Bachelor of Arts

Songwriting Degree

Next semester starts June 27, 2022 • There's still time to apply for June 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.

Credit Transfer / Degree Completion

Berklee Online will accept up to 60 academic credits earned from an accredited institution, or earned from our certificate programs or individual courses.More about degree completion 

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Overview Curriculum How to Apply Related Music Career Roles Apply Now There's still time to apply for June semester. 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

Next semester starts June 27, 2022 • There's still time to apply for June 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 $59,880 ($60,600, Sept 2022 onward) for 120 credits. To get started, this degree program includes a $75 (non-refundable) application fee.


Available Financial Aid


Already started your degree, or want to transfer credits to complete your degree?

We will accept up to 60 academic credits earned from an accredited institution, or earned from our certificate programs or individual courses. Learn more here.

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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