Studying music therapy can potentially lead to fulfilling job opportunities, as reported by the recent Payscale survey. Graduates with bachelor’s degrees in music therapy are highly likely to feel that their work positively impacts the world, with 95% of them expressing this sentiment. Music therapy programs typically cover a range of coursework in music, science, and psychology, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in music therapy treatment procedures and techniques. Music therapists can work in various settings, providing services to individuals facing physical disabilities, mental health issues, hospice care, substance abuse programs, and cancer treatment centers, among others.
Although music therapy may not offer the highest salaries, with a median income of $49,400 in the first five years of working and $64,900 with 10 or more years of experience, there are other majors and degrees that can lead to meaningful careers with potentially higher pay. Payscale lists the nine majors and degrees where alumni are most likely to report having meaningful careers, such as cardiopulmonary science, radiation therapy, alcohol and drug studies, addictions counseling, cardiovascular technology, nursing, physical therapy, and applied behavior analysis. These fields offer both a sense of purpose and the potential for lucrative midcareer salaries above $100,000.
While graduates with degrees in fields like radiation and physical therapies can earn high salaries, workers in the highest-paying field, petroleum engineering, earn a median of $212,100 with 10 or more years of experience but only 60% of them feel that their work makes a positive impact on the world. This highlights the choice individuals may have to make between a high salary and a high sense of meaning in their careers. Ultimately, whether you prioritize finding meaningful work or earning a higher income is a personal decision that each individual must make based on their values and goals.
However, the specific major you choose may not always determine your career path, as employers often place more importance on the skills you possess rather than your major. According to Christine Cruzvergara, chief education strategy officer at Handshake, many employers do not care what you major in as long as you can demonstrate the required competencies for the job. This flexibility opens up opportunities for individuals to pursue careers that align with their interests and skills, regardless of their chosen major.
In conclusion, pursuing a career in music therapy can offer fulfilling job opportunities, with many graduates feeling that their work positively impacts the world. While the salary for music therapy may not be as high as other fields, there are various majors and degrees that combine meaningful work with the potential for lucrative midcareer salaries. Ultimately, the decision between pursuing a career with meaning or one with higher pay is a personal choice that each individual must make based on their values and goals. Regardless of your major, demonstrating the required skills and competencies is often more important to employers, opening up opportunities to pursue a career that aligns with your interests and aspirations.
