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George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

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Minor Ethnomusicology

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Training

The minor studies music-making within cultural contexts, combining classroom analysis with applied study and introductory fieldwork methods.

Students develop an understanding of how bodily action, sound, technology, and social setting communicate meaning across varied musical traditions.

Degree Flexibility

The program is designed to widen musical knowledge while building ethnographic and anthropological habits that can support work in music, research, education, media, or cultural organizations.

Entry can be demonstrated through prior musical training or qualifying coursework, so the catalog does not impose a single performance-audition route.

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.69

Admit rate

87%

school-wide

Grad rate

68%

Enrollment

27.8K

Earnings

$76K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$14,316

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$39,312

Before aid

Average net price

$17,915

After aid

Cost Attendance · gmu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 1, 4:39 PM

Program Highlights

Training

The minor studies music-making within cultural contexts, combining classroom analysis with applied study and introductory fieldwork methods.

Students develop an understanding of how bodily action, sound, technology, and social setting communicate meaning across varied musical traditions.

Degree Flexibility

The program is designed to widen musical knowledge while building ethnographic and anthropological habits that can support work in music, research, education, media, or cultural organizations.

Entry can be demonstrated through prior musical training or qualifying coursework, so the catalog does not impose a single performance-audition route.

Program Highlights

Training

The minor studies music-making within cultural contexts, combining classroom analysis with applied study and introductory fieldwork methods.

Students develop an understanding of how bodily action, sound, technology, and social setting communicate meaning across varied musical traditions.

Degree Flexibility

The program is designed to widen musical knowledge while building ethnographic and anthropological habits that can support work in music, research, education, media, or cultural organizations.

Entry can be demonstrated through prior musical training or qualifying coursework, so the catalog does not impose a single performance-audition route.

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

International Fall FinalJun 1, 2027

First-year applicants

Early ActionNov 1, 2026

Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2027

Transfer applicants

Transfer Fall Priority / GAAMar 1, 2027

Dates Deadlines · gmu.edu Undergraduate Policies · catalog.gmu.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

SlideRoom

Fee

SlideRoom Fee

$10

Ethnomusicology Minor · catalog.gmu.edu

University Essays

Personal statementOptional

About 250 words

This should be approximately 250 words explaining to the Office of Admissions why YOU want to go to college. Tell us about yourself and your experiences that have led to this decision.

Optional, but required if you apply score-optional through the Common App. Described as optional, but strongly encouraged. Submit it online when prompted during the online application process or within the Common App.

Honors College essayOptional

500 words

The school shows this prompt only after you sign in to George Mason online application or George Mason's supplement to the Common App.

Only if you apply to the Honors College. The topic is in the George Mason online application or in George Mason's supplement to the Common Application.

Requirements · gmu.edu Prospective Freshman · honorscollege.gmu.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Important Notes

Before entering the minor, a student must demonstrate basic knowledge and training in a Western or non-Western music area to the Ethnomusicology coordinator, or earn at least a B in MUSI 103 or MUSI 431. The catalog does not label this prerequisite as an audition, interview, or portfolio review.

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.69

Admit rate

87%

school-wide

Grad rate

68%

Enrollment

27.8K

Earnings

$76K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$14,316

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$39,312

Before aid

Average net price

$17,915

After aid

Cost Attendance · gmu.edu College Scorecard

Training

The minor studies music-making within cultural contexts, combining classroom analysis with applied study and introductory fieldwork methods.

Students develop an understanding of how bodily action, sound, technology, and social setting communicate meaning across varied musical traditions.

Degree Flexibility

The program is designed to widen musical knowledge while building ethnographic and anthropological habits that can support work in music, research, education, media, or cultural organizations.

Entry can be demonstrated through prior musical training or qualifying coursework, so the catalog does not impose a single performance-audition route.

Updated Sep 1, 4:39 PM