Musicology and Ethnomusicology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Musicology and ethnomusicology is a rigorous academic field dedicated to the in-depth exploration of music as a cultural, historical, and artistic phenomenon across diverse global contexts. This program examines the structural, expressive, and societal dimensions of music, fostering critical analysis of both Western classical traditions and the rich musical practices of non-Western and indigenous cultures.
- Music Theory: Investigates the principles of pitch, rhythm, harmony, and form that underlie musical composition and performance, with an emphasis on analytical frameworks applicable across genres and traditions.
- Musicological Research Methods: Develops advanced skills in archival research, score analysis, historical documentation, and scholarly interpretation to support original academic inquiry into musical works and their contexts.
- Jazz and Popular Music Studies: Explores the evolution, stylistic features, and cultural significance of jazz, rock, and other contemporary genres within social and historical frameworks.
- Folk and Traditional Music: Analyzes orally transmitted musical forms, regional performance practices, and the role of music in sustaining community identity and heritage.
- Non-Western Musical Traditions: Engages with the diverse systems of music from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, and Oceania, emphasizing cultural context, performance practices, and theoretical models unique to each region.
- Ethnomusicological Fieldwork: Trains students in immersive research techniques, including participant observation, interviews, and audiovisual documentation, to study music within its lived cultural environment.
Musicology and Ethnomusicology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Musicology and Ethnomusicology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Musicology and Ethnomusicology degrees, including Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary and Music Directors and Composers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 110,220 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1121 | $80,190 | $47,040 - $194,530 | 97,890 | N/A |
| Music Directors and Composers 27-2041 | $63,670 | $34,990 - $157,010 | 12,330 | $30.61 |
Musicology and Ethnomusicology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,215 in Alabama to $103,385 in Hawaii—a 114% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 110,220 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Musicology and Ethnomusicology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 37 institutions offering Musicology and Ethnomusicology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Musicology and Ethnomusicology is found at University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (34 graduates), Indiana University (IUB), Bloomington (11 graduates), Florida State University (FSU) (9 graduates), Columbus State University (9 graduates), and East Tennessee State University (ETSU) (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 155 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
34 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| Columbus State University |
Other Award
|
9 | Columbus, Georgia | Public | columbusstate.edu |
| East Tennessee State University (ETSU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Johnson City, Tennessee | Public | etsu.edu |
| Liberty University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
8 | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Chapel Hill, North Carolina | Public | unc.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
4 | Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| Cornell University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| University of Oregon (UO) |
Master's
|
4 | Eugene, Oregon | Public | uoregon.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Brown University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | brown.edu |
| University of California (UCSC) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Santa Cruz, California | Public | ucsc.edu |
| University of Denver (DU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Denver, Colorado | Private | du.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | uncg.edu |
| Roger Williams University (RWU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Bristol, Rhode Island | Private | rwu.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Master's
|
2 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Master's
|
2 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Valencia, California | Private | calarts.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Wesleyan University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Middletown, Connecticut | Private | wesleyan.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Master's
|
1 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Butler University |
Master's
|
1 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | butler.edu |
| Brandeis University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Waltham, Massachusetts | Private | brandeis.edu |
| The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) |
Master's
|
1 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | necmusic.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Master's
|
1 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Baylor University |
Master's
|
1 | Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| Rice University |
Master's
|
1 | Houston, Texas | Private | rice.edu |
| Texas Christian University (TCU) |
Master's
|
1 | Fort Worth, Texas | Private | tcu.edu |
| Bennington College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Bennington, Vermont | Private | bennington.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVU) |
Master's
|
1 | Morgantown, West Virginia | Public | wvu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Musicology and Ethnomusicology programs
How much can I earn with a Musicology and Ethnomusicology degree?
Salaries for Musicology and Ethnomusicology graduates vary by role and location. Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $80,190 annually, while Music Directors and Composers earn around $63,670. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $103,385 compared to $48,215 in Alabama. Approximately 110,220 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Musicology and Ethnomusicology programs?
Currently 37 accredited institutions offer Musicology and Ethnomusicology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (34 graduates), Indiana University (IUB), Bloomington (11 graduates), and Florida State University (FSU) (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Musicology and Ethnomusicology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 161 in 2010 to 155 in 2023-24. This represents a 4% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Musicology and Ethnomusicology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Music Directors and Composers, . Related occupations employ approximately 110,220 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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