Musicology and Ethnomusicology
A program that focuses on the systematic study of the forms and methods of music art, and the functions of music, in Western and non-Western societies and cultures. Includes instruction in music theory, musicological research methods, and studies of specific cultural styles such as jazz, folk music, rock, ethnic musical traditions, and the music of non-Western cultures.
- Schools offering
- 18
- Annual completions
- 43
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $44k
About this major
A program that focuses on the systematic study of the forms and methods of music art, and the functions of music, in Western and non-Western societies and cultures. Includes instruction in music theory, musicological research methods, and studies of specific cultural styles such as jazz, folk music, rock, ethnic musical traditions, and the music of non-Western cultures.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary | $80k | +1.7% | Master's degree |
| Music directors and composers | $64k | -0.3% | Bachelor's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$44k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$37k
Bachelor's
$44k
Top colleges for Musicology and Ethnomusicology
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | 0 | 22 | 22 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Roger Williams University | Bristol, RI | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| University of Denver | Denver, CO | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Bennington College | Bennington, VT | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| California Institute of the Arts | Valencia, CA | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Related majors to explore
Music, General
7,606 completions/yr
Music Performance, General
3,958 completions/yr
Music Technology
1,542 completions/yr
Music Management
1,476 completions/yr
Musical Theatre
1,121 completions/yr
Music, Other
861 completions/yr
Music Theory and Composition
847 completions/yr
Jazz/Jazz Studies
341 completions/yr
Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Musicology and Ethnomusicology field. Read our verdict before you commit.
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