Bachelor of Arts

Songwriting Degree

Apply for January 8, 2024 semester start! • Get a decision within 2 weeks

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 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:

  • Create song structures, harmonies, melodies, and lyrics that support and enhance the ideas that they want to express
  • Identify and discuss quality elements in musical and lyrical structures
  • Apply arranging techniques that support the style and structure of a song with appropriate instrumentation
  • Craft song sections that connect, contrast, and flow together into a unified whole
  • Use technology tools for remote, online collaboration
  • Create high-quality song demos with a digital audio workstation
  • Develop your own voice as a songwriter
  • Write more effectively, efficiently, and on deadline, whether it’s by yourself or in collaboration with other songwriters
  • Function in a professional manner in cowriting sessions
  • Collaborate effectively in projects that involve writing for a specific artist or song type
  • Understand legal and business considerations for songwriters, including copyright, deal structures, and revenue streams that support sustainability in the music industry
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Overview Curriculum How to Apply Tuition & Financial Aid Related Music Career Roles Apply Now Accepting applications for
for Jan 8, 2024 semester start Request Info

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Curriculum

Updated September 8, 2021

(120 Credits)

  • Elective Courses (27 Credits)

    Complete any nine courses, except Liberal Arts courses coded with OLART, OLSOC, or OLMSC, 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 for January 8, 2024 semester start. • Get a decision within 2 weeks
  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:

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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