Thank you for visiting NationalApplicationCenter.com.

If you are seeing this message, you are doing so for one of several reasons:

  1. You are using a text based browser
  2. You are viewing this site on a web-enabled cell phone
  3. You are using an outdated browser which doesn't fully support Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

If you fall into the third category, you'll need to upgrade your browser to view NationalApplicationCenter.com the way it was intended to be viewed.

To make your life a little simpler, here are some links to CSS compliant browsers:

Any one of these browsers properly supports the CSS used on this site and will allow you to view this site as intended.

National Application Center :: campus tours :: Boston University admissions

Plan, explore, and apply to college using these great tools.

Boston University

Boston University
One Silber Way
Boston, MA 02215

Official telephone: (617) 353-2000
Fax number: (617) 353-9695
Website: https://www.bu.edu/
Screen last updated on: December 2024
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Calendar system: semester system (two terms comprise academic year)
Month(s) in which new student orientation is held: Orientation for new students is held prior to start of fall term.
Number and length of summer sessions: A summer session is offered for credit.

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
Percent of full-time freshman students who returned for sophomore year: 95%
Student:Faculty ratio: 10:1
Total faculty: 1589 men, 1240 women
Full-time faculty: 1074 men, 888 women
Part-time faculty: 515 men, 352 women
Graduation rate: 90% within six years

REQUIRED UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM
General education/core curriculum is required: yes

PROGRAMS OFFERED
Special programs offered:
student-designed majors, double majors, independent study, honors program, internships, distance learning, online courses
Cooperative programs are offered: yes
Graduate schools/programs are offered: yes
Study abroad opportunities:
Study-abroad program offered.
Army ROTC: offered on-campus
Navy ROTC: offered on-campus
Air Force ROTC: offered on-campus

LIST OF MAJORS
Bachelor's Degrees

  • Accounting
  • Acting
  • Advertising
  • African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • African-American/Black Studies
  • American/United States Studies/Civilization
  • Ancient Studies/Civilization
  • Ancient/Classical Greek Language and Literature
  • Anthropology, General
  • Archeology
  • Architectural History and Criticism, General
  • Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other
  • Area Studies, Other
  • Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies, Other
  • Art History, Criticism and Conservation
  • Art Teacher Education
  • Art/Art Studies, General
  • Asian Studies/Civilization
  • Astronomy
  • Astrophysics
  • Athletic Training/Trainer
  • Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
  • Bilingual and Multilingual Education
  • Biochemistry
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Biology/Biological Sciences, General
  • Business Administration and Management, General
  • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
  • Chemistry Teacher Education
  • Chemistry, General
  • Chemistry, Other
  • Chinese Language and Literature
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Communication, General
  • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
  • Comparative Literature
  • Computational Mathematics
  • Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Computer Engineering, General
  • Computer Science
  • Conservation Biology
  • Counseling Psychology
  • Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
  • Cultural Anthropology
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Laboratory Technology/Technician
  • Directing and Theatrical Production
  • Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General
  • Early Childhood Education and Teaching
  • East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • East Asian Studies
  • Economics, General
  • Education, General
  • Education, Other
  • Education/Teaching of Individuals with Hearing Impairments Including Deafness
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Elementary Education and Teaching
  • Engineering Physics/Applied Physics
  • Engineering, General
  • Engineering, Other
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
  • English/Language Arts Teacher Education
  • Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies
  • Environmental Biology
  • Environmental Science
  • European Studies/Civilization
  • Film/Cinema/Media Studies
  • Finance, General
  • Financial Mathematics
  • Foreign Language Teacher Education
  • Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • French Language and Literature
  • Geoarcheaology
  • Geography
  • Geology/Earth Science, General
  • Geophysics and Seismology
  • German Language and Literature
  • Graphic Design
  • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
  • Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
  • History, General
  • History, Other
  • Holocaust and Related Studies
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
  • Hospitality Administration/Management, General
  • Hospitality Administration/Management, Other
  • Human Services, General
  • International Business/Trade/Commerce
  • International Relations and Affairs
  • Italian Studies
  • Japanese Language and Literature
  • Journalism
  • Keyboard Instruments
  • Kinesiotherapy/Kinesiotherapist
  • Latin American Studies
  • Latin Language and Literature
  • Legal Assistant/Paralegal
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services, Other
  • Linguistics
  • Management Science
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography
  • Marketing/Marketing Management, General
  • Mathematical Economics
  • Mathematics and Statistics, Other
  • Mathematics Teacher Education
  • Mathematics, General
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medical Anthropology
  • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • Molecular Biology
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Music Performance, General
  • Music Teacher Education
  • Music Theory and Composition
  • Music, General
  • Musicology and Ethnomusicology
  • Natural Resources and Conservation, Other
  • Near and Middle Eastern Studies
  • Neuroscience
  • Nutrition Sciences
  • Operations Management and Supervision
  • Organizational Behavior Studies
  • Painting
  • Philosophy
  • Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
  • Physical and Biological Anthropology
  • Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
  • Physical Sciences, General
  • Physical Sciences, Other
  • Physics, General
  • Physiology, General
  • Political Science and Government, General
  • Pre-Dentistry Studies
  • Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies
  • Printmaking
  • Psychology, General
  • Psychology, Other
  • Public Relations/Image Management
  • Radio and Television
  • Real Estate
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Other
  • Rehabilitation Science
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • Retailing and Retail Operations
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • Russian Language and Literature
  • Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education
  • Sculpture
  • Social Sciences, Other
  • Social Studies Teacher Education
  • Sociology, General
  • Spanish Language and Literature
  • Special Education and Teaching, General
  • Stringed Instruments
  • Systems Science and Theory
  • Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology
  • Theoretical and Mathematical Physics
  • Urban Studies/Affairs
  • Visual and Performing Arts, General
  • Visual and Performing Arts, Other
  • Youth Services/Administration
Certificates

  • Area Studies, Other
  • Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies, Other
  • Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management, Other
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other
  • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions, Other
  • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
  • Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
  • Computer and Information Sciences, Other
  • Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other
  • Computer Engineering, Other
  • Computer Software and Media Applications, Other
  • Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other
  • Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other
  • Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other
  • Culinary, Entertainment, and Personal Services, Other
  • Education, Other
  • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research, Other
  • Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
  • Engineering, Other
  • English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
  • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other
  • Finance and Financial Management Services, Other
  • Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
  • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
  • Hospitality Administration/Management, Other
  • Human Services, General
  • Legal Professions and Studies, Other
  • Legal Studies
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services, Other
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other
  • Marketing, Other
  • Mathematics and Statistics, Other
  • Medical Illustration and Informatics, Other
  • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Music, Other
  • Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
  • Public Health, Other
  • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, Other
  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies, Other
  • Social Sciences, Other
  • Social Work, Other
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas, Other
  • Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language, Other
  • Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other
  • Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
  • Visual and Performing Arts, Other
Diplomas

  • Advanced General Dentistry
  • Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences, Other
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Dental Public Health and Education
  • Education, Other
  • Educational Leadership and Administration, General
  • Educational/Instructional Technology
  • Endodontics/Endodontology
  • English/Language Arts Teacher Education
  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
  • Mathematics Teacher Education
  • Music Performance, General
  • Music Teacher Education
  • Music, Other
  • Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Orthodontics/Orthodontology
  • Pediatric Dentistry/Pedodontics
  • Periodontics/Periodontology
  • Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
  • Prosthodontics/Prosthodontology
  • Reading Teacher Education
  • Social Studies Teacher Education
  • Special Education and Teaching, General
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other
  • Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology
  • Visual and Performing Arts, Other
Doctorates

  • Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences, Other
  • Anatomy
  • Ancient Studies/Civilization
  • Anthropology, General
  • Applied Psychology
  • Archeology
  • Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies, Other
  • Art History, Criticism and Conservation
  • Astronomy
  • Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Biology/Biological Sciences, General
  • Biophysics
  • Biostatistics
  • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
  • Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other
  • Chemistry, General
  • Cognitive Psychology and Psycholinguistics
  • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
  • Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
  • Computer Engineering, General
  • Computer Science
  • Conducting
  • Counseling Psychology
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Dental Public Health and Education
  • Dentistry
  • Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
  • Divinity/Ministry
  • Econometrics and Quantitative Economics
  • Economics, General
  • Education, General
  • Education, Other
  • Educational Leadership and Administration, General
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Endodontics/Endodontology
  • Engineering, Other
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Financial Mathematics
  • Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • French Language and Literature
  • Genetics, General
  • Geography
  • Geology/Earth Science, General
  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management
  • History, General
  • History, Other
  • Human Services, General
  • Keyboard Instruments
  • Law
  • Legal Studies
  • Materials Engineering
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Mathematics and Statistics, Other
  • Mathematics, General
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medical Science/Scientist
  • Medicine
  • Microbiology and Immunology
  • Microbiology, General
  • Molecular Biology
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Music Performance, General
  • Music Teacher Education
  • Music Theory and Composition
  • Musicology and Ethnomusicology
  • Neurobiology and Anatomy
  • Neuroscience
  • Nutrition Sciences
  • Occupational Therapy/Therapist
  • Oral Biology and Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
  • Orthodontics/Orthodontology
  • Pathology/Experimental Pathology
  • Pediatric Dentistry/Pedodontics
  • Periodontics/Periodontology
  • Pharmacology
  • Philosophy
  • Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
  • Physical Sciences, Other
  • Physical Therapy/Therapist
  • Physics, General
  • Physiology, General
  • Political Science and Government, General
  • Prosthodontics/Prosthodontology
  • Psychology, General
  • Psychology, Other
  • Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
  • Regional Studies (U.S., Canadian, Foreign)
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Other
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • Social Sciences, General
  • Social Sciences, Other
  • Social Work
  • Sociology, General
  • Spanish Language and Literature
  • Special Education and Teaching, General
  • Statistics, General
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other
  • Systems Engineering
  • Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
  • Theology/Theological Studies
  • Visual and Performing Arts, Other
Master's Degrees

  • Actuarial Science
  • Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences, Other
  • Advertising
  • African-American/Black Studies
  • Anatomy
  • Ancient Studies/Civilization
  • Anthropology, General
  • Anthropology, Other
  • Applied Psychology
  • Archeology
  • Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other
  • Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies, Other
  • Art History, Criticism and Conservation
  • Art Teacher Education
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Astronomy
  • Athletic Training/Trainer
  • Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
  • Banking and Financial Support Services
  • Banking, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Law
  • Bible/Biblical Studies
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Biology/Biological Sciences, General
  • Biostatistics
  • Biotechnology
  • Business Administration and Management, General
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other
  • Business Statistics
  • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other
  • Chemistry, General
  • Child Care and Support Services Management
  • Child Development
  • Cinematography and Film/Video Production
  • City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology and Psycholinguistics
  • Communication, General
  • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
  • Comparative Literature
  • Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
  • Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
  • Computer Engineering, General
  • Computer Science
  • Computer Software and Media Applications, Other
  • Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
  • Conducting
  • Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
  • Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
  • Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
  • Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other
  • Culinary, Entertainment, and Personal Services, Other
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration
  • Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician
  • Dental Public Health and Education
  • Development Economics and International Development
  • Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
  • Directing and Theatrical Production
  • Divinity/Ministry
  • Drama and Dance Teacher Education
  • Early Childhood Education and Teaching
  • Econometrics and Quantitative Economics
  • Economics, General
  • Economics, Other
  • Education Policy Analysis
  • Education, General
  • Education, Other
  • Education/Teaching of Individuals with Hearing Impairments Including Deafness
  • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research, Other
  • Educational Leadership and Administration, General
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Elementary Education and Teaching
  • Endodontics/Endodontology
  • Engineering, Other
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
  • English/Language Arts Teacher Education
  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Other
  • Finance, General
  • Financial Mathematics
  • Fine and Studio Arts Management
  • Foreign Language Teacher Education
  • Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Forensic Science and Technology
  • French Language and Literature
  • Genetic Counseling/Counselor
  • Geography
  • Geology/Earth Science, General
  • Graphic Design
  • Health Communication
  • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
  • Health Professions Education
  • Health Services Administration
  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
  • Health Teacher Education
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management
  • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other
  • Historic Preservation and Conservation, General
  • History, General
  • History, Other
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
  • Hospitality Administration/Management, General
  • Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General
  • Human Services, General
  • Information Science/Studies
  • Insurance
  • International Business, Trade, and Tax Law
  • International Marketing
  • International Relations and Affairs
  • International Relations and National Security Studies, Other
  • Journalism
  • Journalism, Other
  • Keyboard Instruments
  • Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching
  • Latin American Studies
  • Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies, Other
  • Legal Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management
  • Management Science
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Mathematics and Statistics, Other
  • Mathematics Teacher Education
  • Mathematics, General
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
  • Medical Science/Scientist
  • Microbiology, General
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Music Performance, General
  • Music Teacher Education
  • Music Theory and Composition
  • Musicology and Ethnomusicology
  • Neuroscience
  • Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management
  • Nutrition Sciences
  • Occupational Therapy/Therapist
  • Oral Biology and Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
  • Orthodontics/Orthodontology
  • Painting
  • Pathology/Experimental Pathology
  • Pediatric Dentistry/Pedodontics
  • Periodontics/Periodontology
  • Philosophy
  • Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
  • Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
  • Physical Sciences, Other
  • Physics, General
  • Physiology, General
  • Playwriting and Screenwriting
  • Political Science and Government, General
  • Programs for Foreign Lawyers
  • Prosthodontics/Prosthodontology
  • Psychology, General
  • Psychology, Other
  • Public Administration
  • Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
  • Public Health Education and Promotion
  • Public Health, General
  • Public Health, Other
  • Public Relations/Image Management
  • Radio and Television
  • Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer
  • Reading Teacher Education
  • Regional Studies (U.S., Canadian, Foreign)
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Other
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • Religious/Sacred Music
  • Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education
  • Sculpture
  • Social Sciences, General
  • Social Sciences, Other
  • Social Studies Teacher Education
  • Social Work
  • Sociology, General
  • Spanish Language and Literature
  • Special Education and Teaching, General
  • Statistics, General
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other
  • Systems Engineering
  • Systems Science and Theory
  • Tax Law/Taxation
  • Taxation
  • Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor
  • Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology
  • Theatre/Theatre Arts Management
  • Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
  • Theology/Theological Studies
  • Urban Studies/Affairs
  • Visual and Performing Arts, Other

ADVANCED CREDIT/PLACEMENT
Credit placement options:
  • credit for CEEB Advanced Placement (scores of 2 or higher)
  • credit for international baccalaureate

CERTIFICATES OFFERED
  • True
 
Data is copyrighted material under license to Peterson's, LLC. Material may contain updates provided solely by the institution to which the updated Data relates. These updates are not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for their accuracy. Copyright © 2021 by Peterson's, LLC. All rights reserved.