Music Therapy

About the music therapy major

The Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy is an approved program of the American Music Therapy Association that provides the musical, technical, and therapeutic skills to practice as entry-level music therapists in a variety of clinical fields. You'll engage in traditional academic music studies (e.g., music theory, aural skills, music history), piano, voice, guitar, percussion, improvisation, music technology, psychology, and specific music therapy courses.

Graduates of the program take the national certification examination administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). After passing this exam, you'll be a board-certified music therapist (Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, 2019).

Skills and abilities this major develops: musical knowledge and ability, problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, active listening, and social perceptiveness skills.

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Student organizations

ET has many student organizations, which are a great way to build your skills, network, and grow as a professional.

Professional work experience

Grow your skills through internships, co-op, or part-time jobs.

Study abroad

ET has many program-specific study abroad opportunities—a great way to gain cultural competency and grow your skills.

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of recreational therapists is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,300 openings for recreational therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023).

According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2023, the average starting salary reported for the School of Engineering and Technology graduates with a bachelor's degree was $65,226, and the median salary was $68,000.

The national median annual salary for recreational therapists was $57,120 in 2023 (Occupational Outlook Handbook).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Some music therapy majors pursue graduate or professional school to work in areas such as clinical or counseling psychology, research, or medicine. Many others obtain graduate degrees in music therapy, school counseling, music theory, and music composition.

Quick facts

Sample coursework

Creative arts, health, and wellness
Introduction to music therapy
Music therapy and health care settings
Music therapy practicum
Psychology of music

Possible careers

Music director/composer*
Music teacher*
Music therapist
Musician
Recreational therapist*

*This careers require additional training or education.

Where could I work?

Drug/alcohol rehabilitation centers
Geriatric facilities
Hospices
Hospitals
Private practice
Schools

Complementing interests

SSocial

AArtistic

IInvestigative

Get your interest code

Where to get more information

Purdue School of Engineering and Technology

American Music Therapy Association

National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the AHHS cluster

Learn about other clusters

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