MSM’s Online Degree Completion Program

Manhattan School of Music is pleased to offer an innovative degree program, which bridges the gap between professional experience and academic achievement.

Our new BFA Online Program is a fully accredited 120-credit-hour Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts. By using the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) students can earn up to 90 credits for their lived performance experience, allowing completion of the program in as little as one year with 30 credits left to graduation.

Learn more about the program here.

All mid-career performing artists with at least 5 years of professional experience, who have received a High School degree, or educational equivalent (GED) and have not completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts are eligible for the BFA Online Program.

Classical Arts, Voice

Classical Arts, Instrumental

Classical Arts, Composition

Dance (any genre)

Jazz Arts, Performance

Jazz Arts, Composition

Acting – Theatre

Acting – Film

Musical Theater

Multidisciplinary / Other

** Applicable Areas of Specialization under “Other,” include Jazz Arts, Vocal and Popular Arts: Singer-Songwriter, Composer/Producer, and Instrumental.

Yes! We gladly welcome applicants from all over the world. All International Students must provide a Duolingo language test score of 120 or high for admission. When submitting Unofficial/Official Transcripts, International applicants must ensure all documents are translated into English.

The BFA Online Degree Completion Program has a 3-phase application process. All interested applicants can visit https://apply.msmnyc.edu/apply/ to start today.

The BFA Online Degree Completion Program has a 3-phase application process. All interested applicants can visit https://apply.msmnyc.edu/apply/ to start today.

Phase I

Candidates must demonstrate at least 5 years of professional performance experience. The BFA Leadership will review your submitted CV/Resume and Academic History to determine eligibility for the program. All eligible applicants will advance to Phase II. There is no fee for submitting the Phase I application.

Phase II

Candidates will be evaluated on the quality and depth of their performance experience by a panel of Subject Matter Experts. Phase II applicants must pay a $130 application fee upon final submission. Applicants who meet the performance evaluation will advance to Phase III.

What to prepare:

• Comprehensive C/V (.pdf): This Curriculum Vitae should include all professional performance experiences with relevant dates, roles, productions, directors, and venues/companies.
• Performance History Document: A selection of 10-20 performances from the CV which applicants will upload Articles of Evidence.
• Articles of Evidence: 10-20 documents or clips that provide proof of performance (i.e., concert programs, playbills, contracts, performance reviews/interviews, press footage/reels, union membership, letter of recommendation, etc.).
• Personal Statement: A 500-word essay.
• Prescreen Video Upload: A 3–5-minute Performance Reel.

*This does not need to be a professional reel and can be individual clips that total no more than 5 minutes.

Phase III

Candidates will be evaluated on the knowledge and skills gained in the curricular areas of Technical Skills, Literature, Repertoire, & History, and General Education by a panel of Subject Matter Experts. Phase III applicants must pay a $475 PLA application fee upon final submission.

What to expect:

Three self-assessed questionnaires and 250-word essays on the applicants’ competencies in Technical Skills, Literature, Repertoire, & History, and General Education.

Articles of Evidence upload(s) to support each competency. Applicants may use previously submitted materials from Phase II, if they apply.

Tuition for the BFA Online Program is dependent upon how many credits the student will need towards degree completion. This can only be assessed through the application process. For more information on the 2025-2026 school year tuition rates, please visit the BFA Online Tuition Overview. 

Unfortunately, there are no MSM merit-based scholarships for the BFA Online student body. Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) is not applicable for the 2025-2026 school year; however, we are optimistic that Federal Aid will become available in the 2026-2027 school year.  

For more information on Outside Scholarships & Private Loan options please visit, MSM Scholarship & Financial Aid under Financing your Education.