Berklee College of Music emails graduates each semester to coordinate diploma orders. Diplomas are not ordered until a student has officially graduated. Students have not officially graduated until they complete all of their degree audit requirements, as defined by their major grid.
Participating in the annual commencement ceremony does not indicate that a student has officially graduated.
Berklee College of Music graduates undergraduate students three times each academic year. The three graduation (i.e., conferral) dates are:
- the last day of the fall semester;
- the last day of the spring semester; and
- the last day of the summer semester.
Students that complete all of their program requirements between graduation (i.e., conferral) dates will graduate on the next graduation date.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diplomas
What could keep me from receiving my diploma?
The following things can keep you from getting your diploma:
*Once you remove a hold, please notify the Office of the Registrar so your diploma can be ordered.
Can I get multiple copies of my diploma?
No. Berklee provides each graduate with one diploma. However, should a diploma be lost in a fire, flood, or due to theft, you may order a replacement diploma.
I am in an internship or study abroad program to complete my last credit requirements. Will I receive my diploma during the first or last semester that the internship overlaps?
You will be eligible to receive your diploma after final grades are posted and your degree audit displays a "complete" status.
There is a mistake on my diploma. Can I get it fixed?
Will Berklee's diploma be valid in another country?
Check the country's regulations to see what is required to validate a diploma from Berklee College of Music. The country in question may require an apostille. To learn more, go to berklee.edu/registrar/apostille.
Berklee strongly suggests that international students use their legal name on their diploma to avoid educational record verification issues. If a graduate changes their name and needs a new diploma with their new name, they will need to order a replacement diploma.
I graduated with a double major. Will I receive two diplomas?
No. Double major graduates receive one diploma with both majors printed on it.
I need proof that I have graduated, but I have not yet received my diploma. What can I send in the meantime that proves I have graduated?
Where are academic honors designated?
Academic honors are printed on diplomas and official transcripts.
Summa cum laude: GPA 3.85 – 4.00
Magna cum laude: GPA 3.70 – 3.84
Cum laude: GPA 3.50 – 3.69
For more information on how honors are determined, refer to the Policy Handbook for Students.
Will my minor be printed on my diploma?
No. Minors and specializations are not printed on diplomas. However, they are printed on official transcripts.
Are diplomas shipped with tracking information?
Domestic Shipping (within the United States)
- No, diplomas are shipped via the United States Postal Service (USPS) First Class mail in flat envelopes. Orders do not include shipment tracking.
International Shipping (outside the United States)
- United Parcel Service (UPS) shipment tracking is optional and costs $50.00.
- Students who do not wish to pay the optional $50.00 fee for UPS shipping will have their diploma shipped via USPS First Class mail, which does not include shipment tracking.
How long does it take to receive my diploma after I graduate?
Domestic Shipping (within the United States)
- Standard USPS First Class Mail
- typically arrives within 2-3 weeks from the shipping date.
- no shipment tracking
International Shipping (outside the United States)
- Standard USPS First Class Mail
- typically arrives 4-6 weeks from shipping date.
- no shipment tracking
- UPS International Tracking (optional)
- typically arrives 2-3 weeks from shipping date.
- $50.00 fee
What size is the diploma?
Printed diplomas are 8.5 x 11.
The Berklee Bookstore sells frames, here.
Are diplomas issued at the commencement ceremony?
No. Graduates receive a facsimile diploma in a padded cover at the commencement ceremony. Official diplomas are mailed directly to students. Each semester, Berklee emails graduates to coordinate diploma orders.
