Music Theory and Cognition PhD at Northwestern University

Programme overview

The programme treats musical experience as part of human experience, studying it through meaningful human actions with listening at its center. Faculty work in systematic music theory, popular music studies, historical music theory and situated cognition.

Faculty: Bienen School of Music | Department: Music Theory and Cognition | Duration: 5 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

Training in analysis of musical structure, systematic and historical music theory, and psychological aspects of musical structure; research areas include historically informed style analysis, expressive performance and the psychophysiology of musical experience.

Career pathways

Graduates are qualified for professorships in college or university music departments; the programme is not intended for positions in psychology or neuroscience departments.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree (a master's is not required); two transcripts; letters of reference; writing samples; TOEFL for international applicants. Recommended preparation: form, atonal analysis, advanced harmonic analysis, a semester of statistics and an introductory experimental methods course. Applied online through The Graduate School. Graduate School applicants (applies to Bienen School of Music PhD programmes applied through The Graduate School): a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or non-U.S. equivalent (completed before enrolling); two letters of recommendation; transcripts; Academic Statement and Personal Statement; application fee; international applicants submit English proficiency test scores. GRE/GMAT only if the programme requires it.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

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