Musicology, Ethnomusicology, and Theory

Musicology, ethnomusicology, and music theory studies at BGSU help students grow in their exploration of music history, jazz, popular music and world music by studying a range of historical contexts, cultural theory, analytical techniques, styles, sources, and genres.

Undergraduate degrees in World Music and Music History & Literature are intended for students who are interested in these academic areas and who wish to prepare themselves for graduate school or work in museums, arts organizations, or other related fields. Master’s degrees in Music History, Ethnomusicology, and Music Theory allow students to pursue detailed work that prepares them for Ph. D. programs in musicology, ethnomusicology, or music theory. “Dual degrees, combining two of these areas or combining composition or music performance studies with one of these areas, are also possible.”

Degrees and Programs

The graduate programs require seminars in a variety of topics and methodologies, one foreign language, comprehensive exams and a thesis or portfolio. Qualified students may also take studio lessons and courses in BGSU’s Department of Popular Culture, Ethnic Studies, History, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and elsewhere across campus. In addition to BGSU's bands, choirs, orchestra programs, students in both undergraduate and graduate programs also participate in the department's small ensembles that focus on a diverse musical periods and traditions. These include the Afro-Caribbean, New Music, Early Music, and Steel Drum ensembles.

Updated: 05/25/2021 04:21PM