The B.A. in Critical Studies in Music and Society at UNT offers students an opportunity to explore the role of music in different cultures and societies. It is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their degree around their individual career interests, with a strong emphasis on ethnomusicology and music history. The program culminates in a capstone research, professional, or creative project, giving students practical and academic experience. With a diverse range of seminar topics such as Music under Capitalism, Cultural Identity through Music, and Music and Climate change, students learn to analyze music's influence across social, political, and cultural dimensions.
Why this course is highly recommended
This degree is ideal for students interested in understanding music beyond performance, especially those pursuing careers that require cross-cultural, social, or policy-related insights. Its focus on original research, diverse seminar topics, and professional projects helps students develop essential skills such as communication, data analysis, and multicultural competence, making it valuable for careers in law, medicine, business, media, and academia.
Students can focus on ethnomusicology and music history while having the flexibility of selecting electives aligned with their career goals. Seminars explore best practices in research and analysis related to music's role in society, including topics like music and nationalism, decolonial listening, and music in virtual communities.
Application fees
20.31L
1st year tuition fees
20.31L
Living cost
The program requires 120 credit hours over four years, including twenty-seven hours in ethnomusicology and music history, along with electives. Students engage in a capstone project, multiple seminars, and coursework that explores cultural, political, and social issues related to music.

English language test
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Graduates can pursue a variety of careers such as law, medical fields, music business or entrepreneurship, music production, arts journalism or criticism, nonprofit work in the arts, or further graduate study in ethnomusicology, music theory, or musicology.