Berklee Online 2026 Undergraduate Degree Commencement

Congratulations, Online Bachelor of Professional Studies and Bachelor of Arts graduates!

Ticket InformationFAQ

2026 Commencement Schedule

Please note this schedule is tentative and subject to change. All students who wish to participate in May 2026 Commencement events must submit the Graduation Application by December 1, 2025.

Friday, May 8

Berklee Online Cap and Gown Pickup

TBD   • Steve Heck Room, 1140 Boylston Street

Regalia will be ordered for all approved participants, and must be picked up during Cap and Gown Pickup the morning of Friday, May 8. Graduates should arrive “robed and ready” in their regalia for the ceremony lineup the next morning. 

Berklee College of Music 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.  

Please note Agganis Arena will not allow any bag that exceeds 12" x 12" x 6" into the facility. 


Saturday, May 9

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. Graduates should arrive "robed and ready" already wearing their regalia. For guests who are unable to join in person, the ceremony will be broadcast live via Vimeo.

Please note Agganis Arena will not allow any bag that exceeds 12" x 12" x 6" into the facility. 



Ticket Information


Ticket information will be finalized in early 2026 and will be distributed to graduating students electronically. You will receive an email with instructions about how to access your tickets and how to transfer tickets to your family and friends.

Please note we recommend booking only refundable travel options before ticket information has been finalized, as extra guest tickets have been extremely limited in the past and availability cannot be guaranteed. 

Tickets are provided to students at no cost. Please note that Berklee prohibits the sale of commencement concert and ceremony tickets.



FAQs

When is the RSVP deadline, and what if I change my mind about participating?

In order to participate in Commencement 2026 students submitted the graduation application by December 1, 2025. 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.

How can I get graduation announcements?

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.

How do I get regalia? Can I wear a stole? 

If you have been approved to participate in the Commencement Ceremony then regalia will be provided for you, to be picked up during the Berklee Online cap and gown pickup event on Friday, May 8.

Regalia and other commencement items are only available to commencement attendees and cannot be mailed. 

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.

Where can I get Berklee merchandise?

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.

When will I get my diploma?

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.

Are there any guidelines for international travel?

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.