Prospective Students
Each of the three PhD programs requires successful completion of courses, language examinations, musicianship examinations, comprehensive examinations, a dissertation, and a final examination on (“defense of”) the dissertation. In addition, the program in Composition and Sound Practices requires approval and defense of the Research Paper, and approval of Portfolio Review; the program in Ethnomusicology requires a Special Field Examination; and the program in History & Theory requires a Defense of the Dissertation Proposal. For detailed information about requirements for all of the PhD programs, please visit the Graduate Curriculum webpage.
Got Questions?
- Check out the Frequently Asked Questions
- Register for an information session or appointment with an admissions representative
- Students do not need to contact faculty before applying
- Questions about the application process may be directed to ahd-admissions@uchicago.edu or (773) 702-5809.
- Contact Student Affairs Administrator Alison Balaskovits for department-specific questions.
The Composition and Sound Practices program focuses on facilitating the making of creative, critical, experimental, and socially engaged music, sound, and intermedia work in the context of the humanities.
The Ethnomusicology program prepares students to evaluate and study the place of music in various cultural contexts.
The Music History & Theory program emphasizes a wide range of methodologies and musical repertories, preparing students for careers as leading music scholars.
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Our application is now entirely online, and all materials should be submitted through the online application.
Find key deadlines, required materials, and department-specific details to help plan your application.
All admitted PhD students are guaranteed to have full funding support from the University and external sources, or a combination of the two for the duration of their program. Applicants do not need to apply separately for funding.