The curriculum attracts students desiring to pursue a career in music therapy, combining musical talent, interest in the behavioral sciences, and service to individuals with special needs and health issues. The curriculum emphasizes musicianship, clinical application, measurement, and practice-related research. The program offers six semesters of supervised practicum (service-learning) opportunities in hospice, hospitals, psychiatric facilities for adults and children, extended care facilities, public schools, treatment centers, correctional facilities, and developmental centers. The University-affiliated Athens Community Music School provides students the opportunity to work with individuals and their families. Internship application and selection is assisted by faculty, with students accepted by excellent clinical training programs throughout the country. Coursework prepares the student for positions in medical, education, and community health-related settings, as well as private practice.

The Music Therapy is a Bachelor degree offered by Ohio University at its main campus in Athens, United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 4 years to complete. Students study at the university's main campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from August 22, 2027.
About Bachelor of Music Therapy
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Music Therapy at Ohio University
Entry Requirements
- Top 13-45% of their graduating high school classes
- Average composite ACT score of 21-26
- Average combined SAT score of 1050-1230 (math and evidence-based reading and writing)
- Average high school grade point average of 3.58 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6
- TOEFLMin 68
English Program Requirements
- Provide a recent TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score. See minimum requirements below. IELTS reports should be sent directly from the testing agency. TOEFL results should be sent electronically directly from the testing agency (school code 1593). Duolingo English Test results can be shared online with Ohio University once your test has been certified.
English Proficiency Minimum Score Requirements
TOEFL Paper: 520 (composition score of 5)
TOEFL Internet (IBT): 68 (writing subscore of 17)
IELTS: 6.0 (no sub-score below 5.5)
Duolingo English Test: 95 -
Complete at least three years in a high school in an English-speaking system, including three years of high school English (not ESL) courses with a grade of B or better.
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Submit an ACT composite score of 21 with 21 ACT English and 21 ACT Reading subscores.
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Submit a 1060 SAT Total with 540 SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing subscore.
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Have completed the equivalent of Ohio University's English 1510: Writing and Rhetoric I (Freshman Composition) with a grade of C or better. Course equivalency will be determined during the application process.
Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Music Therapy
Students who complete requirements for the Bachelor of Music Therapy degree must then take the national board certification examination in order to become a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), the credential required to practice as a professional. The MT-BC may take positions in educational facilities, treatment centers, medical facilities and other specialized facilities for children and adults with special needs. In the past several years new positions (The AMTA 2009 Member Sourcebook) have occurred at over twice the rate of positions lost. To meet a growing number of positions requiring advanced clinical, research, and management skills, music therapists may pursue the Masters of Music in music therapy. Those music therapists who desire teaching and research positions in higher education may pursue a doctorate in music education or a related area with an emphasis on music therapy.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Music Therapy at Ohio University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Music Therapy at Ohio University
- Application form
- USD $70 international application processing fee
- Academic records from every secondary/post-secondary institution you have attended, with a certified or attested translation if the original document is not in English. Unofficial academic records may be submitted via email to [email protected] to receive an admissions decision. Official academic records must be provided upon arrival to campus, before the first day of classes, or sent by mail in envelopes sealed and stamped by one of the following:
- Your school or university
- Ministry of Education of your home country
- EducationUSA or related binational organization
Please note: We cannot accept scanned or faxed copies as official results. Official academic records must be submitted by mail, as previously noted, to:
Undergraduate Admissions
Chubb Hall 120
1 Ohio University
Athens OH 45701 - USA
- Official proof of English proficiency, if available. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exams should be taken within the last 12 months.
- Proof of citizenship: a copy of your passport information page.
- Evidence of sufficient funding to support your educational and living expenses for a 9-month period. Learn more about the necessary amount on our Costs & Aid page. Your financial documentation must include:
- A letter from your sponsor confirming the amount of funding that will be provided and stating your relationship to the sponsor (a PDF sample sponsor form is available but not required) and a letter or statement from your sponsor's bank confirming that the funding is available in an accessible account. The name on the bank document must match the sponsor letter and must be written in English.
- If you will receive a government or other external scholarship, please provide proof of nomination of the award with your application packet.
- Optional materials can be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions via postal mail or by emailing [email protected]. Optional materials may include:
- Standardized test scores, if applicable. Ohio University has adopted a test-optional pathway for freshman applicants to the Athens campus. If you choose to submit standardized test scores, they must be submitted directly from the testing agency: SAT (school code 1593) or ACT (school code 3314). Ohio University considers the Evidenced-based Reading and Writing scores from the SAT.
- Essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Lists of extra-curricular interests and activities
United States of America, Athens