Music Therapy - BS

Caine College of the Arts

About This Degree

Utah State offers the only music therapy program in the state of Utah, and the program is one of only five in the western United States.

USU employs top music therapy educators who attract students from around the world. USU music therapy graduates have a 100% pass rate on the national board certification exam and 100% job placement, as music therapists are in high demand across the nation. Graduates also have excellent internship placement at nationally competitive sites throughout the country.

A degree in music therapy prepares students for an established healthcare profession that uses music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapists can improve the quality of life for people who are healthy as well as children and adults with illnesses or disabilities. They help others manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and improve health through music therapy practices.

What You Will Learn

Students who apply for the music therapy program must be proficient in at least one musical instrument. Once they are in the program they will take additional courses in piano, voice, and guitar in order to make them well-rounded musicians who can use various forms of music in their profession.

Students receive a by completing all required courses in the major.

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At a Glance

College: Caine College of the Arts

Department: Music Department

USU Locations:

  • Logan campus

Program Requirements

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the program can pursue careers as music therapists in the following areas:

  • Hospitals
  • Schools
  • Special education programs
  • Assisted care centers
  • Nursing homes
  • Centers for developmentally/intellectual disabled
  • At-risk youth residential centers
  • Eating disorder programs
  • Residential hospice programs
  • State institutions
  • Substance-abuse/dual diagnosed programs
  • Support groups
  • Psychiatric hospitals
  • Daycare centers

Job Outlook

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Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

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USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the music therapy program has additional requirements:

  • Freshmen: New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission as pre-majors.
  • Transfer Students: Transfer students from other institutions need a 2.75 cumulative GPA to qualify, and students transferring from other USU majors need a 2.75 cumulative GPA in order to qualify for this major.
  • To become a music therapy major, students must complete the following:
    • A required audition, which usually takes place the February before the student’s freshman year
    • Other prerequisite coursework as determined by the department

International students have additional admissions requirements.

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