The M.A. in Musicology program at CUA typically requires 30 credit hours and is designed for full-time completion in two years. It focuses on developing a deep understanding of music as a cultural phenomenon, examining its historical development, theoretical underpinnings, and social impact. The program culminates in a comprehensive examination and a master's thesis, which is a significant piece of original scholarly research. This emphasis on rigorous academic inquiry distinguishes the program, positioning graduates as future scholars and researchers in the field of music.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive and rigorous grounding in musicological research. Core coursework includes advanced music history seminars covering various periods and genres, specialized courses in music theory, and intensive training in musicological research methods, including bibliography, archival research, and critical analysis. Students are also required to demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language (often German or French), essential for engaging with primary sources. Elective courses allow students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest, such as sacred music, American music, or ethnomusicology, broadening their expertise. The emphasis on independent research for the thesis is central to the curriculum.
Research Focus: As an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution, CUA strongly emphasizes scholarly research across all its disciplines, including musicology. The M.A. in Musicology program's core is centered on cultivating independent research capabilities. Students work closely with faculty mentors on their thesis projects, which represent original contributions to the field. Faculty research interests in musicology span a wide range of topics, including medieval music, Renaissance music, Baroque opera, nineteenth-century European music, American music, sacred music, and interdisciplinary approaches to music studies. Students are encouraged to present their research at conferences and pursue publication, thereby contributing to the broader academic discourse.
Industry Engagement: While primarily an academic program preparing students for further scholarship, the M.A. in Musicology at CUA benefits from its Washington, D.C. location, which offers unique opportunities for engagement beyond traditional academia. Students can leverage the city's rich cultural resources, including the Library of Congress (with its extensive music division and archives), the Smithsonian Institution, and numerous other cultural institutions, for their research. These institutions often offer internships or opportunities for archival work, providing practical experience in music-related fields. Faculty members maintain connections with the broader scholarly community and professional organizations, facilitating networking opportunities for students.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Musicology program inherently incorporates a strong global perspective through its study of music across diverse historical periods and cultural contexts. The curriculum encourages students to explore music from various traditions, understanding its evolution and significance worldwide. The requirement of foreign language proficiency further supports engagement with international scholarship and primary sources. CUA's diverse international student body also enriches classroom discussions with varied cultural perspectives on music. The universal nature of music as a human expression means that the research and analytical skills developed are highly transferable to understanding musical traditions and scholarship on a global scale.
