The Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology program is designed to train individuals who envisage a career in scholarship, either as professors in the academy or as cultural animators of various types in the public sector. The program centers on in-depth exploration of key intellectual issues and theoretical directions in the study of music as a cultural practice. Coursework and comprehensive examination preparation ensures an adequate knowledge base for the undertaking of a major independent research initiative.

The Ph.D. program may be completed within twelve to fifteen consecutive semesters of full-time study, depending on fieldwork requirements. The degree is normally taken by completing course work, comprehensive examinations, a language proficiency requirement, and a Ph.D. thesis, defended in accordance with General Regulation Theses and Reports of the School of Graduate Studies.

Students must complete a minimum of 21 credit hours of coursework. If required courses have been completed at the M.A. level, electives may be substituted (with approval of the Interdisciplinary Advisory Committee). The required courses are:

1. Music 8001; Folklore 6030; and Folklore 7100.
2. Twelve credit hours of electives selected from courses listed below or from relevant courses offered in another discipline (with the approval of the Interdisciplinary Advisory Committee). Ph.D. students may take up to two courses (6 credit hours) in a cognate discipline.
3. Reading proficiency in one language other than English, relevant to the research area, demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Interdisciplinary Advisory Committee. The choice of language must be approved by the Interdisciplinary Advisory Committee. The language exam should normally be completed before the comprehensive exams.
4. Further courses beyond the minimum number may be required, depending on the background and needs of the student.

Comprehensive examinations will be administered in a major area, minor area, and theoretical/interdisciplinary area; a component of the comprehensive examination will test audio-visual skills. Bibliographies and discographies for several focused topics will be developed by the student in consultation with his/her supervisory committee and will be the basis of examination questions. The written portion of the examination will be scheduled over a one-week period. An oral defense of the written essays will be scheduled normally within one month following the completion of the written examination. For further information see General Regulation Comprehensive Examinations, Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination.

Students must complete a thesis, examined and defended in accordance with General Regulation Theses and Reports of the School of Graduate Studies. A thesis proposal, including a working title, statement of purpose and research scope, outline of theoretical and methodological approach, working plan, and preliminary bibliography, together with proposed membership of the supervisory committee, must be submitted to the Interdisciplinary Advisory Committee no later than the fifth semester of study. The thesis shall demonstrate the candidate’s ability to carry out original and independent research, develop the necessary theoretical and methodological framework, and present the findings in a scholarly manner.