Music Therapy Equivalency Program

The MT equivalency program is for individuals seeking to become music therapists who have a degree in music, but not music therapy. Individuals who hold an undergraduate degree in another field other than music please see our undergraduate program. 

This program is comprised of all face-to-face instruction at our main campus in Athens, GA. We currently do not offer any online coursework. 

The equivalency program exists to provide supplementary coursework individuals need in order to be eligible to sit for the board-certification examination as outlined by the American Music Therapy Association and the Certification Board for Music Therapists.

Individuals interested in this program must apply to the UGA graduate school and then to Hugh Hodgson School of Music. Application requirements include: 

• A statement of purpose explaining your understanding of the field of music therapy and why you wish to become a music therapist. 
• A video recording of yourself singing and accompanying on piano "You are My Sunshine." If you have guitar experience, please also submit a video recording of yourself singing and accompanying on guitar.
• A video recording showing your best skills on piano, voice, and/or guitar on a song of your choice.  
• Make sure your resume includes relevant experiences that have prepared you to enter this program (examples: summer camps, volunteer work, contemporary performances and ensembles). 

Upon successful completion of at least two semesters of equivalency coursework, 90 hours of pre-internship practicum experiences, and successful passing of student check point evaluation, students may submit an application for the master’s degree program. Qualified applicants will be granted admission pending successful completion of remaining coursework, pre-internship and internship experiences. The equivalency program is separate from the master’s degree, and the required undergraduate-level and/or graduate-level coursework hours to obtain your equivalency may not be applied toward the master's degree. Qualified students, with permission of the department, may be allowed to take some graduate level coursework in conjunction with the equivalency courses. 

Individuals may start the equivalency program in fall or spring semesters. Those interested in starting in the fall, should apply by March 15th of the same calendar year. Those interested in starting in the spring should apply by October 1st of the previous calendar year. 

Faculty

Dr. Ellyn Evans, Area Chair, Assistant Professor of Music Therapy

Jennifer Denk Stull, Assistant Professor of Music Therapy

Sally Ann Nichols, Clinical Supervisor/Academic Professional of Music Therapy