MS in Counseling and Master Music Therapy
Loyola University, United States
MS in Counseling and Master of Music Therapy (Dual Degree)
Loyola University New Orleans
Counseling & Music Therapy
Program Overview: MS in Counseling and Master of Music Therapy
The MS in Counseling and Master of Music Therapy (M.S.C./M.M.T.) dual degree at Loyola University New Orleans is a distinctive 75-credit program that integrates clinical mental health counseling with advanced music therapy practice. This interdisciplinary program offers graduates greater variation in career options and the opportunity to study the mental health service delivery system from a wider perspective, with clinical experiences that enhance each program's practical training efforts.
Music therapy students who complete this dual degree will be eligible for licensure as clinical mental health counselors, while counseling students gain a comprehensive collection of music-based intervention strategies to add to their clinical skills. Studying mental health from two different perspectives deepens students' understanding of the field while making them far more attractive to potential employers.
Loyola's music therapy program, founded in 1957, is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), and the Counseling program is dually accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) in both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. This combination of accreditations ensures that graduates meet the highest professional standards in both disciplines.
Key Program Highlights
- Dual accreditation through CACREP (Counseling) and AMTA (Music Therapy), ensuring graduates meet the highest professional standards in both fields
- Eligibility for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Board Certification as a Music Therapist (MT-BC) upon completion
- Integrated clinical experiences combining counseling practicum and music therapy fieldwork with diverse client populations in the New Orleans community
- Faculty who are leaders in music therapy and counseling, actively engaged in clinical practice, research, writing, and advocacy
Curriculum & Modules
The M.S.C./M.M.T. dual degree totals 75 credits, combining core coursework from both the Master of Science in Counseling and the Master of Music Therapy programs. Students complete foundational counseling courses, advanced music therapy courses, clinical practicum experiences, and a research component, culminating in comprehensive examinations and a thesis or scholarly project.
Counseling Theories and Techniques
3 CreditsExplores major counseling theories and therapeutic approaches, providing the foundation for ethical and effective clinical mental health practice. Students develop core counseling skills through experiential learning and supervised role-play exercises.
Research and Statistical Methods in Counseling
3 CreditsCovers research design, statistical analysis, and evidence-based practice in the counseling field. Students learn to critically evaluate published research and apply findings to improve clinical outcomes.
Advanced Music Therapy Clinical Techniques
3 CreditsFocuses on advanced music therapy clinical techniques and practice, enhancing knowledge of current music therapy research and methods completed with a client population of the student's choice. Students must be Board-Certified to enroll in this course.
Advanced Practicum in Music Therapy
2 CreditsProvides supervised advanced clinical experience in music therapy settings, allowing students to refine their therapeutic music interventions with diverse populations including those with developmental disabilities, psychiatric conditions, and physical rehabilitation needs.
Music Therapy Research Methods
3 CreditsDesigned to teach students how to conduct music therapy research. Students participate as members of a research team for an ongoing faculty research project, gaining hands-on experience with quantitative, qualitative, and historical research methodologies.
Clinical Practicum in Counseling
3 CreditsProvides direct supervised counseling experience in clinical settings, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students work with real clients under faculty supervision at the Loyola Community Counseling and Education Center or approved sites.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the M.S.C./M.M.T. dual degree program is competitive and uses a holistic review process. The counseling faculty evaluates applicants using a weighted matrix that considers GPA, test scores, references, interview performance, and writing samples. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic potential, sensitivity to the needs of others, and a commitment to both the counseling and music therapy professions.
Academic Requirements
- Prior EducationBachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; a Bachelor of Music Therapy (BMT) or equivalent undergraduate music degree is typically required for the music therapy component
- Minimum GPA3.0 GPA recommended in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work; applicants below 3.0 may be admitted conditionally
- GRE RequirementGRE required for applicants with undergraduate GPA below 3.0; waived for applicants with 3.0 or higher GPA or those who hold a graduate degree. Recommended combined score of 300 or above.
- Letters of RecommendationThree letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant's ability to complete graduate study, act professionally and ethically, and demonstrate sensitivity to others' needs
- InterviewIn-person individual and group interview required for qualified applicants; Skype interviews may be available for international applicants
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 92 (Internet-based)
- TOEFL Paper-BasedMinimum score of 580
- Score ValidityTOEFL scores must be less than 2 years old at the time of application
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Loyola University New Orleans offers several funding opportunities for graduate students in the M.S.C./M.M.T. dual degree program. The College of Music and Media administers talent-based music scholarships, and additional financial aid options are available through the university's financial aid office. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on funding your studies.
College of Music and Media Talent-Based Scholarship
Varies by studentTalent-based music scholarships awarded to graduate students based on potential for continued musical and academic progress, as well as the performance needs of the college. Retention depends on satisfactory musical and academic progress and fulfillment of performance requirements.
Graduate Assistantship Opportunities
Graduate assistantship positions may be available within the counseling or music therapy departments, offering tuition support and stipends in exchange for teaching assistance, research support, or clinical supervision duties.
Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)
Varies by eligibilityEligible students can apply for federal financial aid including grants, loans, and work-study programs through the FAFSA. Loyola's financial aid office assists students with applications, private loans, and other financial aid opportunities.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the M.S.C./M.M.T. dual degree are uniquely positioned in the mental health field, holding qualifications in both professional counseling and music therapy. This dual expertise opens doors to a wide range of career settings, from private practice to hospitals, community mental health centers, and schools. Upon completion, graduates meet the education requirements to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Louisiana and Board Certification as a Music Therapist (MT-BC).
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings & Recognition
Loyola University New Orleans is a respected private Jesuit institution recognized for its strong commitment to personalized education, community engagement, and academic excellence. While the university is not featured in major international rankings such as QS or THE, it holds notable positions in U.S.-based rankings and is especially renowned for its music therapy program, one of the oldest and most respected in the United States.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Music Therapy Program | AMTA Approved | Among the most respected in the U.S. |
| Counseling (CMHC & MCFC) | CACREP Accredited | Accredited through March 2028 |
| Liberal Arts & Social Sciences | EduRank | #428 in USA |
| Psychology | EduRank | #586 in USA |
How to Apply
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