Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy
The Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy (B.S.M.Th.) is a 4.5 year degree program approved by the American Music Therapy Association. The B.S.M.Th. provides students with the musical, technical, and therapeutic skills to practice as entry-level music therapists in a variety of clinical fields. Students engage in traditional academic music studies (music theory, aural skills, and music history), piano, voice, guitar, percussion, improvisation, music technology, psychology, and music therapy specific courses. One hundred twenty (120) hours of course work are required for the B.S.M.Th. The degree culminates in a six-month clinical internship after the completion of approximately eight semesters of course work and on-campus clinical training. Students who successfully complete the B.S.M.Th. curriculum, including internship, are eligible to take the Music Therapy Board of Certification Exam and earn the credential, Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC).
The B.S.M.Th. program covers the following areas of focus:
- Clinical Musicianship
- Music Therapy Foundations
- Clinical and Counseling Skills
- Clinical Reasoning
- Creativity, Health, and Wellness
- Music Technology in Music Therapy
- Social Justice and Professional Advocacy
Students can expect to work with a wide variety of clients and patients in clinical settings in and around the Indianapolis area.
Application to the B.S.M.Th. Program
Students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy degree must submit both an IU Indianapolis university online application and a Music and Arts Technology online application. If approved to do so via this application process, prospective students will also be required to take an audition/interview and two short online placement exams (see Audition Information below). While a prior formal music education is not required to be admitted the program, some previous informal musical experiences (local choirs or bands, acapella groups, orchestra, music tech programming, solo performance, etc.) are required.
Admission Requirements
Students pursuing admission to the Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy degree must complete the following:
- First, acceptance to IU Indianapolis - Apply Here
- Second, submission of the Department of Music and Arts Technology application - Apply Here
- Third, if approved, complete a scheduled audition/interview session and two short online placement exams (see audition Information below).
Upcoming audition dates are available from the Music and Arts Technology online application.
General Audition Information
The required audition/interview session allows applicants to demonstrate: 1) an explanation of interest in the discipline of music therapy, 2) performance capabilities on one or more musical instruments, 3) vocal performance capability, 4) creative endeavors related to the arts, and 5) activities related to community service and/or therapeutic care.
A "primary instrument" declared for degree entry is to be used in the audition for a performance/creativity skill demonstration (i.e. a specific instrumental/voice, or "applied music technology" such as laptop/software, midi controllers, etc.). All B.S.M.Th. students focus on piano, voice, and guitar in lessons; however, students are encouraged to continue study on additional instruments as they so choose.
Audition requests will be processed only after submitting your application. If an audition is approved and scheduled, you will receive information on how to take one short online placement exam related to the degree program. This online exam must be completed prior to the audition date. Note that: 1) your acceptance into IU Indianapolis as a student; and, 2) the departmental application must both be completed at least three weeks prior to the date of the requested audition.
For detailed departmental audition information click here.
For questions, please contact the Department of Music and Arts Technology hadmit@iu.edu
Degree Requirements
First-Year Experience
MUS-L153 Introduction to Music Therapy (3 credits)
General Education
30 credits corresponding to IU Indianapolis' Indiana College Core, of which 15 are degree requirements listed below, with 15 credits remaining to complete the general education requirements.
Music Therapy Required Courses
47 credits distributed as follows:
PSY B 110 Introduction to Psychology (3 cr)
MUS X-298 Music Therapy Pre-Practicum Exam (0 cr)
MUS U-355 Music Therapy and Exceptionalities (4 cr)
PSY B-310 Life Span Development (3 cr)
MUS L-320 Percussion Techniques in Music Therapy (2 cr)
MUS L-340 Music Therapy in Healthcare (3 cr)
MUS U-410 Creative Arts, Health, and Wellness (2 cr)
MUS L-420 Clinical Processes in Music Therapy (3 cr)
BIOL N-211 Biology for Healthcare Management ( 3 cr)*
MUS X-398 Upper-Level Music Therapy Practice Exam (0 cr)
MUS L-422 Theoretical Foundations of Music Therapy (3 cr)
BIOL N-207 Physiology for Healthcare Management (3 cr)*
MUS N-350 Clinical Improvisation (3 cr)
MUS L-370 Clinical Reasoning in Music Therapy (3 cr)
MUS L-410 Administrative and Professional Issues (2 cr)
MUS-L415 Music Therapy Technology Lab (2 cr)
PSY B-311 Research Methods in Psychology (3 cr)
MUS-L418 Psychology of Music (3 cr)
PSY B-305 Statistics (3 cr)*
Required On-site Training Courses
7 credits as follows:
MUS-L253 Music Therapy Observation Practicum (1 cr)
MUS L-254 Music Therapy Practicum I (1 cr)
MUS-L353 Music Therapy Practicum II (1 cr)
MUS L-354 Music Therapy Practicum III (1 cr)
MUS-L421 Music Therapy Practicum IV (1 cr)
MUS L424 Music Therapy Internship (6 months) (2 cr)
Supporting Studies in Music, Musicianship, and Performance
47 credits as follows:
MUS A-107 Music Technology Fundamentals (3 cr)
MUS A-130 Music Theory and History I (3 cr)
MUS A-131 Aural Skills (2 cr)
MUS L-101 Beginning Guitar Class (2 cr)
MUS A-132 Music Technology Lab I (3 cr)
MUS A-140 Music Theory and History II (3 cr)
MUS M-174 Music for the Listener (3 cr)
MUS A-240 Music Theory and History IV (3 cr)
MUS L-102 Intermediate Guitar (2 cr)
MUS P-110 Beginning Piano Class I (2 cr)
MUS P-120 Beginning Piano Class II (2 cr)
MUS V-200 Private Voice ( 6 semesters) (6 cr. total)
MUS L-200 Private Guitar Lessons (2 semesters) (2 cr. total)
MUS P-200 Private Piano Lessons (4 semesters) (4 cr. total)
MUS X-xxx Ensemble (4 semesters) ( 4 cr. total)
MUS Z-105 World Music (3 cr)*
*Course is a degree requirement but also counts toward the Indiana College Core.
Degree total: 120 credits
Last updated: April 2025
