Master Equivalency Program in Music Therapy
Pre-Equivalency Checklist
Students entering the masters equivalency program are expected to have already completed a bachelor's degree in music, including the courses listed below. If any of these courses have not yet been completed, they can be taken here at the Sam Houston State University. Taking these additional courses, however, may lengthen the amount of time required to finish the program. In certain situations, alternate courses from other universities can substitute for the required courses. Depending on the nature of the class, this decision will be made by the Director of the School of Music, in conjunction with the Director of Graduate Study in Music Therapy. In order to determine exactly whether or not the following requirements have been met, the student should obtain their official transcripts for their previous degree and meet with the graduate music therapy program director.
- ____Music Theory I, II & III
- ____Musicianship I, II & III
- ____Music Literature
- ____Conducting
- ____Applied Lessons (6 semesters)
- ____Performing Ensemble (6 semesters)
- ____Piano Competency (4 semesters of Class Piano and/or Passage of SHSU Piano Proficiency Exam)
- ____Introduction to Psychology
Applicants who do not hold a bachelor's degree in music must pass an audition on their primary instrument as well as an interview with music therapy faculty. For audition information, please refer to the audition material information page.
Students enrolled for the equivalency program must pass the Practicum Entrance Exam before taking MUS 311X, 410X, OR 411X - PRACTICUM IN MUSIC THERAPY. The purpose of the exam is to determine students' musical readiness for music therapy practicum. Failure of the practicum exam will result in a student's not being enrolled any of practicum courses (MUS 311X, 410X, or 411X) and Music Therapy Techniques courses (MUS 366, MUS 495, or MUS 496). Only one more opportunity will be provided for student who failed the practicum exam. If the student fails the second time, he/she will be dismissed from the program.
Equivalency Program in Music Therapy in Conjunction with a Graduate Degree - The first year of the program consists entirely of undergraduate prerequisite courses. Students must demonstrate successful completion of these courses before entering graduate level courses in the second year.