Overview

The Psychology and Music B.S. at Northeastern University provides a rigorous interdisciplinary foundation that bridges the gap between scientific enquiry and artistic expression. Students explore how psychological principles and musical structures interact to shape human experience and behaviour. This integrated approach allows for a deep investigation into the cognitive and biological mechanisms underlying musical perception.

By combining these two distinct fields, the curriculum addresses complex questions regarding how we process sound, the emotional impact of melody, and the cultural significance of performance. The programme is designed for those who wish to understand the scientific basis of creativity while maintaining a strong connection to musical practice and theory.

Why Psychology and Music at Northeastern University?

Northeastern University provides a vibrant ecosystem for interdisciplinary study through the College of Arts, Media and Design. Students benefit from access to specialised Media Studios and Gallery 360, fostering a community of multidisciplinary thinkers. The institution is renowned for its experiential learning model, offering unique opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in professional settings.

The university's location in a major cultural hub allows students to engage with world-class organisations. Partnerships with local institutions provide a rich backdrop for research into music perception, cognition, and the psychoacoustics of sound, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional landscapes.

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 Theory
Creative Music in Context
Contemporary/Ethnomusicology
Music Perception and Cognition
Music and the Brain
Psychoacoustics of Music
Psycholinguistics
Biological Basis of Behaviour
Rock Ensemble

Careers with Psychology and Music

Graduates are equipped for a variety of roles that require a blend of analytical and creative skills. The programme prepares individuals for paths in arts administration, research, and specialised media roles. Potential career destinations include:

Ethnomusicologist
Music Critic or Culture Writer
Arts Administrator
Music Theorist
Research Analyst
Editor

Students have previously engaged in experiential learning with prestigious organisations such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Rolling Stone, and World Music/CRASHarts. These connections help build a professional portfolio suitable for both immediate employment and advanced graduate study.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Psychology
Statistics in Psychological Research
Sensation and Perception
Biological Psychology
Psychology of Language
Cognition
Music in Everyday Life
Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Music
Creative Cognition
Music Perception and Cognition
Music and the Brain Research

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

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

130 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Psychology Music View 1644 other Bachelors in Psychology 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 Psychology and 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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