By TED Staff
May 2021
Not all musicians rock concert venues and recording studios. Some, like music therapists, use music to help people with their physical and mental health needs. To become a music therapist, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in music therapy.
Top Education Degrees went on the hunt for the best bachelor’s in music therapy degree programs. We began by compiling a list of every university offering just such a degree. We then used the following points-based system to rank each program on important factors like tuition and overall return on investment.
Annual Out-of-State Tuition:
$10,000 or less — 5 points
$20,000 or less — 4 points
$30,000 or less — 3 points
$40,000 or less — 2 points
$50,000 or less — 1 point
Annual Percentage of 20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):
9%+ — 5 points
7-8% — 4 points
5-6% — 3 points
3-4% — 2 points
1-2% — 1 point
Graduation Rate:
Above 90% — 5 points
Above 80% — 4 points
Above 70% — 3 points
Above 60% — 2 points
Above 50% — 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
5:1 and more — 4 points
10:1 and more — 3 points
15:1 and more — 2 points
20:1 and more — 1 point
Note: In the event of a tie in points, the higher ranking has been given to the university with the lower annual tuition. Tuition numbers and other statistics have been taken from The National Center for Education Statistics, and are accurate as of May 2021.
1. Florida State University
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Tallahassee, FL
Annual Tuition: $18,786
Total Points: 12
Topping our list of the best bachelor’s degrees in Music Therapy is Florida State University. This large public research university’s College of Music offers a number of highly respected music degree programs. This includes a Bachelor of Music Therapy, as well as music therapy degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels. Students may also choose to concentrate in Music Therapy, or complete the Music Therapy Equivalency Program. Those who opt for the full Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy must complete 122 total credits. This includes general studies courses, as well as 46 credits of Music Studies. Potential coursework includes Arts in Medicine and Human Exceptionality, to name but two. A clinical internship is also required.
2. Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion
Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy
Marion, IN
Annual Tuition: $28,184
Total Points: 12
The Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy degree program is one of Indiana Wesleyan University’s newest degree programs. The degree has already achieved accreditation through both the National Association of Music and the American Music Therapy Association. Students who choose to pursue Indiana Wesleyan’s B.A. in Music Therapy must complete 95 total credits, not including general studies requirements. Potential coursework includes Psychology of Music and Music Therapy with Various Populations, to name but two. Students will also choose an applied instrument in which to focus. An internship and research are both required before graduation.
3. Temple University
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Annual Tuition: $29,882
Total Points: 12
Temple University offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. The public research university is home to the Boyer College of Music and Dance. To complete the B.M. in Music Therapy, students must complete 130 total credits. Most students spend four-and-a-half years working towards their degree, which requires a six-month clinical training program before graduation. Potential coursework includes Developmental Music Therapy and Medical/Rehabilitative Music Therapy, to name but two.
4. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Annual Tuition: $33,325
Total Points: 12
University of Minnesota offers a BMus in Music Therapy via its College of Liberal Arts. The professional-level degree program immerses students in an intensive study in music therapy. Students complete 120 credit hours of courses such as Group Music Skills and Psychology of Music. Students also prepare to sit for their board certification exam. An internship and senior recital are also required before graduation.
5. West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
West Chester, PA
Annual Tuition: $22,295
Total Points: 11
West Chester University is the largest of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s 14 public schools. The university offers a B.M. in Music Therapy via its School of Music. Over the course of the degree program, students complete 1,200 hours of clinical training and internship hours. This unique hands-on approach to music therapy training prepares students well for either their career or graduate studies.
6. Washington Adventist University
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Takoma Park, Maryland
Annual Tuition: $25,200
Total Points: 11
Washington Adventist University is a small private university affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The university offers a B.M. in Music Therapy that trains students to use music “intentionally” for a career. In addition to coursework, this four-year degree program prepares students to sit for the music therapy national examination.
7. Maryville University of Saint Louis
Bachelor’s in Music Therapy
Town and Country, MO
Annual Tuition: $27,166
Total Points: 11
Maryville University is a private school located near St. Louis. The university offers a bachelor’s degree in music therapy which is fully approved by the American Music Therapy Association, and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Potential coursework includes Music Appreciation and Chorale. Students also have the opportunity to partner with local schools and hospitals for internships and hands-on training.
8. Immaculata University
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Immaculata, PA
Annual Tuition: $27,750
Total Points: 11
Immaculata University, located near Philadelphia, offers a BMus in Music Therapy undergraduate degree. The private Roman Catholic school prepares students for success on the board certification exam for music therapy. To earn the degree, students must complete both coursework and hands-on internships at schools and health centers in the surrounding region.
9. University of Georgia
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Athens, Georgia
Annual Tuition: $31,120
Total Points: 11
University of Georgia offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy via its Hugh Hodgson School of Music. The undergraduate degree program prepares students for careers in using music to improve people’s mental and physical health. Much of the coursework is composed of psychology classes. Before graduation, students are also required to complete a six-month internship and sit for the Music Therapy Board Certification exam.
10. Molloy College
Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy
Rockville Centre, NY
Annual Tuition: $32,550
Total Points: 11
Molloy College offers a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy. Molloy is home to the only music therapy program in the New York City area to be accredited by the American Music Therapy Association. Earning this degree requires coursework in subjects such as technology-assisted song writing, early music development, and sign language, among other subjects. An internship is also required before graduation.
11. Duquesne University
Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy
Pittsburgh, PA
Annual Tuition: $41,892
Total Points: 11
Duquesne University is a private Catholic university with the distinction of being the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the world. Duquesne offers a B.S. in Music Therapy. Faculty of the music therapy program includes Grammy winners and other industry professionals. Completing the degree requires 128 total credits, including general education. Clinical training and field experience are also required before graduation. Uniquely, Duquesne also offers an on-campus Music Therapy Student Association, an undergraduate organization that provides valuable networking opportunities to Duquesne students.
12. Butler University
Music Therapy Dual Degrees
Indianapolis, IN
Annual Tuition: $43,400
Total Points: 11
Butler University is a private school located near downtown Indianapolis. Students at Butler who are interested in music therapy will actually graduate with two bachelor’s degrees. In the Music Therapy Dual Degree Program, students may choose to graduate with either a B.A. in Music or a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Butler, plus a Music Therapy degree from Butler’s program partner, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. The length of the program depends upon the student’s choice of Butler degree program.
13. University of Dayton
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Dayton, Ohio
Annual Tuition: $44,890
Total Points: 11
University of Dayton is a private Catholic university offering a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. Completing the degree requires five semesters of hands-on experience and clinical placements. A Music Therapy Club provides additional opportunities for students to reach the community and gain valuable experience. A full 100% of Dayton graduates have gone on to pass their national board certification exam, while 90% have been hired in their field within two months of certification.
14. Western Michigan University
Bachelor of Music Therapy
Kalamazoo, MI
Annual Tuition: $16,041
Total Points: 10
Western Michigan University is a large public university which offers a Bachelor of Music Therapy. Students pursuing this degree begin music classes from their first semester on campus. Internships are included in the curriculum, and are organized by the university. Those who already have a bachelor’s degree may also choose to pursue a Certificate: Music Therapy Equivalency to prepare for the required national board certifications.
15. SUNY at Fredonia
Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy
Fredonia, New York
Annual Tuition: $18,402
Total Points: 10
SUNY at Fredonia is the westernmost university of the public State University of New York system. The university offers a B.S. in Music Therapy which prepares students with the professional training they will need to obtain careers as music therapists. Potential coursework includes Diction for Singers, Music Therapy Repertoire, and a Clinical Placement and Seminar, to name three. Students who already have a bachelor’s may also complete the 18-month music therapy part of the curriculum. Those who intend to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s in Music Therapy can do so via Fredonia’s five-year program.
16. Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Boone, NC
Annual Tuition: $22,217
Total Points: 10
Appalachian State University is a public university, and part of the greater University of North Carolina system. The university offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. Uniquely, students begin both music therapy courses and clinical training their freshman year. During their sophomore year, students are already providing weekly music therapy sessions under the supervision of a board-certified music therapy. Speaking of board certification, just about 100% of Appalachian music therapy graduates have passed their certification exam.
17. Ohio University
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Athens, Ohio
Annual Tuition: $22,406
Total Points: 10
Not only is Ohio University the oldest chartered university in Ohio, it’s also home to one of the oldest music therapy degree programs in America. Students at Ohio University can earn a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. The full degree includes coursework in general studies, electives, music, and music therapy. Six clinical experiences are included in the curriculum, as is a six-month internship with a partnering site.
18. Utah State University
Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy
Logan, Utah
Annual Tuition: $23,452
Total Points: 10
Utah State University offers a B.S. in Music Therapy. The large public university attracts the most out-of-state students of any of Utah’s public colleges. One of the reasons for that is its School of Music. Admission to the music therapy degree program requires students to be proficient on at least one musical instrument. Coursework includes additional classes in piano, voice, and guitar. One hundred percent of Utah State students have passed their national board certification exam.
19. University of Kansas
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Lawrence, Kansas
Annual Tuition: $28,034
Total Points: 10
University of Kansas offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. To earn this degree, Kansas students must complete 120 semester hours, including general education. Major-specific coursework includes classes on behavioral sciences and various music areas. On-campus clinical work part of the curriculum from the first semester, while the degree culminates with a six-month internship.
20. University of Louisville
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Louisville, Kentucky
Annual Tuition: $28,508
Total Points: 10
University of Louisville offers a Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in Music Therapy. To earn this degree, students must complete a series of general education courses, plus four semesters each of music theory and music literature. Instrument-specific classes and recital attendance are also required. Students may also choose to complete their Music Therapy degree with a track in Jazz Studies.
21. University of Indianapolis
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Indianapolis, IN
Annual Tuition: $32,268
Total Points: 10
Students at University of Indianapolis have the option of earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. The degree covers coursework spanning music and communications, and includes hands-on experiences that prepare students for their future career. Those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another subject can choose to pursue the Music Therapy Equivalency Certificate. In either case, a practicum and internship are required for graduation.
22. Belmont University
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Nashville, TN
Annual Tuition: $37,030
Total Points: 10
The Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy at Belmont University “provides for a challenging education for the development of competent, comprehensive, and compassionate music therapists.” Completing this degree requires eight semesters of coursework, plus one six-month internship. Students may choose to study a Classical or Commercial instrument, which will determine their choice of degree track. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the Music Therapy board certification exam.
23. Southern Methodist University
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Dallas, Texas
Annual Tuition: $58,540
Total Points: 10
Southern Methodist University offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. The American Music Therapy Association-approved degree consists of 96 credit hours, plus a series of general education courses. Potential coursework includes:
- Music Theory
- Introduction to Music in World Societies
- Developmental Music Therapy
Also included are practicums in:
- gerontological music therapy
- psychiatric music therapy
- developmental music therapy
During the student’s final year, a music therapy internship is also required.
24. Eastern Michigan University
Bachelor of Music Therapy
Ypsilanti, MI
Annual Tuition: $13,810
Total Points: 9
Eastern Michigan University is a large public university with a long history of teaching students how to teach and care for others. The university offers a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree program. Completing the degree requires 96-98 credit hours, plus a series of general education courses. Potential classes include:
- History of Music
- Psychology of Music
- Guitar Skills with Special Populations
Upon completing the degree, graduates are eligible to sit for the board certification exam.
25. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Slippery Rock, PA
Annual Tuition: $14,092
Total Points: 9
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania — known also as The Rock — is a medium-sized member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The school offers a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. Completing the degree requires completing 120 credit hours, including general education. Potential coursework includes:
- Diction for Singers
- Fundamental Skills in Music Therapy
- Music Therapy for Children
Four courses in a chosen focus instrument is also required, as is an internship.
26. Cleveland State University
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Cleveland, OH
Annual Tuition: $15,952
Total Points: 9
Cleveland State University is a large research university, and a part of the University System of Ohio. Students at Cleveland State may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Music with a track in Music Therapy. Required coursework covers both the art and science of music therapy, and delves into using music as a therapeutic tool to treat all sorts of needs. Upon completing the degree, graduates are eligible to sit for the national board certification exam.
27. Texas Woman’s University
Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy
Denton, Texas
Annual Tuition: $18,071
Total Points: 9
Despite its name, Texas Woman’s University is a public university that accepts both men and women. Students at Texas Women’s University may choose to earn a B.S. degree in Music Therapy. This degree requires between 131 and 145 semester hours, including 81 hours specific to the major. Potential coursework includes:
- Aural Skills
- Conducting
- Abnormal Psychology
Four practicums and a two-part internship are also required before graduation.
28. Sam Houston State University
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Huntsville, Texas
Annual Tuition: $18,552
Total Points: 9
Sam Houston State University is a large public university, and a member of the Texas State University System. Students at Sam may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Therapy. Over the course of the 4.5-year program, students complete intensive coursework covering both neuro-behavioral sciences and music. A six-month clinical internship is also required after completion of other coursework, but before students sit for the national board certification exam.
29. Montclair State University
Bachelor of Art in Music Therapy
Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy
Montclair, New Jersey
Annual Tuition: $21,033
Total Points: 9
Montclair State University is a large public research university. The school is a great option for future music therapists preferring a Bachelor of Arts degree. It offers a B.A. in Music Therapy as opposed to the more common Bachelor of Science of Bachelor of Music. The 4.5-year program allows for four focus options:
- guitar
- keyboard
- voice
- strings, brass, woodwind, and percussion
Regardless of choice, a student’s music therapy curriculum culminates in a six-month internship.
30. Georgia College & State University
Bachelor of Music Therapy
Milledgeville, GA
Annual Tuition: $28,704
Total Points: 9
Georgia College & State University is a public liberal arts university with approximately 7,000 students. The university offers a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree program. Admission to this degree requires an entrance audition and an interview. Once admitted, completing the degree requires a series of courses, 1,200 clinical training hours, and an internship. Upon graduation, students will be sufficiently prepared to sit for the board certification exam.
Related Links:
30 Best Master’s Degrees in Music Therapy
50 Best Online Master’s in Music Therapy Degrees
