Combined Music and Engineering
The Combined Music and Engineering Bachelor of Science program at Northwestern University is a uniquely integrated curriculum that bridges the creative and technical disciplines of music and engineering. Designed for students with strong interests in both musical performance or composition and technological innovation, this dual-degree program allows students to gain in-depth training in both the fine arts and applied sciences over five years. Whether working with acoustic instruments or electronic systems, students explore how music and technology interact, and how they can design, build, or enhance tools for creation, performance, and audio production. The program fosters fluency in both artistic expression and quantitative problem-solving.
Coursework spans classical music theory, audio engineering, digital signal processing, physics, and design thinking—enabling students to understand sound from both scientific and artistic perspectives. Students may choose to specialize in areas like music technology, sound design, instrument development, or audio software. With access to performance ensembles, state-of-the-art laboratories, and interdisciplinary project teams, students develop both their musicianship and technical expertise in parallel. Mentored by faculty from both the Bienen School of Music and the McCormick School of Engineering, students are encouraged to pursue individual creative and research interests while preparing to enter a field where innovation in music and technology continues to evolve rapidly.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Combined Music and Engineering
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
- Duration: 5 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Northwestern University, United States
- Field of Study: Music
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Musical Foundations & Technical Beginnings
• Music Theory and Ear Training I
• Calculus and Linear Algebra
• Introduction to Electrical Engineering
• Applied Lessons (Primary Instrument)
Year 2 – Building Core Competencies
• Music Theory and Composition II
• Physics of Sound and Vibration
• Programming for Engineers
• Ensemble Participation
Year 3 – Systems, Sound & Signal
• Digital Signal Processing
• Recording Techniques and Studio Design
• Instrumentation and Measurement
• History of Western Music
Year 4 – Integration & Specialization
• Elective in Audio Systems or Acoustics
• Musical Acoustics Lab
• Engineering Project Design I
• Seminar: Music and Technology
Year 5 – Capstone & Professional Preparation
• Engineering Project Design II
• Senior Recital or Composition Project
• Audio Software or Hardware Development
• Capstone Presentation and Portfolio
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Combined Music and Engineering program enter a diverse range of industries where the intersection of sound, creativity, and technical skill is valued. Many pursue roles in audio engineering, music technology development, acoustical design, and interactive media, applying their dual expertise to design hardware and software for performance, production, or immersive experiences. Others work in broadcast engineering, sound for film and games, instrument manufacturing, or concert hall design, contributing both technical precision and artistic sensibility. With a foundation in programming and signal processing, some alumni transition into machine learning for audio, digital synthesis, or audio plugin development. The program also prepares students for advanced study in fields such as music cognition, acoustics, or electrical engineering. Employers and research institutions alike recognize the unique value of graduates who can fluently collaborate across creative and technical teams, adapt to fast-changing media environments, and innovate at the cutting edge of sound and engineering.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an exceptional choice for students who refuse to choose between their creative identity and technical ambition, and instead want to build a career where both are fully realized. Northwestern’s commitment to interdisciplinary excellence allows students to thrive in two world-class schools—Bienen and McCormick—while crafting a personalized academic path that merges performance, theory, and engineering innovation. The curriculum supports both structured training and experimental exploration, encouraging students to think like artists and engineers simultaneously. With access to world-renowned faculty, research labs, recording studios, and performance venues, students gain both the vision and tools to design original solutions, instruments, or experiences that push the boundaries of how music is created and shared. This program doesn’t just train students for today’s careers—it prepares them to define tomorrow’s possibilities in music technology, sonic interaction, and audio systems design. Whether you envision building the next breakthrough in immersive audio, composing with code, or crafting spaces that sound as beautiful as they look, this program equips you with the versatility, discipline, and imagination to lead in a world where the arts and technology are increasingly intertwined.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 312 555 2040
Email: admissions@northwestern.edu
Address: University of Northwestern, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
