MA in Ethnomusicology – Global Engagement Learn About Music Across the World

36

Credit Hours

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Music is at the heart of almost every culture in the world. As an ethnomusicologist, you can gain a deeper understanding of cultures across the globe. If this sounds interesting to you, Liberty University’s Master of Arts (MA) in Ethnomusicology – Global Engagement online degree might be what you are looking for. This unique degree takes the musical skills of ethnomusicology and combines them with the intercultural communication skills studied in global studies for a career-oriented degree that can help prepare you for global engagement.

In addition to providing a strong foundation in scholarship and research, non-Western music theory, and the application of resources to the field, this degree can help you learn how to communicate with people who hold diverse global worldviews. Ethnomusicology is a perfect degree that matches the ability to communicate cross-culturally, and you can learn from global engagement.

Gaining a basic understanding of the music of another culture can be vital to establishing trust and a relationship with its people. This program can equip musicians like you to pursue music careers in cross-cultural environments, education, and research, which is an essential part of what global studies is all about. Liberty University’s online ethnomusicology global engagement degree is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and offered 100% online – giving you the flexibility to further your education without putting your life on hold.

Your officially conferred degree name will be Master of Arts (MA) in Ethnomusicology – Global Engagement.


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What Sets Us Apart?

  • Private Nonprofit University
  • 600+ Online Degrees
  • No Standardized Testing for Admission
  • Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
  • Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Our master’s in ethnomusicology and global engagement online degree program is taught by trained musicians, ethnomusicologists, and global engagement experts with real-world experience in various cultural settings. Our professors have worked in locations around the world – studying a broad range of music while teaching and engaging with other cultures.

If there is a particular area of music that fascinates you, then this program will provide the vehicle you need to study it. From the music of Eastern Europe to the sounds of China and more, you will have the opportunity to collect material related to your interest. This global studies and ethnomusicology online degree provides the training you need to reach other cultures and experience a cross-cultural exchange that is made possible through music.

Our master’s in ethnomusicology program is offered completely online. This allows you to remain active in your job, with your family, and in your community without the worry of having to take courses on campus – all while you are being equipped to make a difference in the world!


Every person on earth is like a piece of music – no 2 people are the same. We designed our ethnomusicology master’s degree to take that into account and to be as unique as you are. You can personalize your study and choose the course that best meets your professional or personal goals. Additionally, our faculty have taught and worked in locations across the globe. They will help guide you as you gain foundational knowledge in ethnic music theory, anthropology, organology, and transcription.

One unique aspect of this online global studies degree specialization is the chance you have to combine cross-cultural communication using stories and other forms of engagement with the power of music. You can develop your skills in oral communication and learn how to use stories to bring communities together. You will also be able to choose from a wide range of seminars in world music from the cultures of your choosing. Some examples of the seminars available include Native American, Middle Eastern, Indian, Eastern European, Indonesian, and more.

Your studies will culminate in a thesis or capstone project that will integrate knowledge you have gained through this program with practical research in the field of ethnomusicology. Our faculty’s vast years of experience and leadership in this field can help guide you on this fascinating journey as you finalize your studies. Join Liberty as you learn how to reach other cultures at the heart of who they are.

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At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.

Graduate Full Time $580/Credit
Graduate Part Time $645/Credit
Military Graduate $290/Credit

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.


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Military

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

  • Active Duty
  • Reserve/National Guard
  • Veterans/Retirees
  • Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
  • Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

  • Tuition discounts – $290 per credit hour for graduate courses
  • Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder*
  • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

*Not applicable to certificates.

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.


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