meeting with the committee when the thesis or clinical project is completed.