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.