The Music Therapy Equivalency Program is designed for individuals who have completed a degree in a field related to music therapy (music education, psychology with extra music courses, or music performance). Although no degree is awarded, the completion of this program and a six-month internship qualifies the student to take the board certification exam.

The exact requirement of courses is individualized according to the student's past college work and skill-related needs. This is determined by a review of the student's transcripts, demonstrated skill proficiencies, and an interview with the Director of Music Therapy.

Required courses are those of the music therapy core and psychology. Depending on the completed degree, required courses may also include music theory and history, various techniques and skill building classes, and major applied lessons and ensemble participation.

It typically takes a minimum of two years of academic work, followed by the six-month internship, to complete all the requirements. The student is then eligible to sit for the national examination in music therapy offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Upon passing the exam, the credential Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) is granted.

Tuition is offered at a significantly reduced rate for students enrolling in the Music Therapy Equivalency Program. Current tuition rates are available on our Student Financial Services webpage. To apply, students will do so as a transfer second degree student.