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Master of Arts in Music Therapy and Professional Counseling

The Master of Arts in Music Therapy and Professional Counseling Program is an interdisciplinary degree that offers core theoretical and clinical classes in both music therapy and clinical mental health counseling, preparing students to deliver evidence-based individual and group therapy in a broad range of clinical settings. 
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
CURRICULUM		 START
TERM		 APPLICATION
OPENS		 APPLICATION
DEADLINE
Master of Arts in Music Therapy and
Professional Counseling		 Fall 2025 (August) Apply Now Priority: April 15, 2025
​​Applications will continue to be accepted after the priority deadline on a space-available basis until the cohort is full.

M.A. in Music Therapy and Professional Counseling
Admission Requirements

1. Complete the Graduate Application
  • Language Proficiency Requirement must be met. Submission of TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test (DET) may be required. See our policy for full details.
  • International applicants must comply with all federal regulations governing documentation of financial eligibility in order to obtain an I-20 and visa. Applicants should plan to submit official evaluations and transcripts for initial admission.

 

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2. Application Requirements: Submit the following using the Application Portal.
  • A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 grade scale.
    • The baccalaureate degree may be in a wide variety of fields, though a degree in music is most common. Applicants who have a degree in a field other than music are encouraged to consult with Director of Music Therapy Dr. Anthony Meadows (ameadows2@su.edu) for further guidance regarding core music requirements.
  • Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (or currently attending) for initial admission. Official transcripts must be sent prior to enrollment if admitted to the program.
    • All transcripts from non-U.S.-based institutions must be course-by-course evaluated by a NACES or AICE academic credential evaluation company to obtain equivalency information on courses, grades, and degrees earned. Upload a copy of this course-by-course evaluation to serve as your unofficial transcript from that institution. Please note: If choosing to upload an unofficial evaluation, please contact the evaluating agency to ensure the same official version can be sent at a later date. Unofficial and official evaluations must be conducted by the same evaluation company to ensure consistency.
  • Resume/C.V.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation: one recommendation from an academic source to indicate applicant’s ability to participate in the rigors of graduate school and one recommendation from a professional source to demonstrate traits the applicant possesses to be a future allied health practitioner.
  • Essay (2 pages, double-spaced):
    Mental health challenges continue to evolve, with new issues emerging and existing concerns intensifying. Choose a current mental health issue or trend that you find compelling or concerning. Write a two page, double spaced statement addressing the below questions:

    • How do you envision music therapy and professional counseling playing a role in addressing this issue?
    • What contributions can these fields [each field] offer in promoting healing or prevention? 
3. Audition & Interview Requirements
Once an application is complete with all supplemental materials, qualified applicants will be invited to audition and interview. The music audition will require:
  • Performance of two pieces each on guitar and piano (sing and play) showing a range of popular music styles (rock, folk, pop, R&B, children’s songs, etc.).
  • Applicants may be required to complete a music fundamentals evaluation, depending on their background and experience.
  • Optional: Performance of one piece on the applicant’s primary instrument (does not need to be from memory).

After the music audition, applicants who meet academic and music requirements will be invited to participate in an interview with the faculty members of the Division of Counselor Education.

Prior to enrolling, admitted applicants will be required to complete state and federal background checks, obtain personal liability insurance from the start of the program, and will be required to adhere to immunization and vaccination policies of Shenandoah’s School of Health Professions’ and Music Therapy Program’s individual practicum and internship sites.