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Equivalency Program in Music Therapy

Click here for Course Checklist for the Equivalency Program.

• General Information
• Admissions
• Preparing for the Major
• Financial Aid

General Information

The Equivalency Program in Music Therapy is designed for those individuals who have already completed their baccalaureate education (most typically in music performance or music education), but who wish to fulfill requirements necessary to become professionally certified as a Music Therapist. Rather than completing a second Bachelor's degree, the student completes courses beyond the Bachelor's degree that are required for professional training.

The applicant's undergraduate transcripts are analyzed, and remaining course requirements for music therapy are determined. For students with an undergraduate degree in music performance or music education, the equivalency program typically takes three semesters to complete. Students with undergraduate degrees in areas other than music must complete basic coursework in music (i.e., music theory, lessons on a major instrument, music history, composition, etc.) in addition to the core music therapy program. Following coursework at Iowa, the student must successfully complete a six-month internship at an approved clinical site. Transcripts of coursework from the student's undergraduate program along with the equivalency program at Iowa are submitted toward professional certification following completion of the internship.

This program can be completed in conjunction with work toward a Master of Arts in Music Education. For example, students enrolled in the graduate program in music education can apply several of the music therapy core courses toward the Master of Arts in music education. In such cases, the student should contact the head of the area of graduate study to determine admissions policies and program requirements.

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Admission

Liberal Arts requirements emphasize social, behavioral, and natural sciences which are important in allied health professions such as music therapy.

Undergraduate students must be admitted to the School of Music as well as the University. For information on admission, fees, and university scholarships, contact the Admissions Office, 108 Calvin Hall, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, phone (319) 335-1549. For information about School of Music admissions, music scholarships, and auditions contact the Academic Office of the School of Music at 1011 Voxman Music Building, phone (319) 335-1604.

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