Berklee College of Music

Non-profit public

Public

Private

Regional

With over 5,000 students, Berklee College of Music is the largest independent professional music school in the world. Learners at the school may access remote degree opportunities through Canvas. Berklee's online catalog contains bachelor's programs in songwriting, music business, and electronic music production and sound design. Online students can also obtain credentials related to music composition in film, TV, and games. Through a 120-credit curriculum, candidates delve into music theory and learn to record, sequence, and mix music for interactive media. Additionally, Berklee allows learners to design their own major through an interdisciplinary studies option. Graduate students pick from three online master's programs. They can pursue music production and business routes, learning to use DAW-based technology and examine financial sustainability for independent producers. Alternatively, candidates can enroll in the master of film scoring program, developing the skills needed to compose in a variety of styles and for multiple dramatic levels. Applicants complete an online application and furnish a 500-750-word statement (or a 3-5-minute video essay). They must also send in a portfolio of relevant creative works and two recommendation letters. Berklee charges tuition based on program, not residency status.

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Admissions Breakdown

Acceptance Rate Insight

5% of students were accepted during the 2020-2021 school year. Sometimes schools with midrange acceptance rates have higher standards of entry but are still accessible to many students who apply.

Retention Rate Insight

76% of full-time students stayed to continue their studies the following academic year. These students started in Fall 2019 and returned in Fall 2020.

Graduation Rate Insight

98% of students graduated out of all full-time, first-time students who began their studies in Fall 2014. Keep in mind many students who enroll are not typically first-time students, as most are adult learners. Therefore, the number of first-time students is traditionally low.

Application Considerations

Test scores:	Required	High school transcript:	Required
High school rank:	Recommended	Letter of recommendation:	Required
High school GPA:	Recommended	Open admission:	No
Completion of college prep program:	Not required or recommended	Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL):

Transfer Credit Policy

Dual enrollment: Implied no

Advance placement (AP) credits: Yes

Credit for qualified life experience*:

ⓘ *This can include previous jobs, trainings, licenses/credentials, or seminars. You may need to complete an exam or provide a portfolio to earn credit.

Learning Environment

30k

Students enrolledOnline student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio

97%

Online student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio

5:1

Student to faculty ratio

Degrees Awarded by Program

Degrees given for the 2020-2021 academic year.

#	Programs	BA	MA	Doc
1	Architecture And Related Services	✕	✔	✔
2	Area, Ethnic, Cultural, And Gender Studies	✔	✔	✔
3	Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, And Group Studies	✔	✔	✔
4	Biological And Biomedical Sciences	✔	✔	✔
5	Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services	✕	✔	✔
6	Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs	✕	✔	✕
7	Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services	✔	✔	✔
8	Education	✔	✔	✔
9	Engineering Technologies/Technicians	✕	✔	✕
10	Engineering	✔	✔	✔
11	Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians	✕	✔	✕
12	English Language And Literature/Letters	✔	✔	✔
13	Family And Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences	✕	✔	✔
14	Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics	✔	✔	✔
15	Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences	✔	✔	✔
16	Health Professions And Related Programs	✕	✔	✔
17	History	✔	✔	✔
18	History	✔	✔	✔
19	Legal Professions And Studies	✕	✔	✔
20	Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities	✔	✕	✕
21	Mathematics And Statistics	✔	✔	✔
22	Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies	✔	✔	✔
23	Natural Resources And Conservation	✔	✔	✕
24	Philosophy And Religious Studies	✔	✔	✔
25	Physical Sciences	✔	✔	✔
26	Psychology	✔	✔	✔
27	Public Administration And Social Service Professions	✕	✔	✔
28	Social Sciences	✔	✔	✔
29	Theology And Religious Vocations	✕	✔	✔
30	Visual And Performing Arts	✔	✔	✔