EPD Application FAQ
This page provides information about the EPD major to both Berklee students and prospective students. Please note that the links mentioned below lead to internal pages and can be accessed only by Berklee students.
1. Are there any prerequisites I must satisfy before applying to the Electronic Production and Design (EPD) major at Berklee?
If you are a degree student, you must earn 24 credits by the end of the semester in which you are applying to the major. If you are a diploma student, you must earn 20 credits by the end of the semester in which you are applying to the major. In addition, you should have already taken or tested out of MTEC-111 Introduction to Music Technology.
2. When should I apply to the major?
Most students file a major application during their second semester for entrance in the following semester. Apply in the spring for entrance in the summer or fall semesters, and apply in the fall for entrance in the spring semester. There is no application period in the summer.
3. How do I apply to the EPD major and how does the application process work?
Using our EPD Application Portal (for Berklee students only), you must submit an essay as well as two media files of your best work in order to apply. You will then be interviewed by EPD faculty before the department makes a decision as to whether to accept you into the major. You must submit your application before the application deadline, as no late applications will be accepted under any circumstances. You will be notified of the status of your application during the first week of the registration period.
4. If accepted into the major, can I defer starting until a future semester?
You are expected to start in the semester you applied for. However, requests to defer enrollment to the semester following the next application may be considered given justifiable cause. If such cause is present, a student accepted for the summer or fall semester can defer to the following spring semester; a student accepted for the spring semester can defer to either the following summer or fall semester. If you need to defer beyond these timelines, you must re-apply for admission to the major.
If you intend to defer your starting semester, you must inform the EPD office of your intention in writing before the registration period preceding the semester you wish to start the program.
5. Who evaluates applications for entrance to the EPD major?
The EPD Selection Committee reviews all applications. The committee consists of EPD faculty and the department chair.
6. What are the criteria for acceptance into the EPD major?
Entrance is offered to those applicants who demonstrate the highest likelihood of success in the program and the field. Criteria for acceptance include a demonstrated understanding of the field; musicianship, performance, writing, or production experience in electronic genres; academic performance; and the ability to articulate how your experience in the major would help you attain your personal and career goals.
7. How does the interview work?
You will meet for a short period with a member of the selection committee. There is no need for special preparations, as the meeting format is quite informal.
8. If I’m not accepted, can I re-apply in a future semester?
Yes.
9. If I plan to re-apply, what can I do to enhance my application for a future semester?
It is recommended that you strengthen possible areas of weakness from amongst the admission criteria, such as bringing up your Berklee GPA.
10. If I was not accepted, does this imply that the Selection Committee feels I am not qualified for the major?
Not necessarily. In many cases, there is simply not enough space for all qualified applicants.
11. Why does the EPD Department limit its enrollment?
Hands-on experience is a central component of the EPD curriculum. For effective education to occur, it is essential that reasonable ratios of student enrollment to facilities and faculty be observed.
12. Are there any special procedures for students seeking a double major with EPD?
No.
13. Should I wait to register for classes until I have been notified of my EPD application result?
No. You should sign up for classes when registration opens. If admitted to the major, your schedule can be updated during registration period or the add/drop period.
14. Are students majoring in EPD required to purchase special hardware or software?
Yes. The following electronic production and design major bundle is required of students entering the EPD major:
• Native Instruments Komplete
• Ableton Live Suite
• Logic Pro X
As an EPD major, you are required to purchase a license or a subscription to Max/MSP/Jitter.
Major bundles will be included in your tuition bill. You can pick up your bundle from the Student Computer Support Center, usually in the first week of the semester. Find more details at berklee.edu/sts/major-bundles. Requests to waive the required major bundle purchase should be directed to the EPD chair as soon as possible after you are accepted into the major. Generally, a bundle waiver may be granted if the student already has all of the items included in the major bundle.
Note: Additional hardware and software not listed in the bundle may be required for more advanced courses.
15. Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Please email the EPD office at elpd@berklee.edu, or visit the EPD office in person.