Double Degree Program

Double Degree students at Oberlin get the best of both worlds: the opportunity to pursue their musical passions in our world-class music conservatory while expanding their horizons in a top-ranked liberal arts college. 

Three students walk through downtown Oberlin, past a sign for the Conservatory
Photo credit: Mike Crupi

Applying to the Double Degree Program

Once you're through the door, Oberlin is one student body on a single campus. College and Conservatory students share residence halls, dining facilities, clubs and organizations, and often the classroom. However, in terms of the application process, it's helpful to think of the College and the Conservatory as two different schools with separate applications, timelines, and review processes.

Application

You need to apply to both the College of Arts & Sciences and the Conservatory of Music. Each application will be evaluated separately.

View the application requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences
View the application requirements for the Conservatory of Music

There are several application rounds for you to choose from. The College of Arts & Sciences and the Conservatory of Music both offer Early Decision and Regular Decision. In addition, you can apply to the College only via Early Action. 

Early Decision is a way for students to show us that Oberlin is their first choice. An Early Decision application is binding: applicants who are admitted to either the College or Conservatory via Early Decision are expected to enroll, regardless of the outcome of their application to the other division. If you intend to apply to the Double Degree program, please consider the following if you are thinking about Early Decision:

Do not apply Early Decision. An Early Decision application represents a binding commitment to enroll if admitted. As applications to the Conservatory of Music and College of Arts & Sciences are evaluated separately, you may only receive an offer of admission to one division. Apply under the Regular Decision or Early Action (College only) decision plan if you’re unwilling to commit to enrolling in only one division.

Example: Oberlin is Liam’s top choice if he’s admitted to the Double Degree program, but if he’s only admitted to one division, he will want to consider all his college options. Liam should apply Regular Decision to both divisions. 

Apply Early Decision to your preferred division and Regular Decision or Early Action (College only) to the other.

Example 1: Megan wants to become a professional musician. She likes the idea of the Double Degree program, but definitely wants to enroll in the Conservatory no matter what. She can apply Early Decision to the Conservatory of Music and Early Action to the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Example 2: Molly is primarily interested in studying science, but she’ll take every opportunity she can get to continue to play the tuba at a high level. The Double Degree program sounds great, but she’s also happy with the options she would have to pursue music as a College student. She will apply Early Decision to the College of Arts and Sciences and Regular Decision to the Conservatory of Music.

Apply Early Decision to both divisions. The Common App will not permit you to submit multiple Early Decision applications in the same round, so select the Early Decision round on your Conservatory of Music application and select the Early Decision II round on your application to the College of Arts and Sciences. Submit both applications by November 1 to receive both decisions by mid-December.

Example: Josh loves Oberlin and can’t imagine going to college anywhere else. The Double Degree program sounds great, but he’s ready to say yes to either the College or the Conservatory. He will apply Early Decision to both divisions.

Timeline

 Conservatory of MusicCollege of Arts & Sciences
   DeadlineConservatory of Music November 1
Early Decision 		Conservatory of Music December 1
Regular Decision		College of Arts & Sciences

November 1
Early Decision I

College of Arts & Sciences November 1
Early Action		College of Arts & Sciences January 2
Early Decision II		College of Arts & Sciences January 15
Regular Decision
  Notification by Conservatory of Music December 15Conservatory of Music April 1College of Arts & Sciences December 15College of Arts & Sciences January 15College of Arts & Sciences February 1College of Arts & Sciences April 1
  Reply DueConservatory of Music January 2Conservatory of Music May 1College of Arts & Sciences January 2College of Arts & Sciences May 1College of Arts & Sciences February 15College of Arts & Sciences May 1

Financial Aid

You only need to submit financial aid documents once as part of the Double Degree application process. While enrolled in both divisions, you’ll have one tuition bill and one financial aid package. 

The Double Degree Program typically takes 4.5 to 5 years to complete. Your financial aid package stays with you that entire time. See full details on how to apply for aid on our Financial Aid Overview.

Meet Double Degree Obies

College of Arts and Sciences Admissions
(800) 622-6243 or (440) 775-8411
38 E. College St., Oberlin, OH 44074

Conservatory of Music Admissions
(440) 775-8413
39 W. College St., Oberlin, OH 44074

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