Graduate Study

Graduate Studies in Music at Columbia University

For detailed requirements, policies, and procedures, please see the Graduate Handbook:

Graduate Handbook

Prospective PhD/DMA students should visit the Info for Graduate Program Applicants page:

GRADUATE APPLICANT INFO


Introduction

Through the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the Department of Music offers degrees in Musicology (M.A., leading to M.Phil., and Ph.D.) and Composition (M.A., leading to D.M.A.).

The Musicology program incorporates three areas: historical musicology, ethnomusicology, and music theory. Within these areas, research and teaching focus on a wide range of topics, including music history in the West, non-Western musics and cultures, popular and urban musics, jazz, analytical methods, music cognition, music aesthetics, and the philosophy of music. Application is made to one of these areas, each of which also has its own degree requirements, specified in detail in the Graduate Handbook links on the right side of this page. The Musicology program is supported by a first-class library, the Gabe Wiener Music & Arts Library, located in Dodge Hall, as well as the extensive sound archives of the Center for Ethnomusicology. The department is home to the oldest and most prestigious academic music journal edited by graduate students, Current Musicology.

The program in Composition offers instruction to a small number of highly qualified candidates working in a variety of contemporary styles and media. Its degree requirements are specified in detail in the Graduate Handbook links on the right side of this page. The Composition program is enhanced by its association with the renowned Columbia Computer Music Center, which includes state-of-the-art facilities for working in electroacoustic music. Columbia Composers, a student-directed organization, offers opportunities for public performances of compositions in various concert facilities in New York City. Other opportunities for students to hear their work are available through the professional ensembles.

Useful Handbooks and Links

GSAS Financial Aid

General tuition, financial aid, fellowship information, student employment possibilities and other information relevant to graduate students. Important phone numbers for offices that deal with aspects of tuition, financial aid, transcripts and health services are located on the back of this booklet.

You should also refer to Student Services Online for account balances, refunds, address changes, grades, holds, and transcript orders.

Directory of Classes

Complete scheduling information for all courses offered during the semester. All class schedules are available through the Columbia University web page.

The Center for Teaching & Learning

The Center for Teaching & Learning provides support to Teaching Fellows. It offers a number of useful workshops throughout the year as well as a number of other useful resources; be sure to check out its graduate school survival tips as well as its grant proposal writing tips.

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ page answers many questions that Graduate Program applicants will have.

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences International Applicants Information

Important information for international Graduate Program applicants to review.