Author

Xueyan Hua

Date of Award

4-2018

Degree Name

Master of Music

Department

Music

First Advisor

Edward A, Roth, M.M.

Second Advisor

Dr. David Smith, MT-BC

Third Advisor

Dr. Jennifer Fiore, MT-BC

Keywords

Professional preparedness, satisfaction survey, board-certified music therapists, undergraduate or equivalency training, teaching quality

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

This study investigates the satisfaction level among undergraduate or equivalency students, who have completed their degree program, in regards to their professional education and preparedness for professional practice in the United States. Out of a sample of 7,183 Board- Certified Music Therapists (MT-BC) invited to complete an online research survey, 777 (n=777) MT-BCs completed the survey. Due to time limitations, qualitative data was not analyzed.

Major findings include: (1) 8.79% of respondents completed no more than two preinternship clinical practica; (2) 88.46% of respondents were satisfied with their clinical practicum settings; (3) 92.72% of respondents were satisfied with the relevancy of courses; (4) 92.73% of respondents were satisfied with their program’s teaching quality; (5) 92.88% of respondents were overall satisfied with their undergraduate training; (7) 78.58% of respondents would choose the same university or college music therapy program again; and (8) 23.74% would like to choose a different profession, if possible.

Statistically significant differences and relationships were found between the satisfaction level with undergraduate or equivalency curriculum and the relevance of the courses, as well as the satisfaction level with undergraduate or equivalency curriculum and the quality of teaching. Furthermore, there was correlation between the music therapists’ graduation years and the satisfaction level of the undergraduate or equivalency curriculum.

Included in

Music Therapy Commons

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