Program Overview
The graduate studies program in the Department distinguishes itself through rigorous scholarly training in the integrative study of music. Offering degrees in Composition and Sound Practices, Ethnomusicology, and Music History and Theory, and also offering a joint PhD program in Theater and Performance Studies (TAPS), the Department embraces the interdisciplinary nature of scholarship at the University of Chicago.
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 of the Minor Field Plan, defense of the Minor Field Paper, and approval of the Composition Prospectus; 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.
Key Information
- Time to Degree: 7 years
- Course per Quarter: 2-4 classes per quarter
- Size of Cohort: 5-7 students on average
- Degree Milestones: Completed Coursework, Comprehensive Exams, Language exams, Musicianship Exams, Minor Field Paper (composition only), Dissertation. More information can be found in the Department Curriculum.
- Teaching Requirement: Graduate Students are expected to serve as Teaching Assistants (TA) or Lecturers beginning Year 3. More information can be found under Pedagogical Training Plan via the Music Department Handbook.
Apply for Admission
- Application Requirements
- Financial Aid for Prospective Students
- 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.
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 humanitiesadmissions@uchicago.edu or (773) 702-5809.
- Contact Alison Balaskovits (abalaskovits@uchicago.edu), Student Affairs Administrator, for department-specific questions.