It can be difficult to decide between intensive music training and a liberal arts education if you are a gifted musician and committed student. You can combine the best of both worlds with Harvard’s dual-degree music programs with New England Conservatory (NEC) and Berklee College of Music.
The five-year dual degree program at Harvard will award you with both an A Bachelor of Arts B. ) from Harvard College and either a master’s from Berklee or the New England Conservatory
Students attend NEC or Berklee for preparatory classes and private lessons while pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Harvard. Students finish their bachelor’s degree requirements at Harvard in their fourth year, and their master’s degree requirements in their fifth year.
In the Harvard/NEC program, a student receives both an A Bachelor of Arts and an B B. ) at Harvard College and a Master of Music (M. M. ) at New England Conservatory.
Applying to the Harvard/Berklee Dual Degree Program
You must submit applications to both Harvard and Berklee in order to be considered for the Harvard/Berklee dual degree program. Check the box next to “Program Interest” on each undergraduate application to show your interest in the course. To find out more about Berklee’s application process and deadlines as well as Harvard’s application process and deadlines, visit each college’s website.
As a current Harvard student, how do I apply for this program?
Only first-year Harvard students who are currently enrolled may submit an application. If you’re interested in this program, you must check the box on the Berklee undergraduate application as a new applicant (not a transfer student). When submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you must also include Berklee.
Do I have to know which master’s program I want to join when I apply?
No. After your sophomore year at Harvard, you have until the fall to decide on your master’s program.
Is there a different application or enrollment process for international students?
As an applicant, you should follow each college’s application instructions. If you are accepted to Harvard, the university will provide you with specific visa information. When you are prepared to begin your master’s program, Berklee will then give you detailed information regarding your visa requirements.
Can I apply for financial aid?
Yes, you can apply for financial aid. Be sure to include both Berklee and Harvard on your FAFSA so that both schools will be able to assess information about your need. You can learn about Harvard’s financial process on their website. For students admitted to this dual degree program, annual awards for the Berklee portion of the undergraduate program are available for those with demonstrated financial need. This is made possible through the Paul and Catherine Buttenweiser Endowed Scholarship Fund.
As a current Berklee student, can I apply for this program?
This program is limited to undergraduate students at Harvard only.
Is there a limit to the number of students that Berklee will accept into the program each year?
Berklee anticipates only accepting 20 students annually, but this number may rise depending on the number of applicants who are qualified and interested in the program.
Enrolling in the Harvard/Berklee Dual Degree Program
Admission to a masters program is not guaranteed. However, students who have fully benefited from Berklee’s resources and guidance can anticipate having admissions applications that are incredibly competitive.
If I start the program but do not complete it, will I earn a designation on my bachelor’s diploma that shows the extra coursework?
You could receive a Berklee transcript and the credits you earned through the program, but your diploma won’t have a special designation.
Will I have access to Berklee’s facilities?
You will have the same access to Berklee facilities as a typical Berklee student as a dual degree student, including access to Berklee practice rooms and the chance to audition for Berklee performances.
How long will it take me to complete my master’s degree?
Berklees master’s programs are three semesters long. After graduating from Harvard, you will start your program in the fall, and from Berklee the following summer.
As a Berklee student, can I take classes at Harvard?
To take classes through this program, you must be enrolled as an undergraduate at Harvard. No Berklee students are permitted to enroll in classes at Harvard through this program.
What classes will I take?
You will take the courses necessary for your degree while you are a Harvard undergraduate. You will receive private instruction in your primary instrument at Berklee, where you can choose between the three tracks of performance, production, or music business. In addition, depending on your preferred master’s degree program, you will complete courses at Berklee under guidance and take ensembles at either Harvard or Berklee to get ready for graduate school. More information about the course of study can be found on the dual degree program pages for Berklee and the Harvard Department of Music.
Will I have an orientation at Berklee?
Yes, as a first-year student you will attend orientation at both Harvard and Berklee before you start classes.
How will I get my Berklee class schedule? What if I have schedule conflicts?
Harvard and Berklee will collaborate to make sure your schedule is convenient for you. You and your advisor will decide on your classes at Berklee.
What does the $8,000 Berklee tuition fee include?
The Berklee tuition fee includes all the fall and spring semester classes you take at Berklee, including private music lessons, ensembles, and courses by advisement. Depending on selected courses, students may be required to meet Berklee laptop and software requirements. You may take classes during the summer or at Berklee Online for additional tuition.
Will liberal arts or music courses taken at Berklee transfer toward my undergraduate degree at Harvard?
Harvard decides whether Berklee courses can be applied for transfer credit to fulfill its requirements. For more information on transferring course credit, get in touch with your resident dean and the Harvard undergraduate coordinator.
Can I take an unlimited number of classes at Berklee?
With the approval of your advisor, you are allowed to take up to six credits per semester of full-time Harvard enrollment at Berklee. The Berklee tuition fee covers all of your fall and spring semester classes. You can enroll in courses for more money if you decide to take classes over the summer at the Valencia or Boston campuses.
Dual Degree Programs | Harvard/Berklee College of Music
FAQ
How do I get into Harvard Berklee program?
You must apply to both Harvard and Berklee in order to be considered for the program, and you must indicate on your Berklee application that you are interested in the Harvard/Berklee dual degree option. Before being accepted, you must complete all requirements for both applications, including a Berklee audition and interview.
Does Harvard allow dual degree?
The five-year dual degree program at Harvard will award you with both an A Bachelor of Arts B. ) from Harvard College and either a master’s from Berklee or the New England Conservatory Students attend NEC or Berklee for preparatory classes and private lessons while pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Harvard.
Can Berklee students take classes at Harvard?
You must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at Harvard to take classes through this program, and you cannot take classes through this program as a Berklee student. No Berklee students are permitted to enroll in classes at Harvard through this program.
Is Berklee school of music part of Harvard?
The Harvard College/Berklee College of Music program is a five-year dual degree program that results in a Bachelor of Arts (AB) at Harvard College and a Master of Music (MM) or a Master of Arts (MA) at Berklee College of Music.