Master of Science in Music

Radford University offers a Master of Science with a concentration in Music Therapy. The degree prepares the student for advanced practice in the profession as well as further advanced study. The degree program includes a required core of studies in performance, history and theory.

The curriculum includes Level I training in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM), along with course work focused on the development of verbal counseling skills and techniques. 

Curriculum 

Required Music Core Courses (9 credits)

MUSC 602 The History and Analysis of Western Art Music  Credits: (3) OR

MUSC 633 Analytical Techniques  Credits: (3)

MUSC 645. Research Methods in Music  Credits: (3)

MUSC ___. Music History Period Course  Credits: (3)

Supportive Music Course-Credits: (1)

MUSC 647-Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy   Credits: (1)

Core Music Therapy Courses (33 credits)

MUSC 620. Advanced Methods & Materials in Music Therapy  Credits: (3)
MUSC 641:642. Practicum in Music Therapy  Credits: (4)

MUSC 643. Supervision and Training for Music Therapists  Credits: (3)
MUSC 651. Special Applications in Music Therapy I  Credits: (3)
MUSC 652. Special Applications in Music Therapy II  Credits: (3)
MUSC 696. Music Therapy Project  Credits: (6) OR

MUSC 699. Research and Thesis  Credits: (6)

MUSC 593. Music Therapy Internship  Credits: (1-12) **Is not required if the student already has the UG degree in music therapy.

Supporting Counselor Education Courses (12 credits)

COED 611 - Introduction to Counseling Theories and Techniques  Credits: (3)

COED 614 - Group Counseling Theories and Techniques  Credits: (3)

Six (6) additional COED credits

COED 612 - Professional, Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling  Credits: (3)

COED 615 - Assessment and Appraisal Techniques in Counseling  Credits: (3)

COED 616 - Cultural and Diversity Counseling  Credits: (3)

COED 633 - Gender Issues in Counseling  Credits: (3)

COED 635 - Human Sexuality Issues in Counseling  Credits: (3)

COED 637 - Death, Loss and Grief Counseling  Credits: (3)

COED 639 - Counseling and Spirituality  Credits: (3)

COED 686 - Overview of Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders Credits: (3)

COED 688 - Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling  Credits: (3)

Admission Requirements

Minimum overall and in-major grade-point average required is 2.75. All graduate students in Music must take written diagnostic exams in music history and theory before the end of the registration period of their first semester of study and prior to admission to regular graduate status. Two letters of reference are to be submitted from professional sources (i.e., former professor/mentor, private teacher, etc.). All students pursuing a master's degree in music must have, at the undergraduate level, music courses equivalent to those required in an appropriate undergraduate degree program at Radford University. Students entering the M.S. in Music Therapy without a bachelor's degree from an NASM member institution must also present an entrance audition in their undergraduate major and minor performing areas for diagnostic purposes. 

Entrance Requirements in Music History and Music Theory

Students will be informed of specific deficiencies identified through the diagnostic exams and they will have the choice of two options:

  • Students may take prescribed courses to remedy the deficiencies. A grade of at least 'B' must be earned in the course(s) in order to remove the deficiency from the student's record. If a grade of at least 'B' is achieved, the student will have satisfied the entrance requirements in music history and music theory for Masters degree programs in music.
  • Students may choose to study on their own in areas of deficiency. Following individual study the student must retake the diagnostic examination(s) prior to completing 18 hours of study. Failure to retake the exam prior to the completion of 18 hours of study will require the student to utilize option 'a'. If upon retaking the exam(s) a satisfactory score is achieved, the student will have satisfied the entrance requirements in music history and music theory for Masters degree programs in music. The student will be permitted to retake the diagnostic exam(s) only one time, after which the option 'a' must be utilized.