Overview

The Musicology (Musicology - Ethnomusicology) programme at Portland State University provides a rigorous academic foundation for students passionate about the intersection of music, history, and global culture. Students engage in advanced coursework that balances traditional musicology with ethnomusicological perspectives, fostering a deep understanding of diverse musical traditions. This degree is ideal for those seeking to combine scholarly inquiry with practical musical experience in a vibrant urban setting.

Why Musicology (Musicology - Ethnomusicology) at Portland State University?

Students benefit from a unique musical environment that encourages both academic excellence and creative expression. The university holds the prestigious All-Steinway School designation and is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. You will receive direct mentorship from expert faculty while completing a final research project tailored to your interests.

Practical experience is a cornerstone of the curriculum. You can contribute to Subito, the school’s own scholarly journal, or write for the campus newspaper to build a professional portfolio. The programme also offers rare opportunities to join diverse ensembles, such as Javanese gamelan or taiko drumming groups, providing hands-on engagement with non-Western musical practices.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34599 per year
National fee: USD 34599 per year
Local fee: USD 12999 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on building a strong music foundation with specialised training in historical and cultural analysis. Modules may include:

Music History
World Music
Musicology
Ethnomusicology
Research Project
Ensemble Performance

Careers with Musicology (Musicology - Ethnomusicology)

Graduates are well-prepared for advanced academic study or diverse roles within the global arts sector. Many alumni successfully transition into prestigious graduate programmes at institutions such as the Eastman School of Music or Northwestern University. The analytical and expressive skills gained during the course are highly transferable to various professional paths.

Potential career destinations include:

Arts Administrator
Music Journalist
Arts Writer
Music Critic
Educator
Freelance Arts Consultant

Alumni have secured positions at renowned organisations including the Kennedy Center, All Classical Radio, and various symphony orchestras. Whether pursuing a career in media, education, or performance management, students graduate with the critical thinking skills necessary to impact the contemporary music industry.

Accreditation

PSU's Music programs are fully accredited National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and holds the All-Steinway School designation.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music Theory

Sight-Singing/Ear Training

Music History: Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque

Music History: Classical and Romantic

Music History: 20th Century

Topics in Music History

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-05 00:00:00
Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-05 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Musicology View 379 other Bachelors in Musicology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Musicology (Musicology - Ethnomusicology).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Accreditation

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Portland

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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