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Music TherapyMajor

Music therapists use a variety of instruments and musical experiences to help babies, children, adolescents, adults and older adults work toward non-music goals related to education, health, rehabilitation and wellness needs.

By the numbers1

First Music Therapy academic program in West Virginia

Overview

What is Music Therapy at WVU like?

Description

Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

Through a course of study focused on the disciplines of music, human development and music therapy combined with the University's General Education Foundations, the BM in Music Therapy teaches essential competencies in three main areas: musical foundations, clinical foundations and music therapy foundations. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national board certification exam to obtain the credential MT-BC (Music Therapist Board Certified), which is required for professional practice in the U.S.

Music Therapy majors take classes in fundamental musicianship, music therapy and behavioral sciences. While students who wish to pursue Music Therapy will audition on the principle instrument of their choice, they will also learn piano, guitar and voice skills as part of their program.

In addition to the fundamental musicianship and music-therapy specific courses, students will also take courses in related areas such as psychology, special education, health sciences and development. Certain aspects of the curriculum will address skills necessary for career management, including advocacy, ethics and preparation for the Board Certification Exam.

All interested students must apply to the University and audition for the School of Music for acceptance.

Music Therapy program highlights:

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At a Glance

Next Steps

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Fast Facts

What makes Music Therapy at WVU unique?

Research and Academic Opportunities

  • Various internship possibilities with multiple populations.
  • Opportunities to participate in programs offered by the Center for Excellence in Disabilities, including "DreamCatchers," a new music therapy and musical theatre program for children of all abilities.
  • Music Therapy Practicum 1-6 offers supervised clinical training opportunities with clients and families of diverse backgrounds and needs in a variety of clinical settings. Students learn how to apply clinical music therapy concepts and further develop professional competencies.
  • Courses include applied (private) lessons and a wide variety of performance opportunities, both in large ensembles (band, orchestra, choral, jazz and opera) and smaller chamber ensembles (string, brass, woodwind, percussion, vocal, jazz and world music).
  • Creative Arts Center facilities include rehearsal spaces, practice rooms, classrooms and electronic music laboratory.
  • The Evansdale Library, just a short walk from the Creative Arts Center, houses printed and sound music resources.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Student Organizations

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Professional Organizations

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Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Learning goals for this degree are directly related to the essential competencies, experiences and opportunities stated by the National Association of Schools of Music and the American Music Therapy Association.

The profession offers opportunities in a variety of settings, including general and psychiatric hospitals, school districts, community mental health agencies, rehabilitation centers, day care facilities, nursing homes, correctional facilities and private practice.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Music Therapy major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Courses

What are the courses like in Music Therapy at WVU?

Plan of Study

Check out a program overview, learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plan of study for WVU's Music Therapy major.

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Popular Courses

MUSC 185:
Introduction to Music Therapy

of populations. This course provides an overview of the music therapy profession including: history, therapeutic approaches, clinical processes, populations served, and current professional issues. Readings, lectures, community engagement, clinical video observation and experience will allow you to examine general principles of music therapy and gain understanding regarding the use of music as a viable therapeutic medium across a variety

MUSC 205:
Clinical Foundations of Music Therapy

This course discusses and demonstrates basic clinical foundations of the music therapy profession including treatment process, methods of delivery, considerations necessary in a therapeutic relationship, and the professional role of the music therapist.

Cost and Aid

How much does Music Therapy at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

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Scholarships

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Ways to Save

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Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Music Therapy at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Music Therapy major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

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What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

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Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

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Want to know more about Music Therapy at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

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