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Bachelor's in Music Therapy

At Indiana Wesleyan University, we are proud to introduce our newly accredited Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy degree, a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of music therapy. This program has received full accreditation from both the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the National Association of Music (NASM), marking a significant milestone in the provision of high-quality education in this rapidly growing health profession.

Music therapy offered through IWU Marion is an interdisciplinary field that leverages the power of music and musical experiences to assist individuals in achieving and maintaining optimal levels of functioning in various health domains. It is implemented by professionally trained music therapists who are adept at using musical and clinical skills to address the specific needs of their clients. The Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy degree at Indiana Wesleyan University is meticulously designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in this dynamic profession. Students learn from expert faculty who will become mentors in the faith, integrating classroom learning with biblical truths for a Christ-centered environment that encourages spiritual growth.

What Will I Learn in This Music Therapy Program?

In our program, students will embark on a comprehensive journey through the theoretical and practical aspects of music therapy. They will learn the foundations of music therapy, including its history, theories, and methodologies, as well as gain an in-depth understanding of the role of music in human health and well-being. Our curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from music and psychology to the application of music therapy techniques in various clinical settings. Through hands-on training and supervised clinical practice, students will develop the competence to design and implement music therapy interventions tailored to the individual needs of their clients.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy degree prepares students to become compassionate and skilled music therapists, ready to make a positive impact in the lives of those they serve. Graduates of this program will be well-positioned to pursue careers in diverse settings, including hospitals, schools, community health centers, and private practice. They will join the ranks of dedicated professionals who use music to facilitate healing, enhance quality of life, and contribute to the health and well-being of individuals across the lifespan.

 

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided on-campus education for more than 100 years.

Rooted in Christ

Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.

Superior Support

Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!

What You Will Study in This Music Therapy Program

Coursework for your music therapy degree covers:

  • A rigorous assessment of musical and academic readiness, including a music theory placement exam and a performance audition
  • A well-rounded education in music, including participation in large ensembles, class piano requirements, and recital attendance
  • Evaluations on applied and academic progress, as well as career aspirations
  • Numerous performance opportunities, including the Young Performer Series Recital and departmental recital participation

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Program Requirements

Students in this major meet the general education competencies by taking the approved standard courses.

Music

  1. Admission to the Music Major
    • Permission to declare a music major at IWU is neither automatic nor assumed merely because a student wants to study music. Students must demonstrate a degree of aptitude and preparedness, both academically and musically. Those conditions can be met by the following means:
      1. Academic readiness can be demonstrated by completing a placement exam in music theory. If students are not prepared for the exam, equivalency can be met by taking MUS-160, Introduction to Music Theory, and earning a grade of “C” or above.ii. Performance readiness can be proven by an audition before selected music faculty or by submitting an audio or video recording of pieces showing appropriate levels of accomplishment.
      2. Audition for the music faculty. Two pieces in contrasting styles must be performed in the student's applied area. One additional piece may be performed in a second applied area. No taped accompaniments; an accompanist will be provided if needed.
      3. All students are required to submit three letters of reference from former music teachers, from music directors, or from other musicians who can verify the student's readiness to study music at the collegiate level.
      4. Music Therapy majors are required to go through an interview process as there are a limited number of Music Therapy majors accepted in the program each year.
    • This policy applies to both transfer students and entering freshmen. Students living a considerable distance from Marion may be accepted as provisional majors pending an audition/interview following arrival on campus.
    • If an applicant fails in any of the above requirements but still wishes to be admitted as a major, the status of provisional music major will be granted. The student will be expected to re-audition and successfully complete MUS-160 at the end of the first semester of study. Upon satisfactory completion, the applicant will be classified as a music major.
  2. Admission to Upper-divisional Studies
    • Admission to upper-level studies is granted by the music faculty through the Upper-divisional Hearing. This consists of a performance and written examination in which the candidate's applied and academic progress is evaluated, and the candidate is questioned regarding content of courses completed and progress toward career goals. An overall grade-point average of 2.75 is required for admission to upper-divisional studies and no grade below a “C” in any music class.
  3. Other Requirements for All Music Majors
    • MUS-200 Recital Attendance (seven semesters)
    • Class Piano Requirements
    • Large Ensemble Participation (participation in large ensemble each semester).  In the case of music education majors whose main instruments are brass, woodwinds, or percussion, the IWU Marching Band (MUS 166) must be taken for a minimum of 3 semesters.
    • Upper Divisional Hearing
    • Young Performer Series Recital (see requirements)
    • Departmental Recital Participation (varies with different programs)
  • Completion of 124 semester hours; however, some majors may result in the student earning greater than 124 credit hours by graduation.
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Completion of the designated semester hours in the major area with a GPA of 2.25 or higher as required by the major. Additional requirements as prescribed by each department must also be met.
  • Completion of all general education requirements
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Accreditation

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.

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