Overview

The Ethnomusicology programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) provides students with a sophisticated understanding of how musical traditions intersect with global societies. This undergraduate major is designed to foster both scholarly research skills and practical performance abilities across a diverse range of cultural contexts.

Students enrolled in this course benefit from a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. By engaging with music as a social and cultural phenomenon, learners develop a broad perspective on human expression. The programme is housed within the prestigious Herb Alpert School of Music, ensuring access to world-class academic resources and a vibrant artistic community.

Why Ethnomusicology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is home to the renowned Herb Alpert School of Music, which provides a distinctive environment for studying ethnomusicology. The institution is recognised for its institutional strengths in both performance and scholarly inquiry, offering students access to specialised facilities within the Schoenberg Music Building. This unique setting allows for a deep integration of academic study and creative practice.

The programme is distinguished by its focus on public ethnomusicology and its commitment to exploring the interrelationship of music, society, and culture. Students benefit from a teaching model that combines rigorous classroom instruction with the practical experience of playing in diverse ensembles. These features make the university a leading destination for those seeking a holistic education in the musical arts.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 53302 per year
National fee: USD 53302 per year
Local fee: USD 15700 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Ethnomusicology
World Music
Performance/Composition
Public Ethnomusicology
Scholarly Research
Music Cultures of the World
Western Music Theory
Musicianship
Musical Ensembles

Careers with Ethnomusicology

Graduates of the programme are equipped for a variety of professional pathways within the arts and beyond. Many students pursue further academic study in ethnomusicology at the graduate level or transition into roles as professional composers and performers. The skills gained during the degree are highly applicable to the global music industry and the nonprofit sector.

In addition to creative roles, the programme prepares individuals for careers in education, including serving as K through 12 music teachers. The broad liberal arts training also allows graduates to find opportunities in cultural organisation management and community-based arts initiatives. The diverse skill set developed at the university ensures that alumni can adapt to various roles within the evolving cultural economy.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Musicianship

Sociology of Music

Anthropology of Music

Study of Ethnomusicology

Advanced World Music Performance Organizations

World Music Composition

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Beverly Hills, United States

Disciplines

Musicology View 378 other Bachelors in Musicology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete 15 year-long academic courses with a 3.4 GPA

Meet other requirements specific to your country

Take the ACT with Writing Test, SAT with Writing or SAT with Essay by December of your last year at secondary school

Demonstrate English-language Proficiency

Applicants are reviewed individually, based on a questionnaire, grade-point average, two letters of recommendation, test scores, a personal statement of purpose, and an on-campus interview/audition.

Applicants who are unable to travel to UCLA have the option of a Skype interview/audition.

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

53302 USD / year

≈ 53302 USD / year
Out-of-State

53302 USD / year

≈ 53302 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

15700 USD / year

≈ 15700 USD / year

Living costs

Beverly Hills

United States

1100 - 1600 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 Ethnomusicology.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

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

Beverly Hills

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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