Program highlights
- Supportive scholarly mentorship. Work closely with faculty who are active researchers, writers and presenters. Receive individualized guidance as you develop research projects, conference papers and theses within a collaborative academic community.
- Strong national and international connections. BGSU’s historic presence in the field of ethnomusicology – including historic ties to the Society for Ethnomusicology – connects students to leading scholars, guest lectures and professional networks.
- Research-driven curriculum. Coursework emphasizes ethnographic methods, critical theory and interdisciplinary approaches to the study of music. You are encouraged to pursue research aligned with your cultural, regional or thematic interests while building transferable skills in writing, analysis and qualitative inquiry.
- Generous funding opportunities. Graduate assistantships and scholarships provide financial assistance and valuable professional experience.
- Accredited academic environment. The M.M. in ethnomusicology is housed in BGSU’s College of Musical Arts. The college offers robust academic resources and an interdisciplinary setting that supports advanced research and graduate study.
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Career opportunities
The contemporary academic and cultural landscape values scholars who combine strong research skills with cultural fluency, critical thinking and applied experience. The Master of Music (M.M.) in ethnomusicology at BGSU prepares you for a wide range of professional roles in scholarship, education and cultural organizations, including:
- University or college teaching and research roles – Prepare for doctoral study leading to faculty positions in ethnomusicology, musicology, cultural studies or related disciplines.
- Cultural and arts organizations – Work with museums, archives, festivals and cultural institutions focused on music, heritage and community engagement.
- Public and applied scholarship – Apply ethnographic research skills to nonprofit work, community-based research, arts advocacy and cultural documentation.
- Academic and professional research support – Contribute as a research assistant, program coordinator or project specialist in academic, nonprofit or cultural research settings.
Career paths
- Ethnomusicologist or music researcher
- Museum or archive professional
- Cultural program coordinator
- Arts administrator or nonprofit staff member
- Professor in ethnomusicology, musicology or related fields (with Ph.D.)
Curriculum
The ethnomusicology master's program provides rigorous training that develops scholarly depth, methodological competence and professional readiness. You will gain advanced skills in:
- Ethnographic and qualitative research methods
- Music analysis within cultural and social contexts
- Critical theory and interdisciplinary scholarship
- Academic writing and research design
- Global and cross-cultural musical traditions
Refine your scholarly practice through:
- Seminar-based coursework
- Independent and faculty-guided research
- Conference paper development
- Academic writing and presentation
- Close collaboration with faculty mentors
Our program culminates in a master’s thesis or equivalent capstone project that allows you to demonstrate advanced research, analysis and scholarly writing skills.
Experiential learning opportunities
Students engage in hands-on research through fieldwork, archival study and applied projects aligned with their academic interests. Opportunities include:
- Participating in conferences
- Guest lectures
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and involvement in research initiatives within the College of Musical Arts and related academic units
Graduate assistantships may provide additional professional experience in teaching, research or academic support roles.
Sample courses
- Critical Approaches to Ethnomusicology
- Research Methods in Ethnomusicology
- Proseminar in World Music
- World Music Ensemble
- Afro-Caribbean Ensemble
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Applying and funding
Applicants to the Master of Music (M.M.) in ethnomusicology at Bowling Green State University must meet the general graduate admission requirements of the University as well as program-specific criteria established by the College of Musical Arts.
Students applying for graduate assistantships may be required to participate in an interview (in person or virtual), depending on the nature of the assistantship. Graduate assistantships provide valuable professional experience while offering tuition remission and a stipend.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and to confirm current admission and funding requirements. Program-specific details and deadlines are subject to change. Consult the BGSU Graduate College and College of Musical Arts for the most up-to-date information.
The master’s program in ethnomusicology is a program in the College of Musical Arts.
Updated: 02/18/2026 01:32PM