Florida International University announced on Apr. 17 the introduction of a new major in Music Therapy, expanding its Bachelor of Music program. The university becomes one of only four institutions in Florida to offer this specialized major, with applications now open for the first group of students starting in Fall 2026.
The addition aims to prepare students for careers as Board-Certified Music Therapists through comprehensive musical instruction and supervised clinical practice. The program is offered by the Herbert and Nicole Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts.
Music therapy is recognized as a rapidly growing field within allied health professions, with practitioners working across hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, and community agencies. It has demonstrated benefits such as reducing anxiety and depression while improving cognitive and social skills among patients facing neurological disorders or severe mental illness.
“This marks a significant milestone for FIU and for music therapy education in South Florida,” said Linda M. Lathroum, director of FIU’s Music Therapy program. “Students will receive rigorous artistic training alongside extensive clinical experience, equipping them to serve diverse communities through evidence-based care that meets their needs.”
The curriculum has been approved by both the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). It includes evidence-based coursework with at least 180 hours of pre-internship clinical training followed by a 1,040-hour internship aligned with AMTA professional standards. Students will gain practical experience across medical, educational, and community settings throughout the region.
Brian Schriner, dean of the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts said: “The launch of this program reflects the strength of the arts at FIU and their growing role in addressing real-world challenges. Music therapy brings together artistic excellence, research and community engagement, preparing students to apply their talents in meaningful ways that support health and well-being across South Florida.”
More information about the program can be found at music.fiu.edu/music-therapy.
