Overview

The Musicology programme at the University of Minnesota offers an intensive exploration of musical history, theory, and cultural contexts. This advanced degree is designed to provide students with the methodological tools necessary for high-level archival research, performance analysis, and source studies across various historical periods.

Why Musicology at the University of Minnesota?

The faculty at the University of Minnesota brings together a diverse range of methodological approaches, including gender studies and historical criticism. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary environment that examines music within its social and cultural frameworks, with particular expertise in the sixteenth, seventeenth, and late nineteenth centuries.

The School of Music provides a flexible academic structure, allowing candidates to choose between two distinct pathways. Plan A focuses on an extensive thesis for those pursuing deep research, while Plan B involves broader coursework and multiple research projects, ensuring the degree aligns with individual professional aspirations.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 35162 per year
National fee: USD 35162 per year
Local fee: USD 22890 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires students to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language, such as German, French, or Italian, to support their research. The academic structure includes core seminars and interdisciplinary electives. Modules may include:

Advanced Research in Historical Musicology
Current Issues in Ethnomusicology
Music Theory
Interdisciplinary Electives
Thesis Research
Specialised Research Projects

Careers with Musicology

Graduates of this programme are prepared for a variety of professional paths within the arts and humanities. The curriculum is specifically structured to support career goals in higher education teaching and academic research. By developing expertise in archival work and historical analysis, students are well-equipped for roles in cultural institutions, music libraries, and research organisations.

The interdisciplinary nature of the training also provides a strong foundation for those seeking to influence the cultural sector through criticism, editing, or historical consultancy. The University of Minnesota ensures that students gain the analytical skills required to succeed in competitive academic and professional environments globally.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Chromatic Harmony and Form in Western Art Music 1700–1900

Theory and Analysis of Popular Music

Post-Tonal Theory and Ear-Training

Jazz Theory

Jazz Improvisation

Jazz Arranging

Theory and Analysis of Rock and Popular Music

Music After 1945

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Minneapolis, United States

Disciplines

Music View 1020 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Online application to the University of Minnesota

Personal Statement - This required statement should address your musical, scholarly, and personal experience and proposed course of study in 1-3 pages.

Diversity Statement - To be considered for University-level awards focused on fostering a diverse student body, you may elect to submit a 1-3 page statement that identifies the distinctive qualities, characteristics, and life experiences you would contribute to your graduate program and the education of fellow students at the University of Minnesota.

Three Letters of Recommendation

Unofficial Transcripts

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

35162 USD / year

≈ 35162 USD / year
Out-of-State

35162 USD / year

≈ 35162 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

22890 USD / year

≈ 22890 USD / year

Living costs

Minneapolis

United States

1130 - 2045 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Musicology.

Available Scholarships

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On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Minneapolis

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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