University of Indianapolis

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy at the University of Indianapolis is an AMTA‑ and NASM‑accredited clinical degree that integrates musicianship with therapeutic practice. Instruction is delivered by board‑certified music therapists and combines classroom study, on‑campus and community clinical training, and a required internship that must be completed prior to graduation. The program prepares students to pursue board certification (CBMT/MT‑BC).

What you'll study

Coursework and training emphasize both musicianship and clinical skills. Students learn therapeutic techniques and evidence‑informed practice across populations and settings. Key curricular features described by the program include:

• Two available tracks: a performance‑oriented track (students take primary‑instrument lessons each semester, perform in ensembles and audition on a primary instrument) and a clinical‑oriented track (students audition and perform on a primary instrument but rotate lessons on clinical instruments such as voice, percussion, guitar, and piano).
• Clinical training opportunities both on campus and in the greater Indianapolis area, supervised by board‑certified music therapists.
• A required full internship that must be completed before graduation; academic and pre‑internship clinical training precede the internship.
• Curriculum guides for the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and for UIndy general education that outline required classes for the major and graduation.

Entry requirements

Applicants audition on a primary instrument. Students choose a track during the audition or by the end of the first year. Those seeking an accelerated timeline (completing academic and pre‑internship clinical work in 3.5 years to begin an internship in January of year four) must discuss this plan with the Director of Music Therapy by their second year. The program also offers a post‑baccalaureate equivalency certificate path for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in music from an NASM‑accredited program.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to work across the lifespan in many practice settings. The program lists common employment venues and client populations, including:

• Settings: hospitals (including NICU and pediatric care), rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, schools (public, private, special education), nursing homes and memory care, hospices, substance use treatment centers, community health programs, correctional facilities, private practice and in‑home care.
• Populations: people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, PTSD), neurologic disorders (stroke, Parkinson’s, TBI), Alzheimer’s and other dementias, chronic illness and pain, individuals coping with trauma, grief, or life transition, and people seeking emotional, social, or spiritual support without a formal diagnosis.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program page does not list specific scholarships. Prospective students should consult UIndy’s central scholarships and financial aid offices and the Department of Music about auditions‑linked scholarships, ensemble scholarships, need‑based aid, and external funding sources relevant to music and allied‑health training.