Return to: Ohio University College of Fine Arts

Major code BM5115

College of Fine Arts
School of Music
Glidden Hall 440
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4244
Fax: 740.593.4255

Christopher Hayes, contact person

Program Overview

The curriculum attracts students desiring to pursue a career in music therapy, combining musical talent, interest in the behavioral sciences, and service to individuals with special needs and health issues. The curriculum emphasizes musicianship, clinical application, measurement, and practice-related research. The program offers six semesters of supervised practicum (service-learning) opportunities in hospice, hospitals, psychiatric facilities for adults and children, extended care facilities, public schools, treatment centers, correctional facilities, and developmental centers. The University-affiliated Athens Community Music School provides students the opportunity to work with individuals and their families. Internship application and selection is assisted by faculty, with students accepted by excellent clinical training programs throughout the country. Coursework prepares the student for positions in medical, education, and community health-related settings, as well as private practice.

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 complete requirements for the Bachelor of Music Therapy degree must then take the national board certification examination in order to become a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), the credential required to practice as a professional. The MT-BC may take positions in educational facilities, treatment centers, medical facilities and other specialized facilities for children and adults with special needs. In the past several years new positions (The AMTA 2009 Member Sourcebook) have occurred at over twice the rate of positions lost. To meet a growing number of positions requiring advanced clinical, research, and management skills, music therapists may pursue the Masters of Music in music therapy. Those music therapists who desire teaching and research positions in higher education may pursue a doctorate in music education or a related area with an emphasis on music therapy.

Requirements