Music Therapy PhD

A distinctive music therapy program for the 21st century

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 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 facilities and the surrounding city's vibrant arts and music scene. This program is offered both online and in person. All required courses are taught in both formats.

  The Doctor of Philosophy in music therapy program is currently being redesigned, and applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will not be accepted. If you have any questions, please contact Herron's Office of Admissions and Student Services at 317-278-9400 or hadmit@iu.edu.

2:1Student to faculty ratio

7nearby hospitals ideal for research and clinicals

1the first fully-online music therapy PhD program

Accreditation

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 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 Ph.D. 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. All required courses are taught online and in person.

IU Health
Carl Tatz Design

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 (M.S. 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

Music and arts technology department mission

The Department of Music and Arts Technology educates students in technical, theoretical, and creative skills emphasizing integrations of science and sound. Our graduate and undergraduate degrees in music technology and music therapy prepare students for professions valuing technological innovation in the arts and the roles of music in health and well-being.

Join Indiana’s premier school of art and design

Degree programs