Music Therapy, B.S.

According to the American Music Therapy Association, “music therapy is the clinical & 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,” such as the Music Therapy degree at Roberts. 

Music therapy can help promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, and more.

Music therapists can work with people of all ages. A few examples of people who may especially benefit from music therapy include:

• Children with developmental or learning disabilities
• Individuals with mental health disorders
• People in correctional settings
• Those who experience chronic pain
• Individuals with neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease

The first step in becoming a music therapist is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from an American Music Therapy Association-approved School, like Roberts Wesleyan University.

As a music therapy student at Roberts, you’ll both take courses and complete supervised clinical hours to gain experience and learn from practicing music therapists in the community.

After graduating, you’ll complete the remainder of your 1200 fieldwork hours in an internship with a board-certified music therapist. Then, you will be eligible to sit for the national board certification exam, offered through the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).

You may also need to obtain specific licenses based on the state or area you’d like to practice music therapy.

A music therapy degree includes coursework in psychology, human development, and social work. Students will also work to develop their skills in musicianship.

Dedicated music therapy courses include instrumental methods, music therapy foundations, and psychology of music. As a music therapy student at Roberts, you’ll also undergo four levels of practicum to get live experience in the field and practice working with clients.

According to the US Bureau of Labor, the median annual wage for “Therapists, All Other” (which music therapists fall under) in 2021 was about $60,800. 

Naturally, this figure will fluctuate depending on factors like location, level of education, employer, and more.

Yes! If you come to campus for an individual visit, you can meet individually with a professor to get an overview of the major and your individual questions answered. Our Discovery Day events typically include a Faculty & Services Expo, where you can meet your future professors.

Yes! At Roberts, we’re dedicated to supporting you. Our Office of Student Financial Services is here to help you make the most of every financial aid opportunity available.

We provide financial assistance to 100% of our undergraduate students, so you can focus on following your calling with confidence.