Program is Ideal For
- Students with an undergraduate degree in music who want to become a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) without having to complete another full degree.
Career Information
- Successfully complete the coursework (minimum 3.0 GPA), including clinical training and an internship, as well as a proficiency exam, and you'll be verified by the 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ music therapy program director to be eligible to take the Certification Board for Music Therapists certification exam and earn the Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) credential.
- Music therapists are employed in a variety of settings, including general and psychiatric hospitals, community mental health agencies, schools, rehabilitation centers, elder care communities, and private practice agencies.
- 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ music therapy graduates typically find employment in their chosen field within six months after graduation. 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ professors provide up-to-date advice on employment opportunities.
What to Expect
- Prerequisite courses: These courses are required to meet the competencies necessary to qualify for the board-certification exam. You can take these courses at 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ or elsewhere (including in your required prerequisite bachelor's degree in music). The student and 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ music therapy advisor will outline prerequisite requirements in the coursework agreement prior to final admission to the program.
- Introduction to Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology / Psychophysiology
- Human Development (lifespan)
- Anatomy & Physiology (lab not required)
- Some equivalency students need some additional music coursework to meet the competencies for the program. These remedial classes also can be planned prior to final admission to the program.
- A minimum of one year's residency (summer-to-summer) is required for certificate study to best supervise your clinical development. Students who need more time to achieve clinical competencies stay in residence longer. The final step — the internship — can be completed at any approved location around the country.
Curriculum Summary (23 credits)
- Intro to Music Therapy
- Psychology of music
- Methods & Materials I and II
- Four clinical placements
- Clinical musicianship in guitar and piano
- Music Therapy Research
- Pre-Internship Proficiency
- Internship
Application process
See steps to complete and submit your application on the How to Apply page.