About PhD Program,
We emphasize training in composition and theory within the context of a liberal arts university. Students meet with members of the department’s composition faculty on a weekly basis and in seminars with a special focus on contemporary music studies. Composition students have extensive opportunities to present their works in concert and pursue a concentration in performance practice. Very often graduate students are asked to compose pieces for visiting ensembles who read and record their works.
Our ethnomusicology doctoral program explores music as a global, social and political phenomenon. Our approache emphasizes versatility to accommodate students’ diverse interests. Students who envision conducting research that primarily intersects with other musical subfields can utilize the multi-faceted training available within Duke’s small music graduate program. Students whose primary interest lies in linking music studies to the interpretive social sciences and global humanities can exploit Duke’s lateral opportunities and interdisciplinary relationships.
Our musicology doctorate program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to research and education – music is not studied in isolation, but as part of a the historical and cultural fabric of society. Students frequently take courses outside the Music Department and can pursue research in other disciplines related to their interests. Qualified students can also take courses in composition and do independent studies in performance practice and interpretations with members of the performance faculty.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
- We require that youself-calculate your UGPA on a 4.0 scale if you have:
- Applications will not be considered complete and will not be acted upon until the supplementary materials have been received.
- For Ph.D. program in Composition: submit samples of your compositions in the form of scores, and if available, audio recordings via workable URL/links.
- For Ph.D. programs in Musicology and Ethnomusicology:submit samples of the your writing in the form of papers or theses, preferably on musical topics.
- These additional materials should be uploaded with your online application in the “Departmental Requirements” section.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The Graduate School provides a competitive package that provides Ph.D. students with financial support for at least a majority of the time they are registered and working toward their degree. This support includes four main components: a stipend, tuition coverage, fees coverage, and coverage of health insurance premiums.
Generally speaking, The Graduate School guarantees Ph.D. students five years of stipend, tuition, and fees support, plus six years of full coverage for health and dental insurance premiums.
Departments with Ph.D. programs vary in the financial support they provide beyond the guaranteed funding package. We strongly encourage prospective and current students to talk to their program’s director of graduate studies (DGS) to get a clear understanding of the financial support they can expect from the department as they plan their budget for their time in graduate school. We have created a table showing who’s paying for what in which year to help students plan their finances during graduate school.
Each component of the Ph.D. financial support package is explained in detail below.
Application Requirement,
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Life Experiences Statement
- Resume
- GRE scores
- English language proficiency test scores(if English is not your first language)
- GPA
- Supplemental application requirements
Application Deadline,
Jan 10, 2025
Application Fee,
The nonrefundable application fee is $95. For more information regarding the application fee,
