The Music Therapy at Duquesne University is a Full Time Bachelor program offered at the university's main campus in Pittsburgh , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 4 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 21, 2027.

About Bachelor of Music Therapy

Music Therapy

At Duquesne University, we provide a vibrant and supportive learning community that encourages self-discovery, creative thinking, and individualized growth. Innovative and comprehensive training connects your passion for music with your desire to improve the health and wellbeing of patients in a variety of clinical settings. Scholarships are available.

Our board-certified music therapy faculty are nationally recognized educators and researchers committed to mentoring students in their development as both clinicians and professionals.
Beginning in the very first year of studies, you will gain clinical experience at prestigious and unique facilities such as Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Community LIFE, The Children's Institute, and UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital.
You will have access to diverse opportunities for professional advancement through seminars, workshops, and networking with healthcare professionals.
Customize your learning experience by choosing from a related minor, including psychology, global health, public health, and intercultural engagement.
The Music Therapy Student Association connects you with the national music therapy community, including professional organizations such as the American Music Therapy Association and the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Association.
For over 40 years, our graduates have been active and ambitious professionals, serving patients across the country, assuming a variety of leadership positions, and presenting at regional and national professional conferences.
Students are active as musicians, performing in ensembles and taking private lessons from our GRAMMY Award-winning performance faculty, and leading community-engaged service and music-making activities.

View the 2022–2023 Curriculum

A degree in music therapy from the Mary Pappert School of Music will set you apart as a leader in the field and provide opportunities to work in different healthcare and education settings, including mental health programs, medical hospitals, pediatric hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, long-term skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and palliative care programs, special education programs, assisted-living facilities, and more.

Audition Overview

Admission to the Mary Pappert School of Music also includes a formal audition. Learn more about the audition process & guidelines.

Progressive Degree Pathway

This program allows you to combine a traditional 4-year Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy and a traditional 2-year Master of Music Therapy with the added benefit of simultaneously overlapping your undergraduate internship with your graduate coursework. In 6 years, you will have your BSMT, MMT, and music therapy board certification. Undergraduate courses are in-person and graduate courses are offered online with two in-person intensives on campus in the second year. Scholarships are available.

A progressive degree pathway to earn both a BSMT and an MMT in 6 years is available.

Disciplines

Mary Pappert School of Music

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Music Therapy at Duquesne University

Entry Requirements

Required Documents

Completed Application
Transcripts
- Original or attested copies of official academic records from the last four years of your education.
- Credentials should be submitted in the native language with certified English translations and sent directly from the school and/or university you attended. Photocopies are not considered official.
- Scanned copies are accepted for evaluation of your application, but originals must be received before you begin classes at Duquesne.
- If you have enrolled in an ESL program in the United States, you also must submit the ESL transcripts.
Recommendation Letter
- At least one (1) letter of recommendation from someone who can attest to both your academic and personal strengths.
Freshman Essay
- Submit a personal statement of at least 300 words which answers the following questions and includes examples of research, shadowing or volunteering experiences:
  1. What is unique about you?
  2. Why have you chosen this major?
  3. How will Duquesne help you to achieve your academic, personal, and professional goals?
English Language Scores
- International undergraduate students can apply in one of two ways:
  1. Submit a TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English, Duolingo English Test, or a score of 540 or higher on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
  2. Test upon arrival to campus.

Eligibility

To be considered for admission you must have graduated from a secondary school recognized as an acceptable equivalent to a U.S. high school and you must demonstrate a record of acceptable academic success.

In general, undergraduate applicants are expected to obtain the U.S. equivalent of a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) for most majors.

The Center for Global Engagement takes into the account the educational system and grading system particular to your country; therefore, you are evaluated against students from the same country.

Click here to see a list of countries and relevant documents that we consider the equivalent of a high school transcript.

Please Note:

Once your application is complete, it takes about two to three weeks for an admissions decision to be made.
Please read our English Proficiency Requirements page for detailed information on how we evaluate your application.
An initial interview is not formally required before your application, but you can request an interview with an admissions officer if you would like to articulate additional information. The Center for Global Engagement reserves the right to require an interview after examining your admissions materials if we would like more information before our admissions decision.
Duquesne is a holistic institution that takes into consideration other skills outside of academic life, such as teamwork, leadership, initiative and compassion.

English Requirements

PTEMin 48
IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 70

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Music Therapy at Duquesne University

How to Apply for Bachelor of Music Therapy at Duquesne University

Prospective undergraduate students may apply to Duquesne University directly through our Future Focused Application, Common App or Coalition Application.