M.A. in Early Christian Studies
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdi...
M.A. in Musicology
Washington, D.C
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
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.
Location
Washington, D.C
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 52190
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.
External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Musicology from The Catholic University of America provides graduates with advanced research, analytical, and communication skills, alongside a deep understanding of musical history and culture. While many graduates pursue further doctoral studies to become university professors, the program's rigorous training also opens doors to a variety of roles in cultural institutions, publishing, and other fields that value scholarly expertise and critical thinking.
Music Librarian/Archivist: Manages, curates, and preserves collections of musical scores, recordings, manuscripts, and other documents in academic libraries, public libraries, or specialized music archives, assisting researchers and performers.
Research Assistant (Academic/Cultural Institutions): Supports senior scholars or institutions (e.g., museums, historical societies) by conducting in-depth research, preparing bibliographies, transcribing historical documents, and contributing to publications or exhibitions.
Academic Editor/Publisher: Works for academic presses or publishing houses specializing in music or humanities, editing scholarly manuscripts, managing publication projects, and ensuring the quality and accuracy of published works.
Music Journalist/Critic: Writes reviews, articles, and features on classical, contemporary, or historical music for newspapers, magazines, online platforms, or specialized music publications, combining musical knowledge with strong writing skills.
Program Annotator/Content Creator: Develops engaging and informative program notes for orchestral concerts, opera productions, or festival programs, or creates educational content (e.g., podcasts, blog posts) about music for arts organizations.
Arts Administrator (Programming/Education): Works for orchestras, opera companies, music festivals, or other performing arts organizations in roles focused on program development, educational outreach, or curatorial aspects, leveraging their deep musical knowledge.
Museum Curator (Music-related collections): Specializes in historical musical instruments, sound recordings, or other music-related artifacts within museums, contributing to exhibitions, research, and conservation efforts.
Grant Writer (Arts & Humanities): Utilizes strong research and writing skills to secure funding for arts organizations, educational initiatives, or scholarly projects related to music and culture.
Higher Education Administrator (Music Department): Supports the operations of university music departments, assisting with curriculum development, student advising, event coordination, or faculty support, applying organizational skills in an academic setting.
Consultant (Music Research/History): Provides specialized expertise on music history, cultural contexts, or historical performance practices to film and television productions, documentary filmmakers, legal firms (e.g., copyright cases), or independent research projects.
