Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy
The Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy (BSMTh) is a 4.5 year degree program approved by the American Music Therapy Association. The BSMTh 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 BSMTh. 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 BSMTh 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 BSMTh 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 BSMTh Program
Students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy degree must submit both an IUPUI 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 Technology degree must complete the following:
- First, acceptance to IUPUI - 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 BSMTh 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 two short online placement exams related to the degree program. These online exams must be completed prior to the audition date. note that: 1) your acceptance into IUPUI 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 Ms. Julie Wynn, Academic Advisor, Department of Music and Arts Technology 317-278-3264 julwynn@iupui.edu.
