Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Music Therapy Equivalency [Post-Baccalaureate Certificate]


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The Music Therapy Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program is for students with a music degree from a National Association of Schools of Music accredited institution (or an equivalent institution outside of the United States) and an interest in specialized studies that will lead to meeting the eligibility requirements to take the certification examination in music therapy administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Successful passing of this examination leads to the person being credentialed as a music therapist–board certified. The courses within this equivalency certificate program are approved by the American Music Therapy Association, and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

For more information on specific music program policies, please refer to the School of Music & Dance Student Handbook.

School Information


Music & Dance | Christopher Barrick, DMA, Director | N101 Alexander, 734.487.4380, cbarrick@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Theresa R. Merrill, Ph.D., MT-BC, N101 Alexander, 734.487.4380, tmerril1@emich.edu

Program Admission


Students must satisfy admission requirements of the University, the School of Music and Dance and the Music Therapy Program. Please note that an audition is not required unless students want to take applied music lessons on their principal instrument while completing this certificate. Applied music may be required in secondary instruments to prepare the student to pass the EMU Music Therapy Competencies. Students must be admitted into the music therapy post-baccalaureate certificate program before enrolling in required course work. Requirements for admission into this certificate program include the following:

  1. Submission of the completed application, nonrefundable application fee and all official undergraduate and graduate transcripts to undergraduate admissions in the Office of Admissions.
  2. The earned equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in music from an accredited college or University.
  3. Submission of a 3-page double-spaced essay on the topic of “Why I wish to pursue a degree in music therapy.” Include personal perspectives and motivations as well as current understanding of the field of music therapy and how you see yourself within the field. All essays are to be saved as a Word (.doc or .docx) document and sent as an attachment to Dr. Theresa Merrill, Director of Music Therapy at tmerril1@emich.edu.
  4. A personal interview with the coordinator of music therapy is required. This interview will explore the applicant’s (1) interest in and general knowledge of music therapy, (2) music skills and (3) personal potential for being a successful music therapist.
  5. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Certificate Requirements: 31–43 hours


  • The Post-Baccalaureate Music Therapy Equivalency Certificate Program must consist of all music therapy courses required for the bachelor of music therapy degree.
  • Courses in the sciences and in other areas to meet the American Music Therapy Association’s educational standards are required.
  • Students must successfully demonstrate the EMU music therapy competencies in guitar, piano and voice before being eligible to enter the required clinical training (internship). Copies of the criteria for the competencies can be obtained from the coordinator of music therapy.
  • A specific program of study will be developed by the coordinator of music therapy, in consultation with the student, once the student is admitted into the equivalency certificate program
  • The number of required hours for the certificate depend upon the student’s undergraduate degree.

Additional Requirements: 0–12 hours


Other courses may be required depending on the course content of the student’s previous degree(s). Additional courses that are often required are:

Recital Attendance Requirement


  • Each undergraduate music major must attend a total of 80 recitals/concerts (events) during their time of undergraduate studies; they will receive credit for no more than 25 events per academic year. Students who fail to meet this requirement will not be permitted to graduate.
  • The number of events that transfer students and students seeking a second bachelor’s degree must attend will be prorated, based on the number of semesters of work remaining at the time of their matriculation.
  • Normally, each semester the student will attend at least ten musical events, of which five are usually the School of Music and Dance weekly student recitals.
  • Credit will be received for attendance at any School of Music and Dance event.
  • Students must be present for an entire event to receive credit. The cards are collected at the end of the program. A student who is performing in an event may receive recital attendance credit for that event if the student performs in less than 50 percent of the event.
  • Attendance at many non-school musical events may be credited toward the recital attendance requirement. To obtain credit, bring a ticket stub and program to the School of Music & Dance office. The Director of the School of Music and Dance will determine whether or not the event qualifies for recital credit.

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