Music Therapy

Program Overview

FIU’s Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy prepares you to use music to support health and well-being, combining rigorous musical training with hands-on clinical experience under the guidance of dedicated faculty and clinicians.

As Miami’s only public research university offering a NASM- and AMTA-approved music therapy degree pathway, FIU provides access to high-quality, accredited education within a culturally rich, globally connected environment. The program integrates musical excellence with clinical skill development, preparing you for a meaningful career in a rapidly growing healthcare field.

Program Highlights

  • Develop advanced musicianship alongside clinical skills
  • Gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical training
  • Work directly with healthcare and community partners across South Florida
  • Study in a culturally rich, globally connected learning environment in Miami
  • Study within an evidence-based curriculum aligned with AMTA Professional Competencies
  • Prepare for board certification as a Music Therapist (MT-BC)

Career Outcomes

Graduates go on to work in:

  • Hospitals and healthcare systems
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Mental health facilities
  • Schools and community organizations
  • Private practice

Using music to support physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being across diverse populations.

Curriculum

You’ll complete a comprehensive curriculum that integrates musical and clinical training, including:

  • Music theory, history, piano, and performance
  • Private lessons and ensemble participation
  • Music therapy methods and clinical techniques
  • Psychology and human development

This integrated approach prepares you to apply your musical skills in therapeutic and healthcare settings.

Clinical Training

Experiential learning is central to the program.

You’ll complete:

  • A minimum of 180 hours of pre-internship clinical training
  • A 1,040-hour AMTA-approved internship

Through supervised placements in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations, you’ll gain real-world experience working with patients, students, and communities across South Florida.

Admissions & Auditions

Steps to Apply

  1. Apply to Florida International University
  2. Complete the School of Music application through GetAcceptd
  3. Submit pre-screening materials, including:
    1. A performance video in your applied area
    2. A Music Therapy Personal Statement
  4. Complete a live audition (by invitation)
  5. Interview with the Music Therapy Program Director

Audition Dates

Qualified candidates will be invited to audition in person at FIU. Organized audition dates are offered throughout the year and may also be scheduled upon request. Applicants seeking University merit-based scholarships are encouraged to attend early audition dates.

Fall 2027 Early Action applicants and Spring 2027 transfer applicants should audition by November 14. Fall 2027 Regular Decision applicants should audition by March 13.

Upcoming audition dates:

October 24, 2026

November 14, 2026

February 6, 2027

March 13, 2027

Contact

Dr. Linda M. Lathroum, Ph.D., MT-BC
Music Therapy Program Director
llathrou@fiu.edu
305-348-2896

Music Office:
music@fiu.edu
(305) 348-2896

Accreditation

  • Florida International University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
  • The curriculum for the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

Music and science can open new pathways for healing and connection

This PBS CANVAS feature on Gabby Giffords highlights the transformative role of music therapy—an approach that FIU students explore through clinical training and real-world experience.