Historical Musicology and Music Theory PhD

Students in historical musicology encounter a variety of course options offered by a diverse, energetic faculty. Specialties include music of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries criticism, philosophy, and popular music studies. The curriculum for the music theory program is rooted in the theoretical traditions, while also exploring innovations in the field. Graduate seminars in tonal and mathematical theory constitute parallel streams for graduate students, culminating in analysis seminars and theoretical projects. One of UB’s greatest resources is the collection found in the Music Library, located in the department.

Core Requirements (40 credits)

The following is the approved normal course of study for students pursuing a PhD in Historical Musicology and Music Theory. In all cases, a student’s particular program should be determined in consultation with his/her academic advisor. Customized tracks, involving substitutions for required and elective courses, are encouraged. These must be planned in advance with the advisor and will require the approval of the Music Department Graduate Committee.

MUS 605SEM - Surv Hist of Music Theory Credits: 4
MUS 606SEM - Surv Hist of Music Theory Credits: 4
MUS 700TUT - Doctoral Dissertat Direct Credits: 1 - 12

Track Requirements (32 credits)

Historical Musicology Track:

MUS 515SEM - Music and Queer Studies Credits: 4 and
MUS 517SEM - Music, Gender, and Sexuality Credits: 4
MUS 525SEM - Popular Music Studies Credits: 4
MUS 527SEM - Music and Modernity Credits: 4
MUS 528SEM - Media, Memory, and Notation Credits: 4
MUS 529LEC - Studies in US Music Credits: 4
MUS 625LEC - Notation Credits: 4
MUS 554LEC - Studies in Music Theory Credits: 4
or
MUS 613SEM - Analyzing Popular Music Credits: 4
or
MUS 614SEM - Discourses in Music Theory Credits: 4
or
MUS 621SEM - Topics in Tonal Theory and Analysis Credits: 4
or
MUS 629SEM - Analyzing Twentieth- and Twenty-First Century Music Credits: 4

Music Theory Track:

MUS 613SEM - Analyzing Popular Music Credits: 4 and
MUS 614SEM - Discourses in Music Theory Credits: 4
MUS 621SEM - Topics in Tonal Theory and Analysis Credits: 4
MUS 622SEM - Tonal Analysis 2 Credits: 4
MUS 629SEM - Analyzing Twentieth- and Twenty-First Century Music Credits: 4
MUS 515SEM - Music and Queer Studies Credits: 4 and
MUS 517SEM - Music, Gender, and Sexuality Credits: 4

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

72 Hours

Time-To-Degree

5 Years

Application Fee

$75

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.