About PhD Program,
The PhD in Music with musicology specialization exposes students to a variety of musical styles and research methods. Although the program offers advanced degrees only in Western studies, students are encouraged to take courses in ethnomusicology. Admission is selective and the department is small so that students have easy access to the faculty. All students receive full tuition and a living stipend so that they may fully devote themselves to research and study.
The degree requires 18 courses beyond the MM degree, 3 each quarter during the two years of residency. The terminal requirement involves language proficiency in two European languages, a comprehensive examination in music history and theory, and a dissertation.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
PhD students should regularly consult with the Musicology Program Coordinator to determine the best course of study, based on the student’s interests and previous coursework.
All students are expected to finish required Musicology coursework (18 units) within two years. The faculty reserves the right to require additional coursework for students who do not pass the repertoire exam in the second year of study. Supplementary coursework, e.g., toward a certificate program, cognate area, or any Music Studies field, may be taken during the third year.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The Bienen School of Music offers a highly competitive financial aid package to PhD students in conjunction with The Graduate School of Northwestern University.
All students who enroll in one of the PhD degree programs in music receive a full tuition waiver for five years, a monthly living stipend, and a subsidy to cover 100% of the premium for Northwestern student health insurance.
Stipends are paid as fellowship for years one and five, and as assistantship for years two, three, and four. PhD students on assistantship have the opportunity to teach coursework in their field, assist with faculty research, or pursue clinical and field studies. Both fellowship and assistantship funding are taxable. Comprehensive information on PhD student funding and taxes is found on The Graduate School’s Funding page.
Teaching is an essential element of the education and training experience of PhD students, and an integral aspect of professional development. The Graduate School requires all PhD students to serve in some instructional capacity for at least one academic quarter during their graduate education at Northwestern and strives to ensure teaching demands are as similar as possible across academic programs. Students are expected to do comparable teaching work to other students within their program. Learn more about Expectations for Financial Aid
The Graduate School offers several internal fellowships and grants to assist with academic research, professional development, and conference related travel, among other areas. Students are encouraged to review the complete list of grants and fellowships offered by TGS and to apply for those which are applicable.
Application Requirement,
Provide one or more substantial research papers on a freely chosen topic that demonstrate your ability to write and conduct research in musicology at the doctoral level. Papers must include appropriate scholarly references. Paper(s) should be uploaded to the application for The Graduate School in supplemental document sections 1-3.
CV or musical résumé
OPTIONAL for Fall 2025 Admission: Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Certifying English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS)
Unofficial transcripts.
Letters of recommendation
Application Deadline,
Dec 01, 2024
Application Fee,
The application fee is $95 and is non-refundable.
