FAQ: Admission to Berklee NYC

No. You do not need to submit GMAT and GRE scores in order to apply for Berklee NYC's graduate program.

No, although it is helpful to have training on an instrument (acoustic or electronic) and/or vocal training. 

Applicants to the Master of Arts in creative media and technology program must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

No, a music degree is not a requirement for students applying to this program. However, it is important for prospective students to carefully review the admissions criteria of the program they are interested in to determine their eligibility and to ensure that they meet the necessary prerequisites for their desired degree.

Yes. If you are currently in the final year of your bachelor's degree program, you are eligible to apply. See the How to Apply page for more information.

Applicants who speak English as a second language must have either successfully completed their undergraduate studies at an English-speaking college/university or must submit results from an approved English-certification institution. Refer to the English exam information for minimum test scores accepted in each program.

If your TOEFL/English exam doesn’t meet the minimum score requirement, we still encourage you to submit it with the rest of your supporting materials. Admissions will review all your documents and inform you if you need to retake the exam and resubmit updated exam results.

Applications to graduate programs generally open during the summer for the following academic year. There are two application deadlines: early action and regular action. Applicants who apply by the early action deadline will be notified of their admittance decision several months before those who apply by the regular action deadline. Review the admissions deadline page for more detailed information.

Apply using the online application portal. The first step is to register for a new account (if you are a new user) or to create a new application using your existing login information. Review the how to apply page for details. 

Yes. All applicants must apply through the online application process. This process entails filling out online forms as well as uploading supporting documents. If preliminarily selected, you will move on to a second interview stage, also conducted online.

Log in to your online portal to check the status of your application and supporting materials. When materials are received, they will be highlighted in green within your portal. Materials highlighted in red have not been received and should be sent in to the Office of Admissions as soon as possible.

The process is the same for all applicants. However, Berklee alumni can request a waiver for the $150 application fee through the online process.  Berklee alumni—including those who graduated from Berklee College of Music, Berklee Online, or Boston Conservatory at Berklee—should send copies of their transcripts or diplomas to admissionsnyc@berklee.edu in order to obtain a fee waiver.

There are two application deadlines: early action and regular action. Applications received after the deadlines will be considered on a case-by-case basis. See admissions deadlines for additional information.

Deferral requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the program directors. Please note that all scholarships are reassessed each academic year and do not automatically carry over—applicants will be re-evaluated for merit-based aid in the next year's application cycle.

If you are not initially admitted to the graduate program, you may not reapply until the following year. All applicants who reapply are required to complete a new online application, pay the application fee, and submit updated relevant supporting materials.

Yes. If you complete the graduate program at Berklee NYC and would like to explore another course of study, you are certainly able to. This requires conversations with the appropriate advisors and program directors, as well as meeting the application deadlines.

Yes. The Master of Arts in creative media and technology at Berklee NYC is designated as a STEM degree.

A translator will not be provided for your interview. The interview will be conducted in English.

Interviews are based upon an initial assessment of the application and are invite-only at this stage of the admissions process. Learn more about the interview process.

See a breakdown of tuition and related costs for Berklee NYC's graduate program.

Yes, domestic and international students are eligible for merit-based scholarships. Learn more about scholarships at Berklee.

You are automatically considered for Berklee NYC's merit-based scholarships during the application process. Berklee NYC's scholarship-awarding process is considers your application materials, portfolio, interview, and academic record. You do not need to fill out separate forms to be eligible for scholarships. Learn more about scholarships at Berklee.

Graduate assistantships allow graduate students to assist Berklee NYC faculty and program directors, and work in the technology labs, Black Box Theater, and Academic Technology Office. 

No. The graduate programs are designed to be completed in one intensive year of full-time and in-person classes. Part-time programs are not currently available.

No. The Master of Arts in creative media and technology is only offered at Berklee NYC.

Yes. Berklee NYC provides opportunities for students to explore a wide range of musical genres and traditions. Applicants should review the program's curriculum and course offerings to determine if the program aligns with their musical interests and goals.

Berklee NYC does not have a dedicated cafeteria and does not offer a meal plan. The campus is located in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, with countless options for food. Additionally, students who want to bring food to campus will be given access to a refrigerator on campus to store food for the day.

Berklee NYC does not offer housing for students. However, there are many online resources and services that provide helpful information for apartment hunters. For additional information please visit the housing resources page.

Students may choose to complete an additional fourth-term internship for credit the fall semester after graduation. Due to the one year program, students cannot participate in an internship for academic credit any earlier than the Fall semester after graduation. The Career Center is available to assist students with their internship search and applications but does not offer students positions and cannot guarantee employment. Participating in the fourth-semester internship is a great way to continue your education and earn an additional credit towards your master’s degree. For international students, this option allows you to participate in CPT and have an additional six months added to your post-graduate visa prior to participating in OPT and STEM OPT.

The campus consists of two buildings. The first building, the Power Station, operates as a commercial recording studio with student access to the Black Box, third floor classrooms, and three writing rooms. The second building, known as the "The Annex," serves as the student center and is located around the corner from the Power Station. Students have access to the third floor for studying and socializing, while the second floor features an additional performance space and ensemble room. To view our campus, take a virtual tour or sign up for an in-person campus tour. This is not a public tour of Power Station Studios or for Berklee College of Music undergraduate applicants.

The graduate program at Berklee NYC is full-time and rigorous, with most students choosing to either participate in student employment or not to participate in outside work at all. Students can expect to spend roughly a combined 40 hours a week on classes, assignments, and projects.