The M.A. program in historical musicology encourages graduate students to gain a broad background in musical repertories and musicological methods. Beyond a full complement of courses surveying particular periods of European music history, we offer courses in American music, popular musics, African-American music, gender studies, and performance practice. Students at the master’s level are also encouraged to broaden their backgrounds in music theory and interdisciplinary options outside of the School of Music. The two-year program culminates in a thesis, usually an expansion of work begun as a seminar paper, as well as a comprehensive examination covering all periods of music history. A reading knowledge of German is required for the M.A. degree.