Musicology
Request More Info
This advanced degree program prepares students to write, speak and research music from various historical and critical perspectives.
Through this graduate musicology program, students will work with top professors to study music from historical and theoretical perspectives. Classes will prepare them for academic careers with instruction on how to write, speak about and research music.
- Program Type: Master's
- Academic Unit: Conservatory
- Degree Type: Master of Music
- Standard credit hours: 35
- Delivery Mode: In-person
- Typical Program Length: 1-4 years
- Typical Course Load: 1-5 per semester
Why UMKC
Find career success
From academic and career advising to employment services and community partnerships, our award-winning faculty and staff can help you leverage industry connections and deliver the direction and support you need to succeed in your career.
Contribute to world-changing research
UMKC faculty and students break ground in key areas of science, technology, healthcare, education, law, the arts and the humanities — bringing in millions in funding in the process. If you want to work on the cutting edge of these fields and set yourself up for a career in innovation, there aren’t many better places to be.
Kansas City is our classroom
Our university is deeply integrated into the community, providing students with exclusive opportunities to gain hands-on experience, connect with area employers and network with local industry professionals.
After Graduation
A degree in musicology is good preparation for an academic career focused on the study of music. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations in the next decade.
Potential careers
- College professor
- Music historian
- Music preservationist
$67,515
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Historians (19-3093.00)
Potential Courses
Pedagogy of Music History
This course focuses on techniques and materials related to teaching music history and music appreciation combined with supervised teaching.
Advanced Research and Bibliography in Music
This course teaches advanced procedures in bibliography, research and scholarly writing.
Research Problems
This is an individual study course where you'll work with a member of the graduate faculty to prepare a final project.
Visit the Academic Catalog for a full listing of courses and descriptions.
Related Programs and Pathways
How to Apply
- Review admission requirements (PDF)
- Gather your materials
- Official transcripts.
- Names and locations of previous college(s) and dates you attended.
- Citizenship, residency and visa information (if applicable).
- Artistic resume or CV: Please list all relevant music experience such as ensembles, schools, teachers, performances and awards.
- Two references: List the names and contact information of your references, and the application system will send an email to them requesting that they submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters of recommendation must be received by Feb. 1.
- Submit a writing sample from an upper-level music history class, along with a statement of purpose. Please upload these documents with your application or to your application status page after submission of your application.
- An informal interview may be conducted via Zoom, phone or in-person.
- Transcripts and test scores may be sent in after the Dec. 1 Conservatory application deadline but must be received by UMKC Admissions by Feb. 1.
- Complete the online application
- $45 for domestic graduate students or $75 for international graduate students.
Have questions? Request information to have an admissions counselor contact you about the requirements for this program.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: Dec. 15
Classes begin in August
Reduce Your Cost. Maximize Your Investment.
An amazing education shouldn’t break the bank, which is why we offer a number of automatic and competitive scholarships, grants and other financial aid opportunities — plus financial guidance from our expert advisors.