Why study Music Therapy at Washington Adventist University?
The Music Therapy program at WAU meets the standards for a competency-based approach to education set by the Association Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Didactic along with experiential methods combined with individualized attention fosters consistent learning and growth in our students. A wide range of populations are available for fieldwork experience with supervision by trained professionals preparing the student for clinical internship. Unique in its approach to weave faith-based experiences within education and training, the Music Therapy program also brings in a wide variety professionals to further stimulate the curiosity and creativity of our students as they transition from a performative to a clinical relationship with music.
WAU is the first school in Maryland and within the Adventist education system in North America to offer a four-year academic and clinical program based on the education requirements established by the American Music Therapy Association. Included in the program are courses in Music, General Education (with special emphasis in psychology and special education) and Music Therapy. WAU’s music therapy program is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the National Association for Schools of Music (NASM).
What is the educational process?
Following the four years of academic work, a six-month clinical internship in an approved clinical setting is required. Upon successful completion of these requirements, the student receives a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree. The student is then eligible to take the National Board Certification test.
What is the Music Therapy Equivalency program?
If you already possess an undergraduate degree in music, you are eligible for the Music Therapy Equivalency upon the completion of the music therapy courses and any other required course work. These music therapy core courses are offered over a two-year period. As you are involved in these courses you will be learning many of your clinical skills in a fieldwork setting. These usually consist of about two hours per week of hands-on training with a Board-certified music therapist (MT-BC). You will complete a minimum of four, and up to five of these co-curricular fieldwork practicums. After all the course requirements are satisfied, you must complete a full-time six-month (minimum) clinical internship at an approved setting. After completing your clinical internship and all the academic requirements, you may apply for registration with the American Music Therapy Association, and you are eligible to sit for the national exam to become a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) through the Certification Board of Music Therapists (CBMT).