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Music Therapy

Bachelor of Music

As a music therapy student at UD, you'll develop professional skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to provide effective and compassionate therapy for individuals of all ages. Our graduates are prepared to assess client needs and design and facilitate individualized therapeutic music experiences in composing, listening, improvising and performing. An integral part of the curriculum is supervised clinical service to individuals and groups in a variety of community settings, including skilled nursing care, early intervention programs, substance use rehabilitation and special needs classrooms.

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Fast Facts

NASM accredited

National Association of Schools of Music accredited

100% of graduates

passed the national board certification exam

Program Overview

Why Study Music Therapy at UD?

Students design and provide music therapy services to children with special needs and other clients in our on-campus music therapy clinic.

Each year students provide clinical services to individuals and groups in various community settings like children's hospital, local shelters, drug rehabilitations and more. An estimated 350 individuals were served last year by music therapy majors and members of the award-winning UD Music Therapy Club.

As one of few music therapy degree programs in Ohio approved by the American Music Therapy Association, our program prepares students for acceptance to an approved, intensive internship. Upon successful completion of the internship and subsequent board certification, students are eligible to practice music therapy in a wide variety of educational, health and mental health settings.

The University of Dayton is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about music therapy at UD.

Catholic, Marianist Education
UD Is Home
Holistic Advising
Experiential Learning

Degree Information and Sample Plan

The Bachelor of Music degree offers intensive, professional training and emphasize advanced musical skills, theoretical foundations and experiential learning in the field, supported by close faculty mentorship. All music majors develop creativity, discipline, teamwork and critical thinking skills that transfer to a wide variety of careers.

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • MUS 111 – Theory of Music I
    2
  • MUS 113 – Aural Skills I
    2
  • MUS 125 – Introduction to Music Therapy
    3
  • MUS 200 – Flyer Arts Showcase
    0
  • MUS 202 – Professional Development Workshop
    0
  • MUS Elective
    1
  • MUS 399 – Performance Studies
    2
  • PSY 101 – Introductory Psychology
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 2
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • MUS 112 – Theory of Music II
    2
  • MUS 114 – Aural Skills II
    2
  • MUS 123 – Introduction to Therapeutic Movement
    1
  • MUS 195 – Beginning Guitar Class I
    1
  • MUS 200 – Flyer Arts Showcase
    0
  • MUS 202 – Professional Development Workshop
    0
  • MUS 300 – World Musics and Faith Traditions
    3
  • MUS Elective
    1
  • MUS 399 – Performance Studies
    2
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 3
  • MUS 200 – Flyer Arts Showcase
    0
  • MUS 202 – Professional Development Workshop
    0
  • MUS 211 – Theory of Music III
    2
  • MUS 213 – Aural Skills III
    2
  • MUS 244 – Functional Music Therapy Skills
    3
  • MUS 301 – Understanding Music History in the West
    3
  • MUS Elective
    1
  • MUS 399 – Performance Studies
    2
  • PSY 251 – Human Growth & Development
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 4
  • MUS 200 – Flyer Arts Showcase
    0
  • MUS 202 – Professional Development Workshop
    0
  • MUS 212 – Theory of Music IV
    2
  • MUS 214 – Aural Skills IV
    2
  • MUS 250 – Second Year Review
    0
  • MUS 271 – Music Therapy Methods I: Re-Creative
    2
  • MUS 273 – Practicum in Music Therapy I and Treatment Processes Lab
    2
  • MUS 302 – Ethics and American Popular Music
    3
  • MUS Elective
    1
  • MUS 399 – Performance Studies
    2
  • Total Credit Hours 14
Semester 5
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • MUS 200 – Flyer Arts Showcase
    0
  • MUS 202 – Professional Development Workshop
    0
  • MUS 295 – Beginning Guitar Class II
    1
  • MUS 370 – Music Therapy Methods II: Receptive
    2
  • MUS 372 – Practicum in Music Therapy II
    2
  • MUS Elective
    1
  • MUS 399 – Performance Studies
    2
  • CAP Natural Science with Lab
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • MUS 200 – Flyer Arts Showcase
    0
  • MUS 202 – Professional Development Workshop
    0
  • MUS 338 – Percussion Pedagogy
    1
  • MUS 371 – Music Therapy Methods III: Improvisation
    2
  • MUS 372 – Practicum in Music Therapy II
    2
  • MUS 375 – Research in Music Therapy
    2
  • MUS Elective
    1
  • PSY 363 – Abnormal Psychology
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 14
Semester 7
  • HSS 206 OR 305 – 206: Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology; 305: Human Anatomy
    3
  • MUS 200 – Flyer Arts Showcase
    0
  • MUS 202 – Professional Development Workshop
    0
  • MUS 318 – Fundamentals of Arranging
    2
  • MUS 450 – Degree Recital
    0
  • MUS 470 – Music Therapy Principles
    3
  • MUS 472 – Practicum in Music Therapy IV
    2
  • General Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 13
Semester 8
  • MUS 471 – Contemporary Music Therapy Practices
    3
  • MUS 473 – Practicum in Music Therapy V
    2
  • PSY 431 – Interviewing & Counseling
    3
  • CAP Mathematics
    3
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 14
Semester 9
  • MUS 489 – Music Therapy Internship
    2
  • Total Credit Hours 2
* Choose from MUS 390, 491, 492, 493 or 494.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Auditions and Scholarships
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Admission Information

Students seeking admission to any Bachelor of Music degree program must be admitted to the University of Dayton by the Office of Admission and accepted by the Department of Music through a process that includes:

  • An interview with a faculty member in the appropriate degree program.
  • Submission to the Department of Music of a short essay (500 words or less) that addresses "Why I Want to Be a Music Major."

Transfer students pursuing a major in music therapy must complete at least 24 of the required semester hours in the Department of Music while in residence at the University of Dayton.

Applying to UD

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

Academic Catalog
Performing Arts Scholarship
Audition Information
Admission Information

Tuition and Financial Aid

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

A Performing Arts Scholarship is available for music students who participate in audition day.

Transparent Tuition Plan
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate Financial Aid

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,279 average

starting salary for recent UD graduates across all majors

97% success rate

after graduation across all UD majors

Design Your Academic Path

Learning by Doing

Students design and provide music therapy services to children with special needs and other clients in our on-campus music therapy clinic.

Explore Opportunities and Activities

Roger Glass Center for the Arts

The Roger Glass Center for the Arts elevates the arts on campus and provides greater connection with the Dayton community through a variety of performances and art exhibits.

Explore the Roger Glass Center for the Arts

Music Ensembles

A variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles give you opportunities to perform — and hear — your own works brought to life.

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Dean’s Summer Fellowship

Work under the guidance of a full-time faculty mentor on your self-directed research project as a Dean's Summer Fellow.

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Ready to Study Music Therapy at UD?

Let’s create your future. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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