Declaring or Changing a Major/Minor

How to Declare or Change a Major

All students are required to declare a major field of study by their third-semester credit standing. Each program has specific guidelines for declaring a major, so it is critical that all entrance requirements have been met before submitting the declaration of major form.

Steps to Follow When Declaring or Changing a Major:

1. Use the links below to find information about Berklee undergraduate majors, including specific major requirements and declaration deadlines. If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please speak with your student success advisor.

   Black Music and Culture 
   Composition 
   Contemporary Writing and Production 
   Electronic Production and Design
   Film and Media Scoring
   Game and Interactive Media Scoring 
   Independent Recording and Production
   Jazz Composition
   Music Business/Management
   Music Production & Engineering
   Music Therapy
   Music Education
   Professional Music
   Songwriting

   Performance:
   Bass
   Brass
   Guitar
   Percussion
   Piano
   Strings
   Voice
   Woodwinds

2. Once you have taken the necessary actions and meet the major entrance requirements, you may submit the Change or Declaration of Major Form. It is important to do so by the start of the check-in period (as outlined in the academic calendar) for any changes to be eligible for that semester; otherwise, the requested changes will go into effect the following semester. 

Declaring or changing a major requires the approval of the department chair of the major. Once processed, the Office of the Registrar will notify you about the status of your request via your berklee.edu email.

Please note that if you currently receive a Berklee College of Music scholarship, changing majors may extend your graduation progress and impact your financial plan. Please review your scholarship terms and conditions before completing the form.

More information on declaring, changing, or dropping your major can be found in the Academic Policies section of the Policy Handbook for Students. (page 94)

How to Declare or Change a Minor

Submit the Change or Declaration of Minor Form to declare a minor, a second minor, or to drop a minor. Changes to a minor can be made at any point during the semester; however, there may be a delay in processing requests submitted during a registration period.

Once processed, the Office of the Registrar will notify you about the status of your request via your berklee.edu email.