Musicology and Ethnomusicology

Master of Arts (MA) in Musicology and Ethnomusicology

The musicology and ethnomusicology program reflects the diverse interests and methodological approaches of the faculty, including historical criticism and analysis, archival research, editing, source studies, performance issues, and gender studies. The major historical periods are well represented with particular strengths in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, late eighteenth century, late nineteenth, and early twentieth century. Overall, the faculty is unified by its interdisciplinary approach to the study of music in cultural and social contexts. The master's degree is tailored to a student's interests and career goals in teaching and research.

The faculty strongly urge that entering students come prepared to read at least one foreign language, preferably German, French, or Italian; other languages must be approved by the faculty. Students must pass a language exam administered by the division, in German, French, or Italian before the student can be awarded a master’s degree. For the student selecting an emphasis in ethnomusicology, a language appropriate to the research specialization will be acceptable, if it is available for study and testing at the University of Minnesota.

There are two master’s degree programs: plan A (requiring fewer courses and an extensive thesis) and plan B (requiring more courses and two briefer papers). For your MA, you will be expected to meet one of the following sets of requirements:

Plan A:

  • 15 credits of musicology seminars, including (8644) Advanced Research in Historical Musicology and (8864) Current Issues in Ethnomusicology
  • 3 credits of music theory
  • 6 credits from outside the School of Music (excluding Music Education and Therapy) related to your course of study
  • Completion of thesis
  • Final Written and Oral Exams

Plan B:

  • 24 credits of musicology seminars, including (8644) Advanced Research in Historical Musicology and (8864) Current Issues in Ethnomusicology
  • 3 credits of music theory
  • 6 credits from outside the School of Music (excluding Music Education and Therapy) related to your course of study
  • Completion of two research projects (~7000–9000 words)
  • Final Written and Oral Exams

Requirements for the MA in Music