University of San Diego

What you'll study

The programme emphasises original research combined with advanced study in performance, composition, historical and cultural analysis, and interdisciplinary practice with theatre. Typical components include taught seminars, specialised reading courses, applied lessons or composition studios, and supervised research leading to a doctoral dissertation.

• Core research areas: musicology and historical research, ethnomusicology, contemporary composition and theory, performance studies, and interdisciplinary music-theatre practice.
• Methodology and theory: seminars on research methods, archival work, critical theory, and technologies for music research (recording, analysis software, digital humanities approaches).
• Practical components: supervised applied lessons, composition studios, performance seminars, collaborative projects with theatre, and opportunities for recitals or staged work as part of the research portfolio.
• Dissertation and examinations: preparation of a substantial original dissertation under faculty supervision, often accompanied by a public presentation, lecture-recital or creative portfolio; successful completion of qualifying/comprehensive examinations or an equivalent assessment milestone.
• Teaching and professional development: training in university-level pedagogy, opportunities to teach undergraduate courses, and professional skills workshops in grant-writing, project management and publication.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants normally hold a relevant masterdegree (for example, an MA, MMus or equivalent) in music, musicology, composition, performance or a closely related field from a recognised institution. Admission is based on a combination of academic record, research potential, and evidence of artistic achievement where applicable.

• Academic background: a completed masterlevel qualification in music or a related discipline, with demonstrated ability to conduct independent research.
• Research proposal: a clear, feasible research proposal outlining aims, context, methodology and potential contribution to the field.
• Artistic portfolio or audition: for performance- or composition-focused applicants, an audition or portfolio of compositions/recordings and a programme note or commentary is normally required.
• References: at least two academic or professional references attesting to the applicants scholarly and/or artistic potential.
• English language: evidence of proficiency in English if your first language is not English, in line with university regulations.
• Interview: shortlisted candidates are typically invited to interview and may be asked to give a short presentation on their research, teach a mock seminar, or perform.

Career prospects

Graduates from the PhD in Music follow diverse career paths across academia, the creative industries and the cultural sector. The degree prepares candidates for roles that require high-level research, pedagogical skill and artistic excellence.

• Academic careers: tenure-track and adjunct faculty positions in musicology, composition, performance studies and theatre departments; research fellowships and postdoctoral roles.
• Performance and composition: professional careers as performers, composers, ensemble directors, and collaborative artists, especially in institutions that value research-led practice.
• Arts leadership and curation: roles in programming, curation, producing and administration at theatres, concert halls, festivals and cultural institutions.
• Public scholarship and publishing: music journalism, editorial work, scholarly publishing, and public-facing research roles in museums or cultural organisations.
• Applied and interdisciplinary roles: opportunities in community music, dramaturgy, multimedia projects, and consultancy where expertise in music, performance and research is required.

Why study at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego offers a doctoral environment with close faculty mentorship, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with theatre practitioners, and strong emphasis on both scholarly rigour and creative practice. The programme benefits from the universitys small cohort sizes, which allow personalised supervision and plentiful performance and teaching opportunities.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: ready access to theatre and performance-makers on campus encourages interdisciplinary projects that bridge music, drama and design.
• Performance facilities and local networks: students can make use of campus performance spaces and connect with San Diegos vibrant regional arts scene, including chamber ensembles, contemporary music groups and theatre companies.
• Faculty expertise: supervision from faculty active in a range of fields—historical musicology, ethnomusicology, composition, performance research and theatre studies—supports diverse research agendas.
• Professional preparation: the programme emphasises teaching experience and professional development so that graduates are well positioned for academic and creative careers.