The Department of Music at UC Davis offers four graduate
programs. Three lead to the degree Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.),
in musicology, ethnomusicology, or composition and
theory. Musicology
focuses on stylistic and critical study in all historical
periods, the acquisition of research skills, writing for
publication, professional development, and application of
critical theory. Ethnomusicology covers training
in the theory, fieldwork, ethnography, transcription/analysis,
and intellectual history of the subject. Composition and theory emphasizes
analysis of tonal and post-tonal music, and original inventive
composition by way of various approaches and methods. Students
may elect to receive a Master of Arts degree en route to the
Ph.D.
The Master of Arts degree in
conducting is designed for students who expect to
conduct the major repertoire during their professional careers.
In addition to developing practical technical skills, students
study issues of performance practice and musical analysis, and
gain experience in the preparation of performance materials.
Apply online through the Office of Graduate
Studies. Applications are due January
5. All incoming Ph.D. students are offered, at a
minimum, a multi-year fellowship and teaching assistantship
package from the Department of Music, providing tuition, fees,
health insurance, and, as of fall 2024, a minimum of $34,000
stipend/salary per academic year (the entire package for CA
residents is approximately $56,586). Admitted students are also
considered for competitive university-wide fellowships.
GRE scores are not required.
UC Davis CA residency requirements for graduate students are
HERE. First
year graduate students who are US citizens but not CA residents
must complete the CA residency process before
the end of their first quarter.
For more information, contact faculty graduate
advisors, Beth Levy regarding the Ph.D. in
ethnomusicology and musicology, Mika Pelo regarding the Ph.D. in
composition and theory, Christian
Baldini regarding the master’s degree in
conducting, or staff graduate coordinator, Marian Bilheimer.
What does UC Davis have to offer? Read more
about our graduate programs.
The larger graduate community at UC Davis values a diversity of
viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences among its students with
the knowledge that a diverse student body strengthens the
research, scholarship, and teaching of all members of our
community. As a part of our commitment to diversity there are
numerous resources, events, and professional staff available to
meet the needs of our diverse graduate students as they achieve
their professional, educational, and career goals. Please feel
free to contact Dr. Josephine Moreno, at mjmoreno@ucdavis.edu, UC
Davis Graduate Diversity Officer for HArCS, Social Sciences
and Education graduate programs with any questions or concerns
regarding diversity and Graduate Studies. For the latest on
Graduate Diversity initiatives please click
here. The UC Davis campus-wide Principles of Community can be
accessed at here.
