Prospective and Newly Accepted Students

Programs

Degree Program

Students who successfully complete the degree program will earn a bachelor of music (B.M.) degree upon graduation from the college. This track offers opportunities for the major concentrate, core music, private instruction, ensembles/labs, electives, and the following:

• Full-time credit range of 12–16 credits per semester
• Liberal arts courses (for college accreditation of the bachelor's degree)
• Traditional studies

Diploma Program

Students who successfully complete the diploma program will earn a professional diploma from the college upon graduation. This track offers opportunities for the major concentrate, core music, private instruction, ensembles/labs, electives, and the following:

• Full-time credit range of 12–13 credits per semester
• Traditional studies only if required by major

Enrollment Status (Part-Time vs. Full-Time)

All Berklee students are considered full-time unless they meet eligibility requirements to study part time. Students must fill out the required paperwork at the Counseling and Advising Center to study part-time. For more information on this policy, see the Berklee Bulletin.

General Academic Information for Students Transferring to Berklee from Another College or University

• Send your official transcript(s) to the Office of Admissions for evaluation well in advance of your arrival
• Entering Berklee students cannot declare a major during the admissions process. Generally, students need to have completed at least 24 credits to declare a major; therefore, most students declare their major as they are entering their third semester. However, as a transfer student, you may be eligible to do so earlier. You should be aware that some majors require an additional audition or application process. Read about the majors Berklee offers.
• Your course schedule for your first semester at Berklee will be based on your placement exams and auditions during Orientation/Check-In week as well as your transfer credit. Transfer students do have some level of flexibility to make schedule changes.
• A first-semester schedule will typically include two to three core music courses, a liberal arts course (degree program only), private instruction, and ensembles/labs. Generally, students are enrolled in at least seven courses in their first semester. Please note that courses range in value from half a credit to three credits.
• As an entering student, you will be linked with a peer advisor and a group of approximately 15 other transfer students who are similar in age.

General Academic Information for Students Who Are Attending College for the First Time

• Your course schedule for your first semester at Berklee will be based on your placement exams and auditions during Orientation/Check-In
• Entering Berklee students cannot declare a major during the admissions process. Generally, students need to have completed at least 24 credits to declare a major; therefore, most students declare their major as they are entering their third semester. Read about the majors Berklee offers.
• A first-semester schedule will typically include two to three core music courses, a liberal arts course (degree program only), private instruction, and ensembles/labs. Generally, students are enrolled in at least seven courses in their first semester. Please note that courses range in value from half a credit to three credits.
• As an entering student, you will be linked with a peer advisor and a group of approximately 15 other transfer students who are similar in age.