Mission Statement
The Ohio University Music Therapy Program provides an engaging student-centered experience by integrating a community-based framework to empower each student to develop effective and ethical music therapy practice.
Interested in online program options? We also offer an accelerated 1-year Master of Arts in Health degree.
Vision Statement
To be a space for inspiring social change through community relationships grounded in meaningful music experiences.
Overview
Started in 1951, Ohio University's Music Therapy Department is among the first institutions of higher learning to offer a bachelor's degree in music therapy. The graduate program in music therapy was started in 1987 and continues today as a vibrant learning community for students. Students and alumni are compassionate, energized, creative, and critically thinking individuals who strive to make meaningful change in their communities through music.
Ohio University offers the following options:
- Master of Music in Music Therapy degree (34 credits) for students who have an undergraduate degree in music therapy and who have earned the MT-BC credential. You can find a link to the curriculum and requirements here: MM Music Therapy Curriculum
- Master of Music degree plus Music Therapy Equivalency for students who have an undergraduate degree in music, but not music therapy. Undergraduate credits and other requirements needed will be reviewed on an individual basis with Director of Music Therapy.
What You'll Learn
Master of Music in Music Therapy Program
Students who are accepted into this program will engage in graduate level music therapy coursework (34 credits) with more depth and focus on advanced professional competencies. Rotating seminar courses with revolving topics, along with other curriculum content include:
- Ethics in Music Therapy
- Research/Thesis/Clinical Project in student’s area of choice
- Advanced Music Therapy Clinical Supervision
- Advanced Music Therapy Clinical Practicum
- Clinical Musicianship and Clinical Improvisation
- Theoretical and philosophical development in music therapy
In addition to core graduate coursework, students are provided an opportunity to choose a learning track to deepen and expand their own clinical and professional interests through customizable elective courses. Non-music elective credits may count toward graduate certificates. Graduate certificates of interest may include, but are not limited to:
- Graduate Certificate in Arts in Health
- Community Dance Certificate
- Graduate Global Health Certificate
- Graduate Gerontology Certificate
- Veterans Health Certificate
Master of Music Degree Plus Music Therapy Equivalency Program
Students who have an undergraduate music degree in something other than music therapy:
- Complete required music therapy coursework and supervised clinical practicum placements spanning four semesters culminating in a 6-month clinical internship.
- After meeting necessary professional competencies and obtaining a total minimum of 1200 clinical hours, students are eligible to sit for the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) board certification examination.
Students who obtain their MT-BC credential by successfully passing the CBMT exam:
- Begin graduate level music therapy coursework.
- Remaining graduate classes explore deeper meanings and themes in music therapy through a thesis or clinical project, as well as advanced clinical training in a community-based environment.
Career Opportunities
Our undergraduate and graduate music therapy programs are fully accredited with the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Students who complete the graduate program in music therapy at Ohio University receive:
- Top-level jobs in higher education, research, and administrative positions in high profile hospital systems.
Our alumni notably:
- Obtain leadership roles in regional and national organizations.
- Create thriving music therapy businesses.
- Initiate and create new music therapy employment opportunities.
- Contribute to research through a variety of educational and clinical arenas.
- Foster innovative community programs.
Applying to the Program
To be accepted into the graduate program in music therapy, an applicant must first be accepted into the Ohio University Graduate School. The Ohio University School of Music requires all graduate applicants to have an undergraduate degree in music to be considered for admittance. Applicants can find the application information here .
Students also need to complete the following to be considered for admittance to the Music Therapy department.
If applicant has a music therapy bachelor’s degree/MT-BC:
Submit Graduate Application, which includes:
- A brief narrative (use .Word or .pdf format) about music background and experience, with an explanation demonstrating why prospective student is a strong candidate for the Ohio University music therapy graduate program.
- Current resume
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- One video link* demonstrating skills on piano, voice, and guitar. These skills can also be demonstrated during an in-person interview if needed.
- Sing one song from any genre, accompanying self on piano
- Sing a song of a different genre accompanying self on guitar
- Optional - Applicants may also include:
- an original composition/song using any instrumentation or technology
- share a piece on primary instrument studied in their undergraduate program.
*video links should be unlisted YouTube links, shareable Google Drive links, or other non-public video links that are easily accessible.
Complete an interview with music therapy faculty to determine professional goals and fit with the program. This can be scheduled through video conference for convenience or in person by emailing Andrew Holbrook at holbrooka@ohio.edu .
If applicant has a music degree and is interested in the Master’s in Music/ Music Therapy Equivalency contact Andrew Holbrook at holbrooka@ohio.edu to determine next steps.
Read more about the audition process and schedule on our Graduate Requirements page .