Doctor of Philosophy in Ethnomusicology

The application deadline for most 2024-25 programs is December 1. See the Graduate Admissions page for specific degree application deadlines.

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The PhD program in the field of ethnomusicology addresses music in its social and cultural contexts across the globe and over time. Students may specialize in any musical tradition and in any area of the world, including genres such as jazz and popular music of the United States. Designed for students seeking the highest degree in the field, the Ph.D. is a rigorous five-year course of study culminating in a doctoral dissertation.

Curriculum

The initial three years of coursework (pre-candidacy) can be seen as exploring and expanding intellectual horizons on the path toward satisfying candidacy requirements, completing the special field exam (in ethnomusicology or historical musicology), and, advancing to the PhD Ethnomusicology and historical musicology students will complete the same three required courses as well as eight elective courses in the department.

program requirements details

Musicology Handbook

Funding

All students admitted to the PhD program in Musicology are provided with five-year funding packages. Financial aid at the doctoral level is conditional on the achievement of candidacy within six terms.