Music Therapy PhD

A distinctive music therapy program for the 21st century

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in music therapy is a flexible 90-credit-hour online or on-campus curriculum that provides opportunities to explore the vast ways music can benefit health and well-being. Music therapy courses focus on research methods, theory and scholarship as they relate to research, clinical practice, statistics, and to the dissertation. This remarkable program provides access to IU Indianapolis's premier research facilties and the surrounding city's vibrant arts and music scene.

2:1Student to faculty ratio

7nearby hospitals ideal for research and clinicals

1the first fully-online music therapy PhD program

Accreditation

The Master of Science in music therapy program at Herron School of Art and Design at IU Indianapolis is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), requiring routine self-evaluation to meet evolving quality standards. The music therapy curriculum is also approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

I'm excited that we're creating music therapists who are going to be able to innovate [and who] are going to be able to create entirely new pathways for music therapy.
Meganne Masko, Music Therapy Program Director

Plan of study

In the course of their studies, Music Therapy PhD students will complete the following:

18 credit hours focused on Music Therapy Advanced Competencies
9 credit hours in Other Studies in Music
12 credit hours in a declared minor
6 credit hours in Life Sciences
12 credit hours in electives
33 credit hours in research credits/dissertation

Students are also expected to enroll in Graduate Seminar, a 0 credit hour course, for a minimum of 4 semesters.

Music therapy helps bridge the gap

Through initial treatment and a stem cell transplant, Bridgewater looked forward to spending time with Riley Hospital music therapist, Caitlin Krater (MS music therapy '15).

Read the story

Herron Facilities

As a music therapy major, you will complete music technology courses in state of the art production studios and collaborative lab spaces. Music therapy students have access to all Herron art and design studio and lab facilities.

Explore our facilities