Overview

The Music B.A. at Northeastern University offers a comprehensive exploration of how music functions and the diverse global contexts in which it is created. This undergraduate programme encourages students to engage with a wide variety of musical repertoires, theoretical frameworks, and advanced research strategies. By blending academic study with practical experience, the curriculum prepares graduates for a range of professional paths in the creative industries.

Students benefit from a flexible academic structure that allows them to tailor their education to specific interests, such as performance, composition, or ethnomusicology. The programme emphasises the impact of music on society and culture, utilising modern technology to enhance traditional study.

Why Music at Northeastern University?

Northeastern University provides a vibrant environment for musical study through its College of Arts, Media and Design. The institution is renowned for its experiential learning model, which includes professional co-op placements at prestigious organisations like the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Rolling Stone. Students have access to specialised facilities, including media studios and performance spaces, fostering a community of multidisciplinary thinkers and creators.

The department offers unique advising paths that allow students to specialise in niche areas such as Music Humanics, Music and Health Research, or Popular Music Studies. This personalised approach ensures that learners can align their academic journey with their specific career goals. Additionally, the university's global network provides opportunities for international study and cross-cultural research, enriching the overall educational experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 33995 per semester
National fee: USD 33995 per semester
Local fee: USD 33995 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Music in Everyday Life
Rock Ensemble
Music Theory
Ethnomusicology
Music History
Music Composition & Songwriting
Music Analysis & Visualization
Music in the Community

Careers with Music

Graduates of this programme are equipped for diverse roles within the global music and arts sectors. The curriculum develops transferable skills in research, critical reasoning, and persuasive writing, which are highly valued by employers. Former students have pursued successful careers in various fields, including:

Arts Administrator
Music Critic or Culture Writer
Ethnomusicologist
Music Theorist
Professional Musician
Musicologist
Editor or Advocacy Specialist

The integration of co-operative education allows students to build professional networks and gain practical experience before graduation. This often leads to employment opportunities in media organisations, performance venues, and research institutions. The portfolio of work developed during the capstone project further assists graduates in securing roles or advancing to postgraduate study.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music Theory
Jazz Improvisation
Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Music
Analyzing Popular Genres
40,000 Years of Music Technology
Divas, DJs, and Double Standards
Music and Social Justice
Global Music Industries in Context
Ethnography in Creative Industries
Punk Rock
Sound Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

106

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Music View 2690 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

106

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Your Common Application or Coalition Application
Your application must be submitted by the deadline, along with either the application fee ($75) or a fee waiver request.
Your Secondary School Report and Official High School Transcript must be submitted directly from your high school.
Optional Standardized Testing.
All applicants from US and international high schools will be able to choose to submit standardized testing (SAT or ACT) or not.
Non-native English-speaking applicants must continue to submit official results from an approved English Language Test or request a waiver through the Application Status Check.
English Proficiency: All students, regardless of citizenship must demonstrate English language proficiency when applying to Northeastern.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

67990 USD / year

≈ 67990 USD / year
Out-of-State

67990 USD / year

≈ 67990 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

67990 USD / year

≈ 67990 USD / year

Living costs

Boston

United States

1560 - 3239 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Music.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Boston

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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