Bachelor of Arts

Interdisciplinary Music Studies (Create Your Own Major) Degree

Apply for June 24 semester start. • Get a decision within 2 weeks

Create your own major to better align with your interests and career path.

The music industry is undergoing enormous change, and as a result, musicians increasingly need knowledge of, and skills in, a number of different areas in order to succeed in their career. The Interdisciplinary Music Studies major provides you with considerable flexibility in choosing coursework across a number of disciplines to align with your personal career goals. With the help of an academic advisor, you create a personalized education plan, which includes three courses of your choosing in both music business and technology (two critical areas driving change in the music industry), in addition to a series of core music and liberal arts courses. You then choose additional courses in music production, composition, arranging, songwriting, performance, or other areas to strengthen your skill set specific to the career you are seeking. The program culminates with a capstone experience in which you complete an in-depth project that demonstrates your readiness for professional work or advancement in the music industry.

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Upon completion of the Interdisciplinary Music Studies major, you will be able to:

  • Analyze the structure of the music industry and opportunities for creating new business models amidst change
  • Evaluate new music technologies as they relate to the principles and practices of creating, distributing, and promoting music
  • Synthesize acquired knowledge into an intellectual frame of reference in your chosen area of concentration
  • Evaluate quality using both musical and technical criteria, and apply those criteria to your own work and to the work of others
  • Lead a creative project from conception to completion, demonstrating mastery in your chosen area of concentration
  • Develop a career advancement plan that articulates clear steps for securing and maintaining professional work in the music industry
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Curriculum

Updated September 8, 2021

(120 Credits)

  • Elective Courses (39 Credits)
  • Complete 13 courses that align with your individual education plan. At least 6 of those courses must be at the three-hundred level or above. Choose from courses in OMBUS, OMPRD, OCOMP, OGUIT, OBASS, OPIAN, OVOIC, OPERC, OCWPR, OHARM, OEART, OSONG, OCDAN, OCMUS, OCTHR, OLINT, OMUTH, or OPERF. (39 credits)

How should I set up my schedule, based on the above requirements?

Check out this handy planning guide to help you understand which courses you should take during which semester.

View Sample Schedule
  1. Fill out the online application (15 minutes)
  2. Create a 500-750 word essay, or a 3-5 minute video essay
  3. Attach your official transcripts
  4. Ask for two letters of recommendation

Read full undergraduate admissions requirement details .



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Online undergraduate degree tuition vs. campus tuition

Affordable Tuition

Online undergraduate degree tuition is $60,600 for 120 credits (includes associated fees). To get started, this degree program includes a non-refundable $75 application fee.

Read full tuition and associated program fee details for this, and all other undergraduate programs here.


Note: September 2023 Semester Price Increase

In September 2023, online undergraduate degree tuition will increase to $61,800 for 120 credits (includes associated fees).



Available Financial Aid

Ready to Return to Berklee or Transfer in Credits from Another Institution to Complete Your Degree?

Students transferring in from an accredited institution can carry over up to 60 credits, and students with previous Berklee experience may be able to transfer even more.

Learn about our different transfer options: