Program description
The Music Department offers a thesis-based Master of Arts with a specialization in musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, and the digital audio arts. The MA program provides students with the opportunity to develop a specialized research project, while critically engaging with innovative, interdisciplinary music scholarship. The MA program strives to produce outstanding scholars, educators, and professionals whose research addresses the political, social, historical, and technological contexts that inform music practices and their meanings.
Students are typically required to complete six 3-credit courses (a total of 18 approved credits), including a course in theory and methods, and a thesis. Courses can include independent studies, advanced undergraduate courses adapted for graduate students (in Music or other relevant areas), and courses drawn from the Cultural, Social, and Political Thought program in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Course descriptions of courses offered at the University of Lethbridge are available in the course catalogue. You can also view the dynamic schedule on the Registrar's Office website to see what courses are being offered and when.
Students work closely with their supervisory committee to develop a program of study based on their research interests and methodology. The University of Lethbridge's MA with music specialization is unique for its flexibility, allowing students to develop a program of study that fits their needs and goals.
First Year
In the first year of the program students take 18 approved course credits (i.e., 6 one-term courses). A maximum of 9 credits may be taken outside of the Music Department. Proficiency in a second language relevant to students' research is strongly recommended. Students are required to complete a thesis proposal by the end of their first year.
Second Year
During their second year, students work intensively with their primary supervisor and committee to develop and defend their thesis projects. Theses require in-depth original research on the topic under investigation.
The Music Department includes faculty whose research emerges from diverse methodological and theoretical traditions. Areas of specialization include:
Musicology
Music theory
Ethnomusicology
Digital Audio Arts
In case of discrepancies between this page and the Graduate Studies Calendar and Course Catalogue, the Graduate Studies Calendar and Course Catalogue shall prevail.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
University of Lethbridge
4401 University Drive,
LETHBRIDGE,
Alberta (AB),
T1K 3M4, Canada
Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree (i.e. an undergraduate degree) in a related discipline from a recognized degree-granting institution; Have a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (based on 4.00 scale) on the last 20 graded university-level term courses OR calculated on the most recently completed master’s degree if the applicant is applying for another master’s degree.
English Language Requirements:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 86.
Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 6.5, and a minimum score of 6.0 in each band.
Academic Pearson Test of English (PTE), taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 63.
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment, taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 70.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
The University of Lethbridge is a leading public Canadian research university where students work directly with experts to tackle global issues.
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