Music (Ethnomusicology), MA
Discover music from many world cultures as you engage in multisensory learning experiences to explore instruments, identities and geographic locations of music. Work closely with faculty mentors in a variety of ethnomusicology specializations, including Middle Eastern, Latin American, Southeast Asian and popular music.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Master of Arts program in music with a concentration in ethnomusicology helps you develop skills in scholarship and performance as you focus on aspects of one or more of the world's musical cultures.
You can learn from traditions outside the Western European canon through participation in ensembles such as Javanese gamelan, Latin marimba, mariachi, steel pan and world percussion ensemble.
As a culminating demonstration of professional capability in the major field, you submit a final project that demonstrates advanced competence in research and writing in musicology or ethnomusicology. The final project may be a thesis, a series of special papers or a written work of equivalent scope and depth.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours, a thesis, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam and a foreign language exam
Required Core (13 credit hours) Electives (11 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Completion of diagnostic exams in musicology and music theory is required of all new graduate music students before they enroll in courses for these programs through the School of Music, Dance and Theatre. This is tracked internally within the academic unit. A passing grade on a foreign language exam or a grade of "B" or higher in a designated reading course through the School of International Letters and Cultures is required for graduation. Additional information on degree requirements for this degree is available on the curriculum check sheet located on the Music, Dance and Theatre graduate degree page.
MHL 532 Music Bibliography (3)
MHL 668 Introduction to Ethnomusicology (3)
MUP 587 Ethnomusicology Ensembles (1-2)
music theory (5)
music electives (6-9)
open electives (2-5)
MHL 599 Thesis (6)
At least 20 credit hours for the program must be in the field of ethnomusicology or related fields approved by the student's advisor, complemented by courses in music theory, performance and cultural anthropology, as listed above. MUP 587 is taken twice for a total of two credit hours. Appropriate elective coursework is reviewed and approved by the academic unit before inclusion on the student plan of study.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Write research papers applying the conventions of scholarly discourse in music.
- Apply, in written and oral exams, a synthesis of knowledge of a chosen or designated field of inquiry within ethnomusicology.
- Implement a large-scale independent research project that makes a unique contribution to the discipline of ethnomusicology.
Write research papers applying the conventions of scholarly discourse in music.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution or from an international institution officially recognized by that country. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00= "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00= "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information A bachelor's degree in music is not required for admission to a master's program. However, all applicants without a bachelor's degree in music should contact MDTAdmissions@asu.edu for information on potential courses to complete. Additional courses may be taken at ASU, another accredited university or a community college before or after admission to this program, but they must be completed before starting graduate-level course requirements in music history and music theory. Students should see the program website for application deadlines.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. The School of Music, Dance and Theatre does not offer conditional admission under any circumstances.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Musicians with expertise in performing, composing, teaching and researching; arts advocacy; and music therapy are in high demand across many sectors and industries. Potential employers include performing arts organizations, educational institutions, entertainment companies, health and wellness industries, and community arts organizations. Skills such as creativity, collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as focused discipline can help graduates be successful in a variety of companies and professions. School of Music, Dance and Theatre graduate programs inspire and empower students to become creative leaders who transform society through music.
Career examples include:
- arts administrator
- community arts advocate
- ethnomusicologist
- performing musician
- public or community school teacher
- university professor
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
|
MUSIC E167
mdtadmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
