Nov 22, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25
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OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25

Music Therapy Major (B.Mus.)

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Major code BM5115

College of Fine Arts
Music, School of
Glidden Hall 440
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4244
music@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/fine-arts/music

Christopher Fisher, contact person
fisherc@ohio.edu

Program Overview

This curriculum is designed for students who want to pursue a career in music therapy by combining musicianship and clinical skills into a professional career working with individuals across the health and need spectrum. The curriculum emphasizes musical skills beyond a primary instrument, the clinical application of music, and assessment of needs through music for use in hospice, hospitals, psychiatric facilities, development programs, treatment and care facilities, correctional facilities, and public schools. The degree program culminates in a six to nine month internship. The internship application and selection is assisted by faculty, with students selected to internships throughout the country. Through the internship and coursework students are prepared to take on music therapy positions in medical, educational, and community-related health settings.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

All undergraduates, whether prospective freshmen or transfer students, are required to audition for admission to the degree programs offered by the School of Music. In general, students may not pursue coursework in the major until they have successfully auditioned and been admitted to a music degree program.

Change of Program Policy

Students currently attending Ohio University who wish to declare a major in music are required to audition for admission to the School of Music before they may declare the major.

External Transfer Admission

All undergraduates, whether prospective freshmen or transfer students, are required to audition for admission to the degree programs offered by the School of Music. In general, students may not pursue coursework in the major until they have successfully auditioned and been admitted to a music degree program.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Students who successfully complete the curriculum requirements (including internship) for the Bachelor of Music Therapy degree are eligible to sit for the national board certification examination in order to become a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), the credential required to practice as a professional. 

Those with the MT-BC designation may take positions across the country in educational facilities, mental health treatment centers, medical facilities, and other specialized facilities for children and adults with special needs. Graduates of the Ohio University Music Therapy department have achieved positions as music therapists, activities directors, and administrators across the country.  Job opportunities for music therapists have been growing across the country for a number of years.

To meet the needs of positions that may require a deeper clinical skillset, some music therapy graduates may choose to pursue a masters degree to advance their skills in advanced music therapy clinical practice, business management, supervision, or research opportunities. Many Ohio University graduates have gone on to advance their skills at prestigious universities throughout the United States.

Requirements

University-wide Graduation Requirements

Ohio University requires completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for conferral of a bachelor’s degree. However, the Bachelor of Music degree with major in music therapy requires a minimum of 122 semester hours. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other university-wide requirements, please review the Graduation Requirements – University-wide  page.

Aural Skills, Music Theory, and Music History and Literature

Complete the following courses during freshman and sophomore years:

Aural Skills

Complete the following courses:

Music Theory

Complete the following courses:

Music History and Literature

Complete the following courses:

Class Piano

Complete the following courses:

Piano principals do not take Class Piano, instead complete two of the following courses:

Keyboard Proficiency

Students are required to pass the Keyboard Proficiency Exam (KSP).

Ensemble

Complete 8 semesters of large ensemble for 1 hour each semester. See School of Music Undergraduate Handbook for ensembles appropriate to the principal instrument and major. Music therapy majors are also required to participate in at least one vocal ensemble.

Performance Lab

Complete 6 semesters of the following course:

Principal Instrument or Voice

Complete 2 hours per semester for 6 semesters on appropriate applied instrument or voice for major. See School of Music Undergraduate Handbook for guidelines regarding attaining senior level.

Class Voice and Instruments, Improvisation

Complete the following courses. If you are a voice major, then MUS 1470  and MUS 1480  are not required.

Conducting

Complete the following course:

Professional Music Therapy Requirements

Complete the following courses. MUS 2920 , MUS 3920  and MUS 4920  must each be completed for 2 hours over 2 semesters.

General Education OHIO BRICKS Quantitative Reasoning

Complete the following course, which will satisfy the University’s OHIO BRICKS Quantitative Reasoning requirement. See Graduation Requirements – University-wide  for additional OHIO BRICKS requirements.

General Education OHIO BRICKS

Complete the following courses. See Graduation Requirements – University-wide  for additional OHIO BRICKS requirements.

Communication

Complete the following course:


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