Skip to main content

Music Therapy, Creative Arts Therapies (MA)

Apply now Contact us
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Faculty
Program type
Thesis, Course-based
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
2 years
Credits
45 credits
Start term
Fall
Experiential learning
Internship

Program overview

The MA in Creative Arts Therapies (Music Therapy), is the only advanced professional training program in the field in Québec. It is offered exclusively as a low-residency online program with two semesters of core courses in the first year. The second year allows students in the Thesis Option to do their research and thesis and for students in the Advance Practice Option to do their three elective courses. 

The program is approved by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT), situated within a social justice framework, and is designed according to the philosophies and standards of education in music therapy. Music therapy facilitates personal growth processes through participation in expressive and receptive music experiences. The music therapist supports clients towards established and emergent health and wellness goals. Students will gain expertise in a particular area of music therapy through the completion of either a master's thesis (Research with Thesis Option) or a year-end capstone project proposal complemented by additional practicum hours and elective courses (Advanced Music Therapy Practice Option). The Research Thesis Option supports students interested in developing their research skills, while the Advanced Music Therapy Practice option provides students with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge in a particular area of professional music therapy practice.

Program structure

Degree Requirements

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.

Please see the Creative Arts Therapies Courses page for course descriptions.

Creative Arts Therapies (Music Therapy) MA Research with Thesis Option (45 credits)

18

credits of Core Courses

MTHY 600 Music Therapy Advanced Literature (3.00)
MTHY 601 Music Therapy Supervision, Teaching, and Learning (3.00)
MTHY 602 Advanced Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy I (1.50)
MTHY 603 Advanced Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy II (1.50)
MTHY 693 Research in Music Therapy: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods (3.00)
CATS 639 Interdisciplinary Topics: Cross-cultural Competence in the Creative Arts Therapies (1.00)
CATS 641 Interdisciplinary Topics: Ethics in Clinical Practice in the Creative Arts Therapies (1.00)
CATS 643 Interdisciplinary Topics: Ethics in Research in the Creative Arts Therapies (1.00)
CATS 691 Research in the Creative Arts Therapies (3.00)

27

credits chosen from one of the following:

MA Research with Thesis Option: Creative Arts Therapies (Music Therapy)

Advanced Music Therapy Practice Option: Creative Arts Therapies (Music Therapy) MA

MA Research with Thesis Option: Creative Arts Therapies (Music Therapy) (27 credits)

6

credits Advanced Music Therapy Practicum:

MTHY 623 Advanced Music Therapy Practicum I (3.00)
MTHY 624 Advanced Music Therapy Practicum II (3.00)

21

credits:

MTHY 699 Thesis (21.00)

Advanced Music Therapy Practice Option: Creative Arts Therapies (Music Therapy) MA (27 credits)

12

credits Advanced Music Therapy Practice:

MTHY 633 Advanced Music Therapy Practice I (6.00)
MTHY 634 Advanced Music Therapy Practice II (6.00)

9credits of Elective Courses chosen in consultation with the program coordinator.
6

credits:

MTHY 698 Music Therapy Advanced Capstone Project (6.00)

Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy with a 1,000-hour internship (or equivalent); OR a Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Music Therapy (or equivalent).
  • No less than a B average (3.00 on a 4.30 scale), or equivalent.
  • Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.

Application process

Application deadlines

FALL

January 15

WINTER

n/a

SUMMER

n/a

Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available.

International students: Considering the waiting period involved in meeting the entry requirements to Canada and Quebec, we strongly encourage international applicants to apply early and submit supporting documents prior to the deadline.

Tuition & funding

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees of the program may depend on your student status, among other key factors. Estimate these costs based on the most common situations.

Awards and funding

Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. They come in the form of awards, teaching and research assistantships are offered at the time of admission to most students to allow them to focus on their research and studies. Research and thesis-based students are automatically considered for all entrance graduate awards when they apply to Concordia, provided they meet eligibility criteria. No separate application is required.

The Quebec and Canadian governments offer a number of competitive graduate scholarships. We encourage you to apply for these awards at the same time you are preparing your application.

Out-of-province students

Get up to $9,251 in special funding for master's programs. Learn more

Other programs of interest

Music Therapy (GrDip)

Start your career as credentialed music therapist upon completion of the program. Students with no formal music therapy training but with strong music, psychology, and health backgrounds are provided the necessary education and training.

Department

Faculty

© Concordia University