Undergraduate Certificate in Music in Medicine

The Center for Arts in Medicine, in conjunction with the School of Music, offers this certificate as an opportunity for students to explore the intersections between music and health and professional opportunities for engaging both disciplines. This certificate can serve as a credential for developing post-baccalaureate educational pathways and career options.  

This undergraduate certificate program allows you to explore your interests in creativity and the arts through the lens of health and well-being.  In the certificate program, you will have the opportunity to observe and apply the arts in healthcare and/or community contexts.

This certificate is unique because you will have access to these types of learning experiences: hands-on practical experience with patients and/or community members, exposure to arts in health related fields, the opportunity to develop career readiness skills such as oral and written communication, leadership, collaboration and problem solving. This certificate will allow you to interact with patients and/or community members, arts in health leaders, artists, healthcare professionals, arts administrators, and non-profit organizations.

The certificate is different than a minor because you get hands-on applied experience. Making the choice to complete the certificate shows intentionality and commitment to interdisciplinary exploration and an awareness of the value of arts to health and well-being in society.

Required Courses 

Students should note that some of the listed courses have pre-requisites. 

HUM 2592: Introduction to Arts in Medicine in a Global Context, 3 credits

This course explores the field of arts in health in a global context, focusing on the many ways that the arts can be used to enhance health and wellbeing in healthcare or community settings and the relationship of culture to healing practices, systems, and health literacy in various regions of the world.

Note: This course is currently offered in fall and spring semesters.

HUM 3523: Music and Health, 3 credits

Students will review music therapy and music in health research to assess, orally and in scholarly writing, how music can be utilized to enhance wellbeing, the intersections between music and psychology/cognition/human behavior, as well as health maintenance issues and medical challenges of performing artists.

Note: This course is only offered in fall semesters.

MUN 1000/3000: Music ensemble, 1 credit

All music ensemble course work must be arranged with the permission of the School of Music Coordinator.

HUM 3940L: Arts in Medicine Practicum, 2 credits

Provides basic to intermediate-level mentored practice in the arts in healthcare in a clinical or community environment. Emphasizes a primary discipline while deepening the understanding of the practice through documentation self-assessment and a culminating paper.

Prereq: HUM 2592 and HUM 3523

Students must be registered for Practicum and contact the AIM Service Learning Coordinator by these dates:

• Fall Semester: July 1
• Spring Semester: December 1
• Summer Semester: April 1

HUM 4594: Music in Medicine Capstone, 3 credits

This course provides students an opportunity to undertake individual research related to the intersections between music and health.  Literature review and a culminating research paper will deepen the student’s understanding of music in medicine practice.

Prereq: HUM 3940L

Application Procedures

Requirements and Prerequisites: To qualify for the Music in Medicine certificate,students must attain a 3.0 average in all courses included in the certificate curriculum within six months of graduation. 

Students interested in obtaining the Undergraduate Certificate in Music in Medicine should apply to the program by the end of their sophomore year. Students from any major may apply to the program, but must complete at least 50% of certificate requirements after they have been accepted into the program.

Application reqirements:

• Complete the online application and notify CAMundergrad@arts.ufl.edu once submitted.
  • Note: the application goes through a formal UF portal. When you navigate to the online application page, click the "Apply Online" option.
• Email a one-page personal statement to CAMundergrad@arts.ufl.edu
  • The one-page personal statement should include your goals and objectives for completing the certificate and how you envision the certificate supporting your career goals.  
• Review the certificate tracking plan with the music in medicine discipline liaison, Maggie Clifford.

For more information contact the music in medicine discipline liaison, Maggie Clifford at mclifford@ufl.edu.