University of North Texas 
Programs of Study
Undergraduate Programs
The Bachelor of Arts in Critical Studies in Music and Society (CSMS) offers a flexible,
interdisciplinary degree that explores the relationships between music, culture, and
society. Students have the opportunity to shape an academic path through a strong
foundation in music history and ethnomusicology, participate in small, discussion-based
seminars, connect with faculty and industry professionals through the Critical Studies
Colloquium, and complete a capstone project tailored to their academic or creative
interests—all without a traditional music audition.
The Minor in Music Theory provides undergraduate music majors with an in-depth understanding
of music through analysis, theory, and critical study. Students develop expertise
in melodic, harmonic, and formal analysis across a variety of musical styles while
building a strong foundation for advanced graduate study in music theory.
Music History (Musicology)
The Master of Arts in Music with a Concentration in Musicology offers rigorous training
in the historical and cultural study of music. Students explore music as both a historical
text and a social practice through coursework spanning diverse time periods, analytical
approaches, and cultural traditions. They study with internationally recognized faculty,
gain valuable teaching experience through graduate assistantships, and engage with
a vibrant scholarly community through GAMuT and the MHTE Division Lecture Series.
The PhD in Music with a Concentration in Musicology prepares students to become scholars,
researchers, and educators who both study and interrogate music’s role in history,
culture, and public life. Students work closely with internationally recognized faculty
as they explore current methodologies in musicology, develop advanced research skills,
and produce original work that contributes to the field. Through assistantships and
fellowships, they gain valuable teaching experience and professional preparation while
joining a lively scholarly community through GAMuT and the MHTE Division Lecture Series.
The Related Field in Musicology allows MM, DMA, and PhD students to develop expertise
in musicological research alongside their primary area of study. Students work with
a related-field professor to select coursework that aligns with their academic interests
and professional goals while expanding their understanding of music’s historical,
cultural, and analytical contexts.
Music Theory
The Master of Arts in Music with a Concentration in Music Theory provides advanced
study in musical analysis, research, and pedagogy through one of the nation’s most
comprehensive music theory programs. Students explore diverse analytical methodologies
focused on musical structure, including pitch, rhythm and meter, form, and style,
while working with internationally recognized faculty whose expertise spans numerous
historical and contemporary musical traditions. They gain teaching experience through
assistantships and fellowships, and engage with a vibrant scholarly community through
GAMuT and the MHTE Division Lecture Series.
The PhD in Music with a Concentration in Music Theory prepares students for careers
in academia through advanced research, analysis, and pedagogy in one of the nation’s
most comprehensive doctoral theory programs. Students receive close mentorship from
internationally recognized faculty, explore diverse approaches to musical analysis,
and engage with resources such as Theoria, the Journal of Schenkerian Studies, and the Center for Schenkerian Studies. They gain teaching experience through assistantships
and fellowships while connecting with a vibrant scholarly community through GAMuT and the MHTE Division Lecture Series.
The Related Field in Music Theory lets MM, DMA, and PhD students strengthen their
analytical skills as they work in their primary area of study. Students work with
a related-field professor to select coursework that supports their academic interests
and goals while expanding their understanding of musical structure, analysis, and
research methods.
Ethnomusicology
The Master of Arts in Music with a Concentration in Ethnomusicology prepares students
for advanced research in the study of music as a cultural practice. Students develop
an original research agenda through training in ethnographic field methods, area studies,
and analytical approaches to music while receiving close mentorship from internationally
recognized faculty with global expertise. They gain teaching and performance experience
through assistantships, fellowships, and global music ensembles and build their professional
network through SSENT, GAMuT, and the MHTE Division Lecture Series.
The PhD in Music with a Concentration in Ethnomusicology explores music as a cultural
practice through hands-on research, performance, and interdisciplinary study. Students
develop expertise in ethnographic field methods, area studies, and world music analysis
through close work with internationally recognized faculty and participate in a diverse
range of global music ensembles led by master musicians. Students also gain teaching
experience through assistantships and fellowships, build their professional community
through SSENT and GAMuT, and connect with scholars and performers from around the world through the MHTE
Division Lecture Series.
The Related Field in Ethnomusicology allows MA, MM, DMA, and PhD students to develop
cross-cultural perspectives on music alongside their primary area of study. Students
work with a related-field professor to select coursework that aligns with their academic
interests and goals while gaining hands-on experience with global musical traditions
through ensembles featuring African, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Gamelan, Mariachi, South
Indian, and Chinese music.