Music Therapy is an interpersonal process in which the therapist uses music and all of its facets: physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic and spiritual to help clients to improve or maintain their health. In some instances, the client’s needs are addressed directly through music; in others they are addressed through the relationships that develop between the client and therapist. Music therapists work in a variety of settings, including general hospitals, psychiatric facilities, schools, prisons, rehabilitation centers, hospice programs, training institutes, private practices and universities. Courses in applied music, theory, history, psychology, music therapy and related clinical areas emphasize the importance of musicianship, self-understanding and interpersonal skills. The curriculum covers four main areas: general studies, music, clinical studies and music therapy.

Temple's Music Therapy programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Upon successful completion of the bachelor's degree program or its equivalence, graduates are eligible to take the national examination of the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) and thereby earn the professional credential, Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC).