PhD in Historical Musicology/Ethnomusicology
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Historical Musicology or in Ethnomusicology, or in the double concentration in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology, is designed for those who are preparing themselves for college or university teaching, or for any position that requires research and writing about music. The curriculum for this degree is structured in breadth as well as in depth and is therefore also of value to administrators, executives, performers, conductors, and pedagogues at the very highest levels.
Credits
A minimum of 32 credits must be completed for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Historical Musicology and for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Ethnomusicology, and 39 credits for the PhD with a double concentration in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology.
Prerequisites
Candidates in Historical Musicology or Ethnomusicology must possess an MA in Music, usually with a concentration in Musicology, Ethnomusicology, Music Theory, or Composition, or its equivalent. Deficiencies must be made up without credit. Additional prerequisites may be required if deemed necessary by the faculty.
Fields of Specialization
Candidates choose one of the following fields of specialization: Historical Musicology, Ethnomusicology, or the double concentration in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology.
Course Requirements
Historical Musicology
Students should take the Proseminar in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology (CFA MU 828) in their first semester. There are no further specific course requirements for the PhD in Musicology, but students should customize their program in consultation with their advisor using the following distribution as a general guide:
- 22 further credits from among 700- and 800-level courses in Musicology, Ethnomusicology, and Music Theory
- 4 credits in approved Non-Music Electives
- 3 credits in Research and Directed Study (CFA MU 921)
Ethnomusicology
Students should take the Proseminar in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology (CFA MU 828) in their first semester. Other requirements are as follows:
- 11 credits in Ethnomusicology and Musicology seminars, to include Research Methods in Ethnomusicology (CFA MU 829) and Contemplating Ethnomusicology (CFA MU 830)
- 14 credits in approved areas such as Anthropology, Musicology, Music Education, Ethnomusicology, History, or specific Area Studies courses from Boston University or the Boston Consortium
- At least 2 semesters of World Music Ensemble (CFA MU 567), either as instructor or participant (worth 0 or 1 credit)
- Knowledge of the undergraduate survey course Musical Cultures of the World (CFA MU 340/350), either as a teaching assistant, or by auditing the course
- 3 credits in Research and Directed Study (CFA MU 921)
Double Concentration in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology
Students should take the Pro-Seminar in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology (CFA MU 828) in their first semester. Other requirements are as follows:
- 9 credits in Musicology Seminars
- 8 credits in Research Methods in Ethnomusicology (CFA MU 829) and Contemplating Ethnomusicology (CFA MU 830)
- One Music Theory Seminar at the 800 level
- 13 credits in approved Non-Music Electives
- 3 credits in Research and Directed Study (CFA MU 921)
Language Requirement
PhD candidates in Historical Musicology must demonstrate a reading knowledge of one European language (preferably German) and one other foreign language. PhD candidates in Ethnomusicology must demonstrate a reading and speaking knowledge of two foreign languages relevant to their studies. PhD candidates in the double concentration in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology must demonstrate a reading knowledge of one European language (preferably German) and a reading and speaking knowledge of one other foreign language relevant to their studies. PhD candidates in all concentrations may fulfill the requirements for one of their required languages by demonstrating a reading knowledge of a language already taken at the Master’s level. All PhD candidates must select their languages in consultation with their advisor.
Qualifying Examinations
Students should take the qualifying examinations for the doctorate when they have only three credits remaining to be fulfilled toward the degree (CFA MU 921). Students must have the written approval of the advisor for each attempt at these examinations. As part of the evaluation of the written and oral examinations, the examiners may specify areas for further study above the minimum credit requirement for the degree, whether or not the examinations were passed.
In the case of an unsuccessful attempt, the examiners may specify such further requirements before allowing the student to repeat the examinations. The examinations may not be taken more than three times.
A written application to take the qualifying examinations must be submitted to the Chair of the department at least six weeks in advance of the scheduled examination date. Students may enroll in Research and Directed Study (CFA MU 921) only after the successful fulfillment of the examinations.
Historical Musicology
The qualifying examinations for the PhD in Historical Musicology are administered in four parts: (1) a paper in the applicant’s primary area of research; (2) a paper in a secondary area; (3) a paper in ethnomusicology, aesthetics, performance, or critical theory; (4) an examination in theory and analysis.
Ethnomusicology
The qualifying examinations for the PhD in Ethnomusicology are administered in two parts: (1) papers on selected topics in Ethnomusicological theory and fieldwork; (2) a research paper in Ethnomusicology.
Double Concentration in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology
The qualifying examinations for the PhD with a Double Concentration in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology are administered in five parts: two papers in Historical Musicology, two papers in Ethnomusicology, and an examination in theory and analysis.
Residency Requirement
Every doctoral candidate must be enrolled as a full-time student for at least one academic year. See the General Requirements for the PhD on this site, under Residency.
Dissertation
The candidate must write a dissertation that constitutes an original contribution to the field of musical knowledge.
Dissertation Prospectus
Before embarking upon the dissertation, the candidate must submit a dissertation prospectus to the department and the Graduate School. See the General Requirements for the PhD on this site, under Dissertation Prospectus.
Abstract and Dissertation Defense
The candidate must submit an approved abstract of the dissertation and pass an oral defense on the subject matter and the background of the dissertation. See the General Requirements for the PhD on this site, under Abstract and Final Oral Examination.
Courses
The schedule of courses to be offered by the School of Music during a given semester may be found in the College of Fine Arts section of the Class Schedule.
