BA Ethnomusicology at University of California, Los Angeles

Programme overview

The undergraduate major in Ethnomusicology emphasizes general world music, performance/composition, public ethnomusicology, and scholarly research. The major provides students with a wide-ranging liberal arts education in music. At its core, this includes (1) comprehensive knowledge of music cultures of the world; (2) understanding of the interrelationship of music, society, and culture; (3) grounding in the basics of global music theory and musicianship;

Faculty: Herb Alpert School of Music | Department: Ethnomusicology | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

The Major (Capstone; Electives; Ethnomusicology 183 and 185; Ethnomusicology 175 or 181; Performance Ensembles). Preparation for the Major (Music Theory and Musicianship; Musicianship; Ensembles: World Music Performance Organizations, Private Instruction in Music, and World Music Specializations; Basic Principles of Ethnomusicology; Musical Cultures of the World).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applies to students entering the major (college-level admission to UCLA is separate): Admission: Applicants are reviewed individually, based on a questionnaire, grade-point average, two letters of recommendation, test scores, and a personal statement of purpose.

Fall quarter only; UCLA does not offer early action or early decision.

Transfer students are admitted for fall quarter only.

Most graduate departments and schools have deadlines in November and early December for the following fall term.

Fall 2027 first-year and transfer: UC application opens August 1, accepts submissions October 1-November 30 (deadline November 30) via the UC application. First-year decisions late March; transfer decisions late April. UCLA is test-free and does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarships. Application fees can be waived for up to four campuses for eligible students.

Transfer applicants must submit the Transfer Academic Update by the January 31 priority deadline; Statement of Intent to Register due June 1. First-year Statement of Intent to Register due May 1.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.ucla.edu/apply

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