Overview

The Music Therapy programme at Western Michigan University provides students with a robust foundation in clinical music applications and therapeutic techniques. This degree is designed to equip undergraduates with the essential skills required to use music as a tool for health and healing across diverse populations. By combining rigorous musical training with psychological insights, the curriculum ensures graduates are ready for professional practice.

Why Music Therapy at Western Michigan University?

Established in 1958, this programme is one of the first accredited music therapy courses in the United States. It is fully approved by the National Association for Schools of Music and the American Music Therapy Association, ensuring high educational standards. Students benefit from an on-campus Music Therapy Clinic and partnerships with thirty affiliate medical and educational agencies.

Beyond traditional lectures, students can join the Student Music Therapy Association to engage with a community of peers. The university's long-standing reputation in the field provides a competitive edge, offering access to extensive clinical resources and professional networking opportunities within the greater Kalamazoo area and beyond.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20525 per year
National fee: USD 20525 per year
Local fee: USD 16449 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on developing musical proficiency alongside clinical competencies. Modules may include:

Music Therapy
Music Composition
Healthcare Services and Sciences
Psychology
Music Performance
Multimedia Arts Technology

Careers with Music Therapy

Graduates from this programme are prepared to work as board-certified music therapists in a wide range of professional settings. The diverse training allows alumni to pursue roles in hospice agencies, correctional facilities, and community-based organisations. Many graduates also find success in inpatient and outpatient mental health services or rehabilitation centres.

The degree also provides the foundation for entrepreneurial paths, with many former students establishing their own private practices. Other common employment destinations include psychiatric hospitals, long-term care facilities, and various educational institutions where music is utilised for developmental and therapeutic support.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

String Class-Violin, Viola

Percussion Class

Oboe/Bassoon Class

Trumpet/Horn Class

Trombone/Tuba Class

Applied Music

General Music Methods

Jazz Arranging

Jazz Improvisation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Music Musicology Art Therapy View 2679 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Copy of passport identification page

Proof of English language proficiency

Complete high school or post-secondary education transcripts

$100 non-refundable application fee

Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance

ACT or SAT Scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Out-of-State

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16449 USD / year

≈ 16449 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer Tuition: 3,768 International Summer Tuition: 4,711

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music Therapy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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