University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)

PhD in Music

The PhD program in Music at UCLA's Herb Alpert School of Music offers students a comprehensive and flexible curriculum designed to foster advanced research and scholarship in the field. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in music history, theory, and performance, allowing candidates to develop a specialized focus aligned with their academic and creative interests. Students are expected to engage in rigorous coursework, comprehensive examinations, and original research, culminating in a dissertation that contributes significantly to their area of study. Interdisciplinary opportunities and collaborative projects are also integral to the program, encouraging diverse methodologies and innovative approaches to music scholarship.

Throughout the program, students benefit from a combination of coursework, teaching opportunities, and mentorship by distinguished faculty members. The curriculum includes core seminars, advanced seminars in the student's chosen area of concentration, and other specialized courses tailored to individual research goals. The program also requires a qualifying examination, advancement to candidacy, and the submission of a doctoral dissertation, demonstrating original contribution to musical knowledge and understanding. Emphasis is placed on developing both scholarly expertise and pedagogical skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, or creative leadership within the field of music.