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2025 Commencement Schedule
Please note this schedule is tentative and subject to change. All students who wish to participate in May 2025 Commencement events must submit the Graduation Application by December 1, 2024.Friday, May 9
Berklee Online Cap and Gown Pickup
11:00AM – 2:00PM • Steve Heck Room, 1140 Boylston Street
Regalia will be ordered for all approved participants, and must be picked up during Cap and Gown Pickup. Graduates should arrive “robed and ready” in their regalia for the ceremony lineup the next morning.
Commencement Concert
TBD • Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Avenue
A highlight of the weekend's festivities, this student concert pays tribute to our honorary doctorate recipients. All attendees, including the graduate, must have tickets to enter the concert. For guests who are unable to attend the concert will be broadcast live via Vimeo.
Saturday, May 10
Berklee College of Music Commencement Ceremony
TBD • Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Avenue
Call time for students is typically 8:00AM and graduating students will not need a ticket. Only graduating students will be permitted in the lineup space. For guests who are unable to join in person, the ceremony will be broadcast live via Vimeo.
Ticket Information
Ticket information will be announced in early 2025. It is important to note that the number of guest tickets each graduate will receive is based on the total number of ceremony participants. Tickets may be limited, as this is our largest graduating class yet!
We encourage making travel plans for guests after ticket information has been announced in early 2025. If booking prior to ticket information being finalized, we recommend changeable or refundable travel plans since extra tickets cannot be guaranteed.
FAQs
In order to participate in Commencement 2025 students submitted the graduation application by December 1, 2024. If you would like to make any adjustments to your original RSVP you may contact us at graduation@online.berklee.edu. Please note that we may only allow additional attendees until December 1, but we encourage you to contact us regarding cancellations as soon as possible even if it is after the December 1 deadline.
Graduation announcements that can be sent to family and friends can be ordered through Balfour. Please note that for the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree, you will need to select "Other" (it will be the first choice in the drop down menu) and type in the correct degree information.
If you have been approved to participate in the Commencement Ceremony then regalia will be provided for you.
Regalia is not guaranteed for students who are not participating in the Commencement Ceremony. Students should reach out to graduation@online.berklee.edu to request regalia by April 15 and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Please note this is only applicable to students approved to graduate and students are responsible for shipping cost.
Students may decorate their mortarboard "cap." Only the flat top area of the cap may be decorated. Cap decorations that are motivated by animosity against a person or group because of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or national origin or which infringe on the rights and freedoms of others or contain profanity will not be allowed.
Stoles: A graduation or academic stole is a decorative vestment worn by students over the commencement gown. Only Berklee recognized stoles may be worn to the commencement ceremony; no personal, individual stoles are allowed. Berklee distributes stoles as part of our Latinx, Lavender, and Jabulani commencement celebrations.
Cords: The College does not utilize academic cords or academic honors during the commencement ceremony.
The Berklee College of Music Bookstore is located at 1090 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215. The bookstore stocks college workbooks and textbooks, and Berklee merchandise, including clothing and other gift items. For more information, store hours, and accepted payment options, visit the Berklee Bookstore website: berklee.bncollege.com.
Diplomas will be mailed to the address that you included on your graduation application within 6-8 weeks of the time that you complete your degree requirements. Please keep in mind that instructors have up to two (2) weeks to submit final grades after the term concludes.
Diplomas are mailed to the address you include on your graduation application. If your mailing address changes after you have submitted your graduation application, be sure to update us at graduation@online.berklee.edu.
International graduates residing outside the U.S. are welcome to attend the commencement ceremony. You will need to enter the U.S. in tourist status. Qualified citizens/nationals of participating Visa Waiver Program countries may apply for the ESTA; all other citizens/nationals will need to apply for a B-2 (tourist) visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. It is not possible to issue an I-20 or F-1 visa for the purpose of participating in a commencement ceremony.
Berklee does not issue invitation letters. The U.S. Department of State has let us know that invitation letters from colleges and universities are not reviewed by immigration officers and do not affect the outcome of a visa application. We suggest that you bring the following documents with you to support your visa application and/or when you enter the U.S.:
- A printed copy of the email confirming your participation in the commencement ceremony. Make sure the email includes the date, time, and location of the ceremony.
- A copy of your transcript or diploma certificate. Request your transcript here.
Contact Us
If you have additional questions, please feel free to email us at graduation@online.berklee.edu.