For undergraduate students interested in pursuing advanced studies in the performing arts, Harvard University offers dual programs of study with the New England Conservatory of Music and the Berklee College of Music. These comprehensive programs offer participating students a successful platform to pursue both their academic and artistic interests at the highest levels. Each program is unique and highly customizable, engaging students with a diversity of aspirations and aptitudes. Interested students should review the program details provided below when considering which program of study best meets their educational needs. Advisors and administrators at all three institutions are available assist with navigating program details and requirements.
Harvard University & New England Conservatory of Music Dual Degree Program
The Harvard-New England Conservatory (NEC) program is a 5-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) or Bachelor of Science (S.B.) at Harvard College and a Master of Music (M.M.) at New England Conservatory. The program benefits musically and intellectually talented students who wish to pursue both a professional music education at NEC and a rigorous liberal arts education at Harvard. During the first four years of the program, students pursue the undergraduate curriculum in the concentration of their choice at Harvard while taking studio instruction at NEC. Ensemble participation at either institution is encouraged, and a specific range of music courses is suggested as prerequisites to the NEC portion of the degree. NEC requires students to complete a promotional jury each year to make sure that they are on track with NEC requirements. A successful promotional jury at the end of the third year is required to confirm the student’s level of preparedness to begin their graduate studies at NEC. Students will graduate from Harvard in four years. Students will receive the MM degree from New England Conservatory after successful completion of the fifth year of study at NEC.
Program details are available below.
Harvard University & Berklee College of Music Joint Studies Program
The Harvard-Berklee Joint Studies program is a 4-year undergraduate program that allows students to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) or Bachelor of Science (S.B.) at Harvard University while engaging in coursework at Berklee College of Music. This program benefits musically and intellectually talented students who wish to pursue a contemporary music education at Berklee and a rigorous liberal arts education at Harvard. Programs of study at each institution are complementary; Harvard undergraduates may choose the degree path that best matches their interests and aspirations. Harvard’s Department of Music offers courses in music history, theory, and cultural studies, along with courses in composition, improvisation, and performance. Berklee offers extensive performance and composition opportunities while also providing courses in production, screen scoring, songwriting, electronic sound design, music education, music therapy, and music business.
Program details are available below.
More Information
For more information on Harvard’s dual programs of study with New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music, please contact:
Harvard Department of Music
Peter Charig, Undergraduate Program Coordinator
pcharig@fas.harvard.edu
New England Conservatory of Music
Richard Giarusso, Dean of Academic Affairs
Richard.giarusso@necmusic.edu
Berklee College of Music
Jeff Williams, Assistant Director for Program Evaluation and Equity
jwilliams32@berklee.edu