Critical Studies in Music
Degrees Offered
About the Program
Critical Studies in Music, the study of music and music literature in historical and cultural contexts, engages a broad range of disciplines in order to examine the art of music as an integral part of the human experience. Drawing from such fields as history, cultural studies, sociology, psychology, aesthetics, and many others, musicologists conduct research on a comprehensive array of topics - from theories of ancient music to contemporary trends in popular music - and share their discoveries through writing and teaching. Musicologists pursue varied careers in the music profession primarily as researchers, writers, and teachers.
At San Diego State University, candidates of the Master of Arts degree in Critical Studies in Music will have an opportunity to explore diverse musical topics in graduate seminars in music research, musicology, ethnomusicology, and music theory. After receiving training in research principles and techniques, and with the guidance of a faculty musicologist, each student in the program will embark on an individual research project on a topic of his or her own choice that will culminate in an original thesis. Students who graduate with the M.A. in Critical Studies in Music from SDSU will be prepared either to teach music history at the community college level or to apply for Ph.D. programs at high-ranking institutions.
Additional Resources
If you are interested in applying for admittance to a graduate program in music, please submit the following materials to the appropriate location by the listed deadlines:
- California State University Application deadline is February 1 for completing the university online application
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San Diego State Graduate Admissions deadline is March 1 for submission of all supporting materials (2.a and 2.b are submitted directly to the Graduate Admissions Office)
- a) Official transcripts
- b) TOEFL test score (for applicants whose native language is not English)
*The GRE is not required for admission to the MM and MA degrees or Artist Diploma.
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ALL MM GRADUATE and ARTIST DIPLOMA APPLICANTS: The School of Music and Dance deadline is February 1 for submission of all supporting materials listed in (a)-(c) below. The following must be submitted using the School of Music and Dance online audition and application portal: click here to go to the online application.
- a) Resume
- b) Statement of objectives
- c) Two letters of reference
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ALL MA GRADUATE APPLICANTS: The School of Music and Dance deadline is April 1 for submission of all supporting materials listed in (a)-(d) below. The following must be submitted using the School of Music and Dance online audition and application portal: click here to go to the online application.
- a) Resume
- b) Statement of objectives
- c) Two letters of reference
- d) MA Musicology/Ethnomusicology applicants: Research paper (10-12 pages)
- California State University Application, deadline is February 1 for completing online application
- San Diego State Graduate Admissions, deadline is March 1 for submission of all supporting materials including official transcripts, and TOEFL scores. GRE is not needed for the MA Degree or Artist Diploma (but TOEFL is always required).
- School of Music and Dance, deadline is February 1 for submission of all supporting materials. Supporting materials must be submitted electronically using the School of Music and Dance online audition and application portal: click here to go to the online application.
- Resume
- Statement of objectives - Explain in one to two pages how you have been involved in music, why you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Critical Studies in Music, and what topics in the field interest you.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are in a position to comment on your potential to succeed in graduate work
- Writing sample - You are required to submit a 10-12-page research paper. The paper should reflect exceptional skills in critical thinking, include references to appropriate literature (i.e., primary sources, or secondary sources written by recognized authorities), and demonstrate competence in basic writing skills (including spelling, grammar, organization, and citation formatting).
