Best institutions to study Musicology and Ethnomusicology
A program that focuses on the systematic study of the forms and methods of music art, and the functions of music, in Western and non-Western societies and cultures.
36 U.S. institutions graduated 165 Musicology and Ethnomusicology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 50.0905, a specialization of Music (CIP 50.09), and leads most directly to the Music Directors and Composers occupation (BLS SOC 27-2041).
About Musicology and Ethnomusicology programs
A program that focuses on the systematic study of the forms and methods of music art, and the functions of music, in Western and non-Western societies and cultures. Includes instruction in music theory, musicological research methods, and studies of specific cultural styles such as jazz, folk music, rock, ethnic musical traditions, and the music of non-Western cultures.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Musicology and Ethnomusicology program focuses on the systematic study of music in various cultural contexts, encompassing both Western and non-Western traditions. This program is designed for students interested in exploring the forms, methods, and functions of music across diverse societies and cultures, providing a comprehensive understanding of musical art forms.
Students will gain core skills in music theory, musicological research methods, and the study of specific cultural styles, including jazz, folk music, and ethnic musical traditions. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication.
Credentials awarded
What Musicology and Ethnomusicology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree54 graduates / yr · 23 institutions33%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship52 graduates / yr · 17 institutions32%
- Bachelor's degree43 graduates / yr · 9 institutions26%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year11 graduates / yr · 1 institution6.7%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate5 graduates / yr · 1 institution3.0%
Graduates over time
Musicology and Ethnomusicology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 155 |
| 2013 | 175 |
| 2014 | 160 |
| 2015 | 166 |
| 2016 | 152 |
| 2017 | 163 |
| 2018 | 184 |
| 2019 | 145 |
| 2020 | 135 |
| 2021 | 143 |
| 2022 | 139 |
| 2023 | 145 |
| 2024 | 154 |
| 2025 | 165 |
Top 36 institutions for Musicology and Ethnomusicology, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAPublicBachelor'sDoctoralMaster's | 30 | 93% | — | $22,125 |
| 2 | Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, INPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 12 | 80% | — | $15,911 |
| 3 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NCPublicDoctoralMaster's | 12 | 91% | — | $32,880 |
| 4 | Columbus State University Columbus, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 42% | — | — |
| 5 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FLPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 9 | 86% | — | $19,429 |
| 6 | Brandeis University Waltham, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 8 | 86% | $25,074 | — |
| 7 | East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TNPublicBachelor's | 7 | 53% | — | $30,004 |
| 8 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 6 | 89% | $21,956 | $23,934 |
| 9 | Roger Williams University Bristol, RIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 69% | $34,648 | — |
| 10 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 6 | 85% | — | — |
| 11 | University of California - Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CAPublicDoctoralMaster's | 5 | 75% | — | — |
| 12 | University of Maryland - College Park College Park, MDPublicDoctoralMaster's | 5 | 89% | — | — |
| 13 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NCPublicPost-degree cert. | 5 | 56% | — | $15,670 |
| 14 | Cornell University Ithaca, NYPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 4 | 95% | $17,613 | — |
| 15 | University of Rochester Rochester, NYPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 4 | 85% | $25,874 | $14,310 |
| 16 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 3 | 92% | $26,873 | $12,947 |
| 17 | Wesleyan University Middletown, CTPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 3 | 93% | $16,467 | — |
| 18 | Northwestern University Evanston, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 3 | 95% | $14,799 | $34,823 |
| 19 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 3 | 75% | — | $12,875 |
| 20 | University of Denver Denver, COPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 76% | $29,726 | $23,262 |
| 21 | University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Champaign, ILPublicBachelor'sDoctoral | 2 | 85% | — | $13,128 |
| 22 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicMaster's | 2 | 81% | — | $38,656 |
| 23 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OHPublicMaster's | 2 | 64% | — | $20,632 |
| 24 | Brown University Providence, RIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | 96% | $14,644 | — |
| 25 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | 65% | $28,911 | $28,003 |
| 26 | University of Miami Coral Gables, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 1 | 84% | $26,589 | $15,492 |
| 27 | Butler University Indianapolis, INPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 1 | 80% | $35,696 | — |
| 28 | CUNY Brooklyn College Brooklyn, NYPublicMaster's | 1 | 54% | — | — |
| 29 | University at Buffalo Buffalo, NYPublicDoctoral | 1 | 75% | — | — |
| 30 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OHPublicMaster's | 1 | 64% | — | $24,340 |
| 31 | University of Oregon Eugene, ORPublicDoctoral | 1 | 72% | — | — |
| 32 | Rice University Houston, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 1 | 95% | $13,264 | — |
| 33 | Southwestern University Georgetown, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 73% | $25,285 | — |
| 34 | Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 1 | 86% | $25,823 | — |
| 35 | Bennington College Bennington, VTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 71% | $27,554 | — |
| 36 | West Virginia University Morgantown, WVPublicMaster's | 1 | 65% | — | $26,011 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Music field (CIP 50.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 21 states
Where Musicology and Ethnomusicology graduates come from. Each state links to all Music programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 3 | 38 | University of California - Los Angeles30 / yr |
| North Carolina | 2 | 17 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill12 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 2 | 14 | Brandeis University8 / yr |
| Indiana | 2 | 13 | Indiana University - Bloomington12 / yr |
| Georgia | 1 | 11 | Columbus State University11 / yr |
| New York | 4 | 10 | Cornell University4 / yr |
| Florida | 2 | 10 | Florida State University9 / yr |
| Rhode Island | 2 | 8 | Roger Williams University6 / yr |
| Tennessee | 1 | 7 | East Tennessee State University7 / yr |
| Ohio | 3 | 6 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus3 / yr |
| Washington | 1 | 6 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus6 / yr |
| Illinois | 2 | 5 | Northwestern University3 / yr |
| Maryland | 1 | 5 | University of Maryland - College Park5 / yr |
| Texas | 3 | 3 | Rice University1 / yr |
| Connecticut | 1 | 3 | Wesleyan University3 / yr |
| Colorado | 1 | 2 | University of Denver2 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 2 | Michigan State University2 / yr |
| Virginia | 1 | 2 | Liberty University2 / yr |
| Oregon | 1 | 1 | University of Oregon1 / yr |
| Vermont | 1 | 1 | Bennington College1 / yr |
| West Virginia | 1 | 1 | West Virginia University1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-2041, Music Directors and Composers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Musicology and Ethnomusicology program often pursue careers as Music Directors and Composers or as Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers. With an annual median wage of $63,670 and approximately 4,300 annual openings, the job outlook shows little or no change, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 50.0905
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Music Directors and Composersprimary SOC 27-2041 | $73,710 | -0.3% Little or no change | ~4,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1121 | $78,620 | +1.7% Little or no change | ~9,000 | Master's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Musicology and Ethnomusicology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
- Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
- Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
- Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
- Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.
Tools and technology used
Other Music specializations
The 16 other 6-digit CIP codes under Music (CIP 50.09).
- MusicCIP 50.090110,232 graduates / yr976 institutions
- Music PerformanceCIP 50.09036,946 graduates / yr375 institutions
- Music TechnologyCIP 50.09132,092 graduates / yr122 institutions
- Music Theory and CompositionCIP 50.09041,282 graduates / yr145 institutions
- MusicCIP 50.09991,199 graduates / yr88 institutions
- Voice and OperaCIP 50.0908641 graduates / yr81 institutions
- Jazz/CIP 50.0910
Jazz Studies 592 graduates / yr59 institutions - Stringed InstrumentsCIP 50.0911583 graduates / yr29 institutions
- Keyboard InstrumentsCIP 50.0907528 graduates / yr59 institutions
- Music PedagogyCIP 50.0912397 graduates / yr51 institutions
- ConductingCIP 50.0906159 graduates / yr53 institutions
- Woodwind InstrumentsCIP 50.0915148 graduates / yr16 institutions
- Music History, Literature, and TheoryCIP 50.0902131 graduates / yr28 institutions
- Brass InstrumentsCIP 50.0914103 graduates / yr15 institutions
- Percussion InstrumentsCIP 50.091640 graduates / yr14 institutions
- Sound ArtsCIP 50.0917partial data38 graduates / yr7 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or a Doctor's degree in Musicology and Ethnomusicology.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, and music theory application.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a Music Director, Composer, or Postsecondary Music Teacher.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with an annual median wage of $63,670.
What is the CIP code for Musicology and Ethnomusicology?+
Musicology and Ethnomusicology is CIP 50.0905 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Music (CIP 50.09). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the systematic study of the forms and methods of music art, and the functions of music, in Western and non-Western societies and cultures. Includes instruction in music theory, musicological research methods, and studies of specific cultural styles such as jazz, folk music, rock, ethnic musical traditions, and the music of non-Western cultures.
How many institutions offer Musicology and Ethnomusicology programs?+
36 U.S. institutions reported Musicology and Ethnomusicology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 21 states, awarding 165 credentials in the year. That is 0.7% of all Music graduates.
How much do Musicology and Ethnomusicology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Music Directors and Composers occupation, which Musicology and Ethnomusicology most directly leads to, pays a median of $73,710 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Music field report median earnings of $22,125 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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