Studying music therapy can help individuals land fulfilling jobs that make a positive impact on the world, according to a recent Payscale report. Alumni with bachelor’s degrees in music therapy are highly likely to feel that their work contributes to making the world a better place, with 95% of degree-holders expressing this sentiment. Music therapy programs typically cover coursework in music, music therapy, science, and psychology, and provide both theoretical knowledge and practical training in music therapy treatment procedures and techniques. Music therapists work in a variety of settings, including traditional settings where they provide services to clients dealing with physical disabilities or mental health issues, as well as in hospice care, substance abuse programs, and cancer treatment centers.
While music therapy may not always lead to high-paying positions, with median incomes 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 also lead to meaningful and fulfilling careers. According to Payscale, the top nine majors and degrees that alumni are most likely to say have led to meaningful careers are as follows: music therapy, cardiopulmonary science, radiation therapy, alcohol and drug studies, addictions counseling, cardiovascular technology, bachelor of science in nursing, physical therapy, and applied behavior analysis. These fields offer a balance between making a positive difference and earning a decent salary, with some workers in fields such as radiation and physical therapies going on to earn median midcareer salaries above $100,000.
While graduates with the highest-paying bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering may earn a median of $212,100 with 10 or more years of experience, only 60% of workers in this field say their work makes the world a better place, according to Payscale. Whether an individual values more meaning or more money in their career is ultimately a personal decision. It’s important to note that for many jobs, employers are more concerned with candidates demonstrating competency in the required skills rather than the specific major they studied. According to Christine Cruzvergara, chief education strategy officer at Handshake, many employers do not prioritize the major as long as the candidate can show proficiency in the necessary skills for the job.
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