About PhD Program,
In a program devoted to music in all its aspects and contexts, the music department awards the graduate degrees of MA and PhD in music. The program comprises the four subdisciplines of music scholarship— ethnomusicology, musicology, and composition and theory, and jazz studies.
We are a relatively small program within a large university. We regard each student as an individual and maintain a supportive environment in which students can explore the multifaceted world of music while making use of the offerings of the many departments, centers, and programs of the university at large. We aim for the highest quality of scholarship and creativity while providing a nurturing environment for our students.
Our graduate faculty engage in ground-breaking research and apply that research to real-world situations. Whether creating music history resources for secondary schools, presenting the latest fieldwork through a world music concert, or expanding the boundaries of the concert repertoire through a new composition, theory and practice—ideas and experience —come together in a unique way through the work of our graduate faculty.
Find out more about graduate studies in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences »
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
A graduate student who fails to maintain an overall QPA of 3.0 or higher will automatically be placed on academic probation for a period (typically one term), and subject to dismissal at the end of the term unless the student demonstrates an ability to meet requirements determined by the Department. Students must obtain a grade of B or higher in the four proseminars in order to get credit toward the degree.
Students who transfer more than six credits due to the completion of an M.A. degree at another institution may not earn an M.A. degree in the same discipline from the University of Pittsburgh. No more than 12 additional credits may be accepted for work beyond the master’s degree and directly related to the student’s Ph.D. program. In all cases transfer credit is awarded only for courses that are comparable in scope and content to those offered by the University of Pittsburgh, and it is subject to the discretion of the faculty.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The graduate studies program in the Department of Music comprises four sub-disciplines of music scholarship: ethnomusicology, musicology, composition and theory, and jazz studies. All graduate students are fully funded with a fellowship or assistantship for five years. The Department offers the following financial assistance for graduate students:
Application Requirement,
- Application formand $75 application fee.
- Statement of purpose, an essay of about two pages that describes the applicant’s academic background and professional goals.
- Undergraduate and graduate transcriptsfrom all higher education institutions attended. These should be scanned and included with online application. Students will be required to forward official transcripts/translations at the time of matriculation (upon enrollment) to the Graduate School to clear transcript contingencies.
- CV or Resumé.
- Three letters of recommendation, preferably by persons who have taught the applicant in subjects related to the four research subdisciplines, rather than in performance lessons.
- GREs are no longer required by the Department of Music .
- Samples of work.
- English language proficiency test scores. International applicants whose country’s official language is not English must submit certified scores
For more information on music department admissions, contact the department’s Director of Graduate Admissions, Professor Amy Williams. More general information can be found on the University Graduate Admissions and the Graduate Studies home pages. Questions about uploading files should be addressed to: Ian Bennett. You may also send mail correspondence
Application Deadline,
Jan 03, 2025
Application Fee,
Application formand $75 application fee.
