Campuses:
![]() |
Twin Cities Campus
Music Therapy B. Mus.School of Music
College of Liberal Arts
The bachelor of music in music therapy is a professional, four-year degree program of intensive study in the field of music therapy. This program prepares students for a profession in music therapy, using music to influence behavioral changes in people, from pre-school through geriatrics, in a variety of educational and health-related environments. Completion of the BMus in music therapy ensures eligibility to take the board certification exam. Successful completion of the exam legitmates students for practice as music therapist-board certified (MT-BC credential). Professional curriculum is approved by the American Music Therapy Association.
Program Advising
Due the nuances unique to the discipline and study of music, students must work in close consultation on a semesterly basis with the department advisor to ensure adequate and timely degree progress. Music programs involve careful sequencing of core courses and applied music study to progressively build musical competencies and techniques. Introductory courses support not only the key concepts needed for success in the next course in the sequence but also the adjacent core course sequences as well. For example, the music history sequence is highly dependent on the concepts addressed in the accompanying courses in music theory, ear-training, sight-singing, and keyboarding.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
Admission Requirements
Admission to a bachelor of music program is contingent upon passing an audition. Auditions are highly competitive with students normally having studied a primary instrument in a one-on-one with an instructor for a number of years. Auditions are held throughout the academic year. Incoming freshmen normally take the audition during the winter of their senior year of high school; transfer students one semester prior to the term in which they plan to enroll. Students applying for the program in music therapy are required to pass an interview with music education/therapy faculty. Learn more about the admission and audition requirements on the School of Music website.
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the
Office of Admissions
website.
General Requirements
All students in baccalaureate degree programs are required to complete general University and college requirements including writing and liberal education courses. For more information about University-wide requirements, see the
liberal education requirements.
Required courses for the major, minor or certificate in which a student receives a D grade (with or without plus or minus) do not count toward the major, minor or certificate (including transfer courses).
Program Requirements
Students may earn no more than one undergraduate degree from the School of Music: a BA or a B.Mus or a minor. Students may earn more than one major within the B.Mus degree, but may not earn more than one emphasis within the BA degree.
At least 31 upper-division credits in the major must be taken at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.
All incoming CLA freshmen must complete the First-Year Experience course sequence.
All students must complete a capstone in at least one CLA major. The requirements for double majors completing the capstone in a different CLA major will be clearly stated. Students must also complete all major requirements in both majors to allow the additional capstone to be waived. Students completing an additional degree must complete the capstone in each degree area.
Core Courses
Take exactly 8 course(s) totaling exactly 26 credit(s) from the following:
·
MUED 1801 - Introduction to Music Therapy
(2.0 cr)
·
MUED 3807 - Percussion Techniques for Music Therapists
(2.0 cr)
·
MUED 5669 - Psychology of Music
(3.0 cr)
·
MUED 5800 - Group Music Leadership Skills
(3.0 cr)
·
MUED 5803 - Therapeutic Management in Music Settings
(4.0 cr)
·
MUED 5804 - Music Therapy Methods and Procedures I
(4.0 cr)
·
MUED 5805 - Music Therapy Methods and Procedures II
(4.0 cr)
·
MUED 5806 - Career Preparation
(4.0 cr)
Music Theory and Ear Training
Take exactly 6 course(s) totaling exactly 12 credit(s) from the following:
Music Theory and Ear Training
Take exactly 4 course(s) totaling exactly 6 credit(s) from the following:
·
MUS 1501 - Theory and Analysis of Tonal Music I
(2.0 cr)
·
MUS 1502 - Theory and Analysis of Tonal Music II
(2.0 cr)
·
MUS 1511 - Ear-Training and Sight-Singing I
(1.0 cr)
·
MUS 1512 - Ear-Training and Sight-Singing II
(1.0 cr)
·
Upper Division Theory
Take exactly 2 course(s) totaling exactly 6 credit(s) from the following:
·
MUS 4571 - Chromatic Harmony and Form in Western Art Music 1700?1900
(3.0 cr)
·
MUS 4572 - Theory and Analysis of Popular Music
(3.0 cr)
·
MUS 4573 - Post-Tonal Theory and Ear-Training
(3.0 cr)
·
MUS 4574 - Jazz Theory
(3.0 cr)
Musicology/Ethnomusicology
Take exactly 4 course(s) totaling exactly 12 credit(s) from the following:
·
MUS 1801W - Music, Society, and Cultures
[AH, GP, WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
MUS 3601W - History of Western Music I
[WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
MUS 3602W - History of Western Music II
[WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
MUS 3603W - History of Western Music III
[WI]
(3.0 cr)
Keyboard
Non-keyboard majors with advanced keyboard skills may substitute MUS 1155 for MUS 1151 & 1152, subject to departmental approval. Keyboard majors must take MUS 1155.
Take exactly 2 course(s) totaling exactly 4 credit(s) from the following:
·
MUS 1151 - Piano: Class Lessons I
(2.0 cr)
·
MUS 1152 - Piano: Class Lessons II
(2.0 cr)
or
Take exactly 1 course(s) totaling exactly 2 credit(s) from the following:
·
MUS 1155 - Keyboard Skills I
(2.0 cr)
Guitar
Take exactly 2 course(s) totaling exactly 4 credit(s) from the following:
·
MUED 3802 - Guitar I for Music Education and Music Therapy Majors: Developing Group Songleading Skills
(2.0 cr)
·
MUED 3803 - Guitar II for Music Education and Music Therapy Majors: Developing Group Songleading Skills
(2.0 cr)
Conducting
Take exactly 1 course(s) totaling exactly 2 credit(s) from the following:
·
MUS 3401 - Basic Conducting
(2.0 cr)
Applied Music
Take exactly 14 credit(s) from the following:
MUSA 12xx
Take exactly 2 course(s) totaling exactly 4 credit(s) from the following:
·
MUSA 1201 - Piano: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1204 - Voice: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1205 - Violin: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1206 - Viola: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1207 - Cello: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1209 - Flute: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1211 - Oboe: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1212 - Clarinet: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1213 - Saxophone: Music Ed and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1214 - Bassoon: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1215 - French Horn: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1216 - Trumpet: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1217 - Trombone: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1219 - Tuba: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1221 - Percussion: Music Ed and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1222 - Harp: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 1223 - Guitar: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 22xx
Take exactly 2 course(s) totaling exactly 4 credit(s) from the following:
·
MUSA 2201 - Piano: Music Ed and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2204 - Voice: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2205 - Violin: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2206 - Viola: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2207 - Cello: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2208 - Bass: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2209 - Flute: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2211 - Oboe: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2212 - Clarinet: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2213 - Saxophone: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2214 - Bassoon: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2215 - French Horn: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2216 - Trumpet: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2217 - Trombone: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2219 - Tuba: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2221 - Percussion: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2222 - Harp: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 2223 - Guitar: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 32xx
Take exactly 3 course(s) totaling exactly 6 credit(s) from the following:
·
MUSA 3201 - Piano: Music Ed and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3204 - Voice: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3205 - Violin: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3206 - Viola: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3207 - Cello: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3209 - Flute: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3211 - Oboe: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3212 - Clarinet: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3213 - Saxophone: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3214 - Bassoon: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3215 - French Horn: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3216 - Trumpet: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3217 - Trombone: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3219 - Tuba: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3221 - Percussion: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
·
MUSA 3222 - Harp: Music Education and BA
(2.0 cr)
Special Needs Courses
Consult with advisor prior to enrolling in BIOL 1010 or KIN 3027.
Take exactly 3 course(s) totaling 10 - 11 credit(s) from the following:
·
PSY 1001 - Introduction to Psychology
[SOCS]
(4.0 cr)
·
PSY 3604 - Introduction to Psychopathology
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOL 1012 - Human Biology: Concepts and Current Ethical Issues
[BIOL, CIV]
(4.0 cr)
or
BIOL 1015 - Human Physiology, Technology, and Medical Devices
[BIOL, TS]
(4.0 cr)
or
KIN 3027 - Human Anatomy for Kinesiology, Physical Activity, and Health Promotion
(4.0 cr)
or
NSCI 2101 - Human Neuroanatomy
[BIOL]
(4.0 cr)
Recital and Voice
Take exactly 2 course(s) totaling exactly 2 credit(s) from the following:
·
MUS 951 - Senior Recital
(0.0 cr)
Capstone - Music Therapy Internship
The Capstone for the Music Therapy BMus is the music therapy internship. After completing all required academic coursework, music therapy majors spend 1,040 hours (approximately six months) in the community practicing music therapy while supervised by Board Certified Music Therapists. The internship can be taken for 1-13 credits. Students who double major and choose to complete the capstone requirement in their other major are still required to take the Music Therapy BMus capstone.
Take exactly 1 course(s) totaling 1 - 13 credit(s) from the following:
·
MUED 5855 - Music Therapy Internship
(1.0-13.0 cr)
Upper Division Writing Intensive within the major
Students are required to take one upper division writing intensive course within the major. If that requirement has not been satisfied within the core major requirements, students must choose one course from the following list. Some of these courses may also fulfill other major requirements.
Take 0 - 1 course(s) from the following:
·
MUS 3601W - History of Western Music I
[WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
MUS 3602W - History of Western Music II
[WI]
(3.0 cr)
·
MUS 3603W - History of Western Music III
[WI]
(3.0 cr)
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Fall Odd Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Spring Even Year |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -2.0 [max 16.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 14.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 8.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 8.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | PSTL 1281/Psy 1001/Psy 1001H |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Madr 3604/Psy 3604/Psy 5604 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Biol 1010/Biol 1015/PSTL 1135 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Biol 1010/PSTL 1135 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | NSci 2001/NSci 2100 |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 0.0 [max 0.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 -4.0 [max 16.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -13.0 [max 13.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |