Bachelor of Arts

Songwriting Degree

Apply by June 2 for June 30 semester start:
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• Apply in as little as 15 minutes

Learn techniques for writing original songs in a variety of musical styles—techniques that have propelled Berklee alumni to write number-one songs and win Grammy Awards. In this program, you will develop skills to create song structures, harmonies, melodies, and lyrics that support and enhance the ideas that you want to express. Through listening and analysis, you will be able to recognize and discuss quality elements in musical and lyrical structures. You will learn arranging techniques that support the style and structure of a song with appropriate instrumentation. You will develop your own voice as a songwriter and learn to write more effectively and efficiently, whether by yourself or in collaboration with other songwriters.

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Upon graduation, you will have a professional portfolio of original songs to launch your career in the music industry as a songwriter, lyricist, singer/songwriter, arranger, and/or demo/MIDI production worker. The portfolio will demonstrate the current practices of songwriters and include lead sheets, lyric sheets, and demo recordings of each of the songs, equivalent in production quality to those typically presented to music publishers, record producers, and record companies by professional songwriters.

Upon completion of the Songwriting major, you will be able to:

  • Identify and evaluate quality elements in musical and lyrical structures
  • Create song structures, harmonies, melodies, and lyrics that effectively express ideas and emotions
  • Apply arranging techniques that support the style and structure of a song with appropriate instrumentation
  • Use technology and digital audio workstations (DAWs) to create high-quality song demos and collaborate remotely
  • Develop your voice as a songwriter while drawing inspiration from diverse songwriting traditions
  • Write effectively, efficiently, and on deadline, both independently and collaboratively
  • Understand legal and business considerations for songwriters, including copyright, deal structures, and revenue streams that support sustainability in the music industry
  • Function in a professional manner in co-writing sessions
  • Collaborate effectively on projects that involve writing for specific artists or song types while demonstrating inclusive and equitable practices

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Overview Curriculum How to Apply Tuition & Financial Aid Related Music Career Roles Apply Now Apply by July 21 for September 29 semester start Request Info

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Curriculum

(120 Credits)

  • Elective Courses (27 Credits)

  • Complete any nine courses, except Liberal Arts courses coded with OLART, OLSOC, OLMSC, or OAFST in a given student's area of interest and professional development (27 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

How to Apply

Apply by July 21 for September 29 semester start

Your time is valuable, and our online application makes applying as straightforward as possible.
  1. Create an account in our application portal, and complete / submit your online application. You'll need:
    • A 500-750-word essay, or a 3-5-minute video essay
    • The email addresses / contact information of two recommenders who will provide your letters of recommendation
    Start / Resume Your Application
  2. Nice! After submission, be sure to order your official transcripts.

Read the full details of undergraduate admission requirements .



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Online undergraduate degree tuition vs. campus tuition

Affordable Tuition

Online undergraduate degree tuition is $62,150 ($63,350 Sept onward) for 120 credits (includes associated fees).

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



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:

Related Music Career Roles

Employers look for skills learned in this degree program, when hiring for the following music roles:

Lyricist

Musical Theater Adapter

Performing Songwriter

Songwriter-Producer

Staff Writer

Top-Line Songwriter
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