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Application Requirements

Bachelor of Music Therapy

Prepare for a rewarding career using music to improve the health and well-being of individuals across the lifespan. Loyola's Bachelor of Music Therapy combines rigorous musical training, evidence-based coursework, and hands-on clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare, educational, and community settings.

The program includes supervised fieldwork throughout the curriculum, followed by a required six-month, 1,200-hour clinical internship after completion of coursework. Students gain experience working with diverse populations through placements in settings such as schools, hospitals, behavioral health, rehabilitation, hospice, older adult services, and community-based programs.

120-124 credit hours to complete the degree.

See Degree Program Course Listing: BMT

Undergraduate Admissions

To enroll in the undergraduate Music Therapy program,
Schedule a School of Music Audition >>

Music Therapy Equivalency

Designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in music but do not have a degree in music therapy, the Music Therapy Equivalency Program provides the coursework and clinical training required to become eligible for board certification as a Music Therapist–Board Certified (MT-BC).

  • One year on-campus coursework with supervised clinical experiences
  • Includes the required 1,200-hour clinical internship
  • Can be completed in as few as 2-3 years, depending on previous coursework
  • MMT EQ students are eligible  to sit for the national board certification examination to earn the Music Therapist–Board Certified (MT-BC) credential upon competing the required 1,200-hour clinical internship. 

See Degree Program Course Listing: MMT EQ

Graduate Admissions Requirements:

  • A completed application for graduate admission

  • Undergraduate baccalaureate degree in music, or a closely related field with a music minor

  • Résumé: Provide a current resume, including relevant work experience

  • Two Letters of Recommendation: One from a college professor and one from a professional reference

  • Audition Requirement: Applicants may complete their audition in person, via Zoom, or by submitting a video recording. Applicants should demonstrate musical proficiency in one of the following ways: (a) perform 1–2 pieces on their primary instrument or voice (classical or jazz repertoire), or (b) sing while self-accompanying on both guitar and piano, performing 1–2 songs such as a popular song, jazz standard, or folk song.The College of Music must receive audition/interview applications at least four weeks prior to the selected date.

    • **Proficiency with singing and self-accompanying on guitar and piano is not required for admission. However, if the applicant is unable to demonstrate proficiency in their video audition, they may be required to take remedial courses in guitar/piano

  • Statement of Educational Goals (500 words or less) addressing the questions:

    • How do you think a Masters of Music Therapy will enhance your academic and/or professional career?

    • What do you hope to gain by being part of Loyola's graduate program?

    • What do you bring to the Masters of Music Therapy program?

The above Graduate Music Application Requirements must be submitted through the online application portal.

Official Transcripts 

Official Transcripts are required from every college and university attended since high school, including any schools attended through dual enrollment programs or summer session.  Official transcripts may be sent directly to Loyola’s Admissions Office or you can have them sent to yourself in the school’s envelope.  Do not break the seal of the envelope.

International Students

In addition to the documents listed above, international students must submit the following: TOEFL score report; we require a score of 580 (paper-based), 237 (computer-based), 92 (Internet-based), or higher. TOEFL scores are valid for two years. Score reports must be sent by ETS to the mailing address listed above. Candidate copies are not acceptable. International students requiring an F-1 or J-1 visa must submit an Affidavit of Support showing sufficient funds to finance the course of studies and living expenses.

Application deadlines

The Masters of Music Therapy Program will consider applications on a rolling basis upon availability. It is strongly recommended that Masters of Music Therapy candidates plan that matriculation begin in the fall semester due to program structure.

Master of Music Therapy Curriculum

Degree Overview 

Loyola’s Master of Music Therapy (30 crs):

  • Music Therapy Masters online courses (13 crs)

  • Scholarly Project (2 crs)

  • Elective courses (15 crs)

Master of Music Therapy – Equivalency Program (55 crs):

  • Foundational Music Therapy courses (25 crs)

  • Music Therapy Masters online courses (13 crs)

  • Scholarly Project (2 crs)

  • Elective courses (15 crs)

Master of Music Therapy / Master of Science in Counseling (MMT / MS) (75 crs)

  • Music Therapy Masters online courses (13 crs)

  • Master of Counseling Courses (48 crs)

  • Scholarly Project (2 crs)

  • Elective courses (12 crs)

Check out the University Bulletin to view further curriculum information about Loyola's master of music therapy program and download a degree worksheet.

Equivalency Track

Additional Courses for Non-Music Therapy Board Certified Students (25 Credits)

Students who hold an undergraduate degree in music or similar degree with a minor in music, but are not Board-Certified music therapists will prepare for the master's in music therapy degree through our equivalency track program. This hybrid program prepares students for Board Certification with 25 credits of undergraduate-level music therapy courses designed to provide comprehensive training, followed by a 1200 hour (~six-month) music therapy internship. Once the student has completed Foundational Music Therapy coursework and internship, they will complete the Master of Music Therapy coursework online.

Through the equivalency track, students will be required to spend a year on campus in immersive preparation for their Board Certification. 

On-Campus Foundational Music Therapy Courses (25 crs)

  • Introduction to Music Therapy (2 crs)

  • Music Therapy in Education & Habilitation (3 crs)

  • Music Therapy in Health Care (3 crs)

  • Music Therapy in Mental Health & Wellness (3 crs)

  • Recreative & Compositional Methods (2 crs)

  • Receptive Methods (2 crs)

  • Clinical Improvisation (2 crs)

  • Psychology of Music (3 crs)

  • Orientation to Field Studies (1 cr)

  • Field Studies II (1 cr)

  • Field Studies III (1 cr)

  • Field Studies IV (1 cr)

  • Off-Campus Internship (1 cr)

Online Master of Music Therapy Core Courses (15 crs)

  • MUTY M702 Music Therapy Research (3 crs)

  • MUTY M703 Professional MT Mentorship (1 cr)

  • MUTY M704 Music Therapy Supervision (3 crs)

  • MUTY M706 Music Therapy and Medicine (3 crs)

  • MUTY M722 Music Therapy in Trauma Work (3 crs)

  • MUTY M812 Scholarly Project (2 crs)

    • Offered as 0-3 crs course

Electives (15 crs)

  • A minimum of 9 credit hours of non-MUTY and non-music academic coursework (Counseling, Business, Criminology, Ministry, Nursing, or Education) 

  • The remaining 6 credit hours may be completed through music electives or other approved courses 

  • All non-MUTY courses need to be approved by the student’s advisor before taking the course.

  • Substitutions for core-MUTY coursework may be made with approval from the Coordinator (i.e. Research Apprenticeship)

Contact Information

If you would like more information about the Music Therapy program, contact the Coordinator of Music Therapy Dr. Jessica DeKleva at jkdeklev@loyno.edu.