The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) have strict standards for music degrees, including music therapy. Our program is structred to meet the accreditation standards set by both NASM and AMTA.
Instrument Proficiency
To be admitted to Music Therapy, you will audition on the principal instrument of your choice. You'll also learn piano, guitar and voice skills as part of the program.
Courses
Music Therapy majors take classes in fundamental musicianship, music therapy and behavioral sciences. You'll also study 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.
Clinical Experience
The program includes six clinical practica with a variety of populations and a 900 clinical hour (approximately 6-month, full-time) internship experience. Practica begin during your sophomore year and are taken concurrently with lecture-based courses in music therapy, providing both in-class and community-based interactive components.
You must complete the internship experience to receive your degree and to be eligible for the national board certification exam (MT-BC) through the Certification Board for Music Therapists.
Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:
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MUSC 185:
Introduction to Music Therapy
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
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MUSC 137S:
Music Therapy Class Guitar 1
Required introductory level training in guitar for those majoring in the field of Music Therapy.
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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.
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MUSC 330:
Principles and Practices of Music Therapy
Course provides foundational principles and practices when serving clients with learning, neurological, motor, and medical issues, including but not limited to: Characteristics and needs; research literature on music therapy with these populations; applications to clinical work.
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MUSC 356:
African Music Ensemble
Performing ensemble focusing on music of Africa culminating in a semester concert. (May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credit hours.)
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MUSC 444:
Psychological Foundation of Music
This course provides students with understanding of how music influences human behavior, including but not limited to, physical, psychological, and physiological responses to various aspects of music and how responses are utilized in the therapeutic process.
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MUSC 485S:
Music Therapy Internship
Students will complete a minimum of 900 hours of supervised clinical training at either an AMTA-approved National Roster Internship Site or a University-affiliated Internship site.
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PSYC 281:
Introduction to Psychological Disorders
Introduction to major categories of psychological and behavioral disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related disorders, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders. Etiology, prevention, and treatment will be discussed.
Take advantage of special options related to this major:
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Honors
Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first-
and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.
Explore Honors
