Degree Program FAQs
What is Berklee Online and how does it relate to Berklee College of Music?
Established in 2002, Berklee Online is the online continuing education division of Berklee College of Music.
Is the Online extension school a nonprofit or profit entity?
Berklee Online is part of Berklee College of Music and therefore part of the same nonprofit 501c3. Our goal is to not earn a profit but to serve our students.
Are Berklee Online courses and programs accredited?
Berklee College of Music is accredited in all of its courses and programs by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). All Berklee Online programs and courses are therefore accredited by NECHE.
Does a music degree earned online differ from a degree earned in campus-based courses from Berklee?
The undergraduate degree program offered online is a Bachelor of Arts. An undergraduate degree earned on campus is a Bachelor of Music. The Bachelor of Arts is a degree that emphasizes practical and technical training in a specific discipline, in addition to interdisciplinary study, to facilitate career development and advancement.
Do you accept transfer credits into the Bachelor of Arts degree program?
Yes. Berklee Online will accept up to 60 academic credits earned from an accredited institution. Transfer credits must align with the degree requirements. Contact the Berklee Online Transfer Team at transfer@online.berklee.edu to learn how your earned credits will apply.
Will credits earned through a Berklee Online certificate program be applicable towards the Bachelor of Arts degree? How about courses outside of a certificate program?
Yes, as long as the credits align with the degree requirements and are passed with a grade of “D” or better.
Will credits from Berklee College of Music's main campus program be transferrable towards the online Bachelor of Arts degree?
Yes, as long as the credits align with the degree requirements.
I am a few credits short of completing my Berklee College of Music Bachelor of Music degree from the physical school. Can I complete my degree with courses from Berklee Online?
It may be possible to complete your degree through courses from Berklee Online, directed study, or a combination of them, upon approval from the academic department chair of your major at Berklee College of Music. Complete this form to learn more about your options.
If I'm admitted to the Bachelor of Arts program can I transfer to the Bachelor of Music Degree program?
No. There is a separate admissions process and different admissions requirements for the Bachelor of Music degree. Students interested in applying for the Bachelor of Music program should contact Berklee College of Music's Admissions Office: http://www.berklee.edu/admissions
I am an experienced music industry veteran. Do you offer any sort of prior learning credit, which I can use towards an online Bachelor of Arts degree?
Yes. Berklee Online will consider accepting up to 30 prior learning credits from individuals who have industry experience. Individuals must have matriculated to the Bachelor of Arts program. They must also create a portfolio, which describes how their prior learning maps to the learning outcomes of specific courses or sets of courses within the degree program. The Dean of Continuing Education must approve all prior learning credit requests. Contact a Berklee Online advisor for more information.
What are the admissions requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree?
To apply, all candidates must submit the following:
- Completed online application
- One official copy of a high school transcript (or equivalency)
- One official copy of transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended or currently attending
- TOEFL or IELTS score for applicants whose first language is not English
- Personal essay or video presentation
- Two letters of recommendation (one academic/professional and one personal)
Do you offer part-time options?
Yes. Contact a Berklee Online Advisor to work out a plan that suits your schedule.
How much is the tuition for a Bachelor of Arts degree?
Please visit https://online.berklee.edu/degrees/about/degree-tuition-financial-aid for tuition information for the Bachelor of Arts degree program.
Why is the Bachelor of Arts tuition 65% less than the on-campus Bachelor of Music degree program?
As with most fully online programs, the college's costs to support the online Bachelor of Arts program are significantly less than the on-campus Bachelor of Music program. For example, the online program does not support physical classrooms, rehearsal spaces, musical instruments, recording studios, labs, and the many student services and activities made available to our on-campus students. We are able to pass those savings on to our students.
After I submit a completed application for the Bachelor of Arts degree program, when will I receive an admissions decision?
Admissions decisions are sent within two weeks of receiving a completed application.