Musicology

Musicology

Master of Arts (M.A.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The following information is for entry into the 2026-27 school year.

Prerequisites

Bachelor's degree (B.M. or B.A.) with a major in music or demonstrated equivalent

Master’s degree (M.A. or M.M.) with a major in music or demonstrated equivalent

  • Ph.D. applicants are required to demonstrate strong preparation in music history and competency in all areas required of the M.A. in Musicology at the Jacobs School of Music.
  • Previous coursework may be offered in partial fulfillment of major or minor field requirements, subject to evaluation and acceptance.
  • Students with outstanding credentials may apply directly to the Ph.D. from a bachelor’s degree.
  • Students holding an M.A. or M.M. in Musicology may be exempted from certain courses on the recommendation of the department.

Prescreening Requirements

All musicology applicants must submit a prescreen portfolio via the JSOM Supplemental application by December 1.

Portfolio should include:

  • A formal research paper or thesis on an analytical or historical subject
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Transcript(s) - upload to your JSOM Supplemental application or by email (musicadm@iu.edu)
  • Three letters of recommendation via the JSOM Supplemental application. Your recommenders will receive a secure link to use to upload their letters after you submit your application.
  • Personal statement via the JSOM Supplemental application. Please share your statement as your response to the question: In 500 - 700 words, describe your musical background, objectives, and future career plans.
  • M.A and Ph.D. applicants are not required to, but may submit optional GRE General Test scores. If you wish to submit GRE scores, the deadline to submit is December 1.

 

Dual-degree program

Dual-degree program in Musicology and Library Science Master of Arts (M.A./ M.L.S.)

 

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Musicology and Master of Library Science from the Department of Information and Library Science in the School of Informatics and Computing (M.A./ M.L.S.) To apply to the dual-degree program, you need to submit three applications: two applications to the University Graduate School (one for the M.A. in Musicology and one for the M.L.S.) and one to the Jacobs School of Music (for the M.A. in Musicology). Please see information on applying to the Department of Information and Library Science. 

 

Dual-degree program in Musicology and Arts Administration (M.A./ M.A.A.A.)

 

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Musicology and Master of Arts in Administration from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs (M.A./ M.A.A.A.) To apply to the dual-degree program, you need to submit three applications: two applications to the University Graduate School (one for the M.A. in Musicology and one for the M.A. in Arts Administration) and one to the Jacobs School of Music (for the M.A. in Musicology).  Please see information on applying to the M.A. in Arts Administration.


 

Virtual Interview requirements

Select applicants will be invited to the virtual interview round after a review of all prescreen portfolios. If you are invited, you will be scheduled for one of the two interview days. You will receive your interview date/time by email and will also receive details regarding virtual admission events - including a lunch, colloquium, library tour, and reception.

Virtual Interview dates:  TBA

Learn more about auditions and prescreenings

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