Deadlines are for entry in the fall semester only:

Domestic applications: January 15th of every year

International applications: December 1st of every year

Select a Program:

• When choosing the academic program in the drop down list of the application, applicants must select either "Folklore & Ethnomusicology M.A." or "Folklore & Ethnomusicology Ph.D." - there are not separate choices between the Folklore and Ethnomusicology programs.
• You will indicate in your personal statement which track you are pursuing.
• Also, please read our Admissions and Financial Aid Booklet for more information.

Personal Statement:

• Describe background information with a clear indication of application to the Ethnomusicology or Folklore Institute and how the specific institute fits in with future goals (2-3 pages single-spaced).
• Your statement is regarded as the writing sample. You may, but are not required to, submit an additional writing sample.

Three Letters of Recommendation:

• Should be mailed directly by the recommenders to the Department or entered by the recommenders in the online application software (instructions on how to do this can be found after logging in to the application software).
• Click for the downloadable form for mailing.

Transcripts from all colleges attended:

• Students should have their transcripts sent directly by their colleges to the Department. We will not accept a transcript mailed by the student unless it is in an officially sealed, unopened envelope from the university.
• International students should mail officially sealed, unopened transcripts in a packet to International Admissions. See the International Applicants page of this site.
• All applicants to the Master's program must have a Bachelor's degree (International student's must have the U.S. equivalent of a 4-year Bachelor's degree) in a field related to Folklore or Ethnomusicology (respective to the track the applicant chooses).
• An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better is required, and the degree must be completed by the time of matriculation into the graduate program.
• All applicants to the Ph.D. program must have a Master’s degree in a field related to Folklore or Ethnomusicology (respective to the track the applicant chooses).

GRE Scores:

• Required for Domestic Applicants, and International Applicants whose native lanuage is English - International Applicants whose native language is not English may submit GRE scores if they wish, but are not required to do so. See below.
• Send electronically - use Institution code 1324, Department code 0000 (only official scores directly from ETS will be accepted).
• Scores usually arrive in two weeks, although the score submission process may sometimes take longer so plan accordingly.
• One score of 600 or better on the Verbal or Quantitative is required for direct admission. A score of 4.5 or better is required on the Analytical section of the GRE.
• No subject GRE test is required.
• Click here for the ETS website, which administers the GRE.

TOEFL Scores:

• Required only for International Applicants whose native language is not English.
• Send scores electronically - use Institution code 1324, Department code 0000 (only official scores directly from ETS will be accepted).
• Due to the time it may take for scores to be transmitted, you should plan on taking the TOEFL at least 2 months prior to the International Deadline of December 1st.
• A minimum score of 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based is required for admission.
• In some instances, an IELTS score of 6.5 or better can be submitted in lieu of the TOEFL.
• Click for the ETS website, which administers the TOEFL.