Master of Arts in Musicology
Go beyond the music
Turn your curiosity into scholarship
Butler’s two-year Master of Arts in Musicology combines advanced study and independent research with personalized mentorship from dedicated musicology faculty. You’ll develop a substantial thesis, engage with fellow scholars through Butler’s Musicology Study Group, and build the research and analytical skills to pursue doctoral study and careers in music research, teaching, librarianship, publishing, and related fields.
With a flexible curriculum, you can shape the program around your academic and artistic interests—including participating in ensembles, taking private lessons, pursuing a music history study abroad experience, or pairing the Master of Arts with another Master of Music degree at Butler. And with Indianapolis as your artistic home, you’ll have access to additional opportunities to perform, collaborate, work, and connect with the broader music community.
Butler Musicology graduates have continued their studies in distinguished PhD programs, including Indiana University, UC Davis, and the University of Chicago.
Priority Application Deadline: February 1, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry
Step 1: Complete the Application for Graduate Admission.
Application Requirements:
- Completion of a US bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Online Application for Graduate Admission
- Personal Statement
- Résumé
- Two letters of recommendation commenting on your musical and academic abilities.
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities where you did the following*:
- Earned a degree
- Earned more than 15 credits (undergraduate and graduate)
- Completed any program prerequisite (regardless of number of credit hours)
- Completed courses for which candidates are applying for transfer credit
- International applicants must provide proof of a minimum level of proficiency in the English language as well as submit additional financial documentation. See the International Student Application process.
- Pre-screening videos
*Transcripts
Copies of official transcripts may be uploaded in the online application for application review only. Applicants who receive an offer of admission will be required to submit official, final transcripts issued directly from the institution(s) for verification prior to enrollment. More information is available in the application for admission.
Step 2: If you pass the pre-screening phase, you will be invited to interview with the Musicology faculty, either on-campus or virtually. You will be contacted by the School of Music regarding the results of your pre-screening. If you have any questions or have not been contacted about your pre-screening results or to set up an audition, please email JCAadmissions@butler.edu.
Step 3: Complete any Graduate Assistantship position interviews/auditions. Requirements differ by position. We will do our best to include any required evaluations during your audition day.chool of Music regarding the results of your pre-screening. If you pass the pre-screening, you will be invited to interview and audition with the choral faculty. The audition will consist of conducting a portion of a Butler choral ensemble rehearsal, an informal solo performance on either voice or piano, and an aural skills exam. If you have any questions or have not been contacted about your pre-screening results or to set up an audition, please email JCAadmissions@butler.edu.
Total Credit Hours: 30 credit hours
Anticipated Duration: 2 years
Degree requires a thesis and final oral comprehensive exam
Required Courses:
- Research in Music
- Thesis
- Final Comprehensive Exam
- Music History Electives
- Analysis of Music Since 1900
- Analysis of Tonal Music
- General Music Electives
We offer a limited number of graduate assistantships, fellowships, and tuition waivers to graduate music students in the fall of every academic year. Graduate awards are reviewed and renewed annually. Below is a list of positions related to the MA in Musicology degree; view a full list of graduate assistantship positions.
Note: New students applying for entry in the spring semester will not be eligible for a graduate assistantship, fellowship, or tuition waiver, but may apply for the following academic year.
Music Theory & History Tutor
Eligibility: Full-time, degree-seeking graduate students seeking fall-term entry. Students pursuing any degree plan are welcome to apply.
How to Apply: Select the Music Theory & History Tutor position when prompted on the Graduate Application. An interview is required.
Award Details: Includes a full tuition waiver of graduate tuition of 15 credit hours per year plus a stipend.
Duties: Tutor undergraduate music students in one-on-one sessions and lead group review sessions for exams in written theory, aural skills, music history, and/or keyboard skills classes. Other duties as assigned. Position will require 10 hours of service per week.
Faculty Supervisors: Dr. Fred Hosken, Assistant Professor of Music Theory; Dr. Nicholas Johnson, Associate Professor of Musicology; Dr. Sophie Benn, Assistant Professor of Musicology, Associate Director of Graduate Music Studies.
