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Music Therapy PhD

Music Therapy PhD

Advance your scholarship and establish clinical competence with a Music Therapy PhD in Boyer College of Music and Dance. Immerse yourself in quantitative and qualitative research models, and make significant contributions to the field in both research and theory. Led by world-renowned music therapists, Temple’s Music Therapy PhD is recognized as the first of its kind in the U.S.

Study advanced areas of Music Medicine and Music Psychotherapy, and acquire focused expertise by specializing in a particular client population, methodology or research paradigm. The curriculum is grounded in advanced music therapy courses complemented by studies of music, research and related health disciplines. Culminating events for doctoral students include a comprehensive examination, as well as a final dissertation and defense.  

This doctoral degree program emphasizes proficiency in teaching higher education and clinical supervision. Graduates typically become professors, practitioners, researchers or supervisors in healthcare settings.

Classes & Curriculum

The Music Therapy PhD curriculum includes

  • Advanced Research Methods in Music Therapy,
  • Research in Music Medicine,
  • Research in Music Psychotherapy and
  • Theory Development in Music Therapy.

Learn more about the Music Therapy PhD coursework.

Faculty

Discover music therapy faculty in the Boyer College of Music and Dance.

Explore Boyer Faculty

Intensive Learning Retreats & Online Instruction

Music Therapy courses are offered through various combinations of intensive learning retreats and online instruction via the Canvas program. The amount of time spent in class versus online varies according to the content and objectives of each course. Some courses require the full 12 to 13 hours per credit in class time, while others require less in-class time with more instructional time online. Two intensive retreats are offered each semester. Each retreat lasts from eight to 10 days, but you will only attend those days on which your classes meet.

Music Therapy PhD at Temple University, Japan Campus

International students can complete a Music Therapy PhD with courses taught in English at Temple’s campus in Tokyo, Japan. Master’s courses in advanced research and clinical practice, including medical music therapy and music psychotherapy, as well as courses on supervision and ethics are offered. Coursework is structured to accommodate the schedules of working music therapists. Classes take place during during a one- to two-week period during the spring or summer, accompanied by online learning throughout the year. Contact Wendy Magee, the PhD program director, at for more information.

Learn more about the PhD in Music Therapy at Temple University Japan.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,282.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,711.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Our Advisors

The coordinator of the Music Therapy PhD serves as the academic advisor for all incoming doctoral students. Your advisor will assist with navigating your program. Once you have completed 30 credits and all preliminary examinations, you can select an advisor in your area of study.

Wendy Magee is the graduate advisor for the Music Therapy PhD.
Phone: 215-204-8301​
Email:

 

Program Contact

Reach out to the following staff members regarding questions on Music Therapy programs. 

Wendy Magee is a professor and the coordinator for the Music Therapy PhD.
Phone: 215-204-8314
Email: 

Helen Shoemark is the director of the Music Therapy Program.
Phone: 215-204-8311
Email: 

Alison Reynolds is the chair of the Department of Music Education and Therapy.
Phone: 215-204-1660
Email: 

Student Clubs & Organizations

Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts. There are more than 200 student organizations at Temple University.

  • Music Therapy Club raises money for charity organizations and performs community service projects. The club also raises funds to send students to the American Music Therapy Association Mid-Atlantic Conference.
  • National Association for Music Education is a conservatory chapter of the national organization of music educators. Semester activities include creating projects, presenting guest speakers and workshops, attending the PMEA All-State conference, participating in outreach activities, and learning to use various online music education resources.
  • OwlCappella is a coed a cappella group—one of seven student-run a cappella ensembles on campus—that provides a musical outlet for non-music and music majors alike.

Learn more about clubs and organizations.

Accreditation

The Boyer College of Music and Dance is accredited by the

Additional Program Information