Boston University was established in 1869 by three businessmen with a desire to create an educational institution that embraced their ideals, both as Methodists and as abolitionists. Boston University’s School of Theology was the founding institution and is the oldest Methodist theological seminary in North America. Since their inception, Boston University’s educational programs have been open to all students regardless of race, religion or sex and have placed an emphasis on improving the world through research and community service.
Boston University has a proud history of assisting pioneers to meet their educational goals. These pioneers include the first female member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the first woman to obtain a PhD, the country’s first African-American psychiatrist and the nation’s first Native American to earn a doctorate in medicine. One of the most notable Boston University alumni is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who received his doctorate from Boston University in 1955.
Today, Boston University has two main Boston campuses, as well as worldwide program locations, and is among the leading private research-based institutions. With a continuing dedication to improving the world through education and research, Boston University is home to over 3,100 faculty members who bring their extensive real-world experience and academic achievements to the campus-based classes and online programs that they teach.
The administrators and faculty at Boston University are dedicated to providing students with a varied, rich educational experience that fosters engagement, critical thinking, flexibility and inspiration.
The online degree and certificate programs offered through Boston University are designed to deliver the esteemed educational experience of attending Boston University to students, regardless of location. Each online student is assigned a Program Manager, Admissions Advisor and small group instructor and has complete access to an interactive online learning portal where they can connect with faculty and students, complete assignments and quizzes, and enhance their online learning experience through an array of student services.
Accreditation
Boston University has held regional accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges since 1929.
Additional programmatic accreditation has been awarded by the following: Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE), American Dietetic Association Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), American Bar Association (ABA), American Dental Association (ADA), American Chemical Society (ACS), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA), Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), American Psychological Association (APA), and National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) Commission on Accreditation.
Schools Of Education
The College of Arts & Sciences focuses on liberal arts education for undergraduate students, providing 70 concentrations and over 2,200 courses.
The College of Communication provides both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the field of communications. Programs offered through this college include public relations, television, film, journalism, mass communications and advertising.
The College of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to prepare students to enter a variety of disciplines within engineering. Students can choose from aerospace, electrical, computer, biomedical, manufacturing, environmental, mechanical and nanotechnology programs and will establish a solid foundation for participating in the advancement of science and technology.
The College of Fine Arts includes the School of Visual Arts, the School of Music and the School of Theatre where students will receive a strong liberal arts foundation and will have the opportunity to participate in numerous productions and exhibits on campus.
The College of General Studies focuses on preparing freshman and sophomore college students to enter their major program of study by completing general education requirements and establishing a solid liberal arts foundation.
The College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences (Sargent College) prepares students for careers in medicine, public health, physical therapy, speech-language pathology and other careers in the health sciences through a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs of study.
The Goldman School of Dental Medicine offers pre-doctoral and post-doctoral degrees and certificates in dental specialties, including 11 postgraduate degrees. Specializations available include orthodontics, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, maxillofacial surgery, general dentistry, prosthodontics and implantology.
The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences presents students with the opportunity to complete graduate degree programs in approximately 50 disciplines including social sciences, theology, music, humanities, natural sciences and mathematical sciences.
The Metropolitan College provides continuing education opportunities to military personnel and working professionals at a variety of locations, as well as through online education. Undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available, as well as diploma and certificate programs. The goal of this college is to provide flexible, affordable learning for non-traditional students.
The School of Education provides undergraduate and graduate degree programs to prepare students to enter the field of teaching.
The School of Hospitality Administration prepares students for careers in the hospitality and tourism management industry through establishing a strong liberal arts foundation, hospitality courses, internship programs and international study experiences.
The School of Law prepares students with the communication, critical thinking and reasoning skills required to successfully enter the field of law. Students will choose between Business Organization and Finance Law, Health Law, International Law, Intellectual Property Law or Litigation and Dispute Resolution and will participate in internships, externships and clinics.
The School of Management offers Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programs, as well as dual degree programs. Students will learn to work in a team environment and to understand the basics of leadership, marketing, finance, information systems, operations and management.
The School of Medicine provides a number of programs leading to a Medical Doctor (MD) degree. Students will begin working with patients during the first week of the program and will benefit from training at the Boston Medical Center, as well as ample research opportunities.
The School of Public Health focuses on preparing students to become effective public health practitioners and researchers through establishing a strong educational foundation supplemented by practical experience. This school is unique in having a department of health law, bioethics and human rights.
The School of Social Work confers Master of Social Work (MSW) and PhD degrees to students who will receive a thorough social work education and understanding of treatment and prevention at both individual and community levels.
The School of Theology is the founding school of Boston University and is the oldest Methodist theological seminary in North America. This unique school provides students with the opportunity to participate in coursework and activities through the Boston Theological Institute and provides programs focused on evangelism, comparative theology, world Christianity and Christian missionary work.
Scholarships Offered
Boston University students are eligible to receive financial assistance through a wide variety of internal and external scholarships. Private scholarships from community groups, professional organizations or government agencies are available, as well as internal scholarships for new and returning students. Internal scholarships fall under three basic categories: Freshman Merit Awards, Transfer Merit Awards and Enrolled Merit Awards.
Transfer Merit Awards primarily include athletic scholarships and scholarships for students transferring from a local community college. There are over 25 Freshman Merit Awards available including athletic, program-specific, legacy, academic achievement and community service scholarships.
Financing Options
Boston University takes part in a number of common federal and state financial aid programs, such as Federal PLUS Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Massachusetts No Interest Loans. Additional financial aid programs include Federal Work-Study, Sallie Mae TuitionPay monthly payment programs, Boston University Needs-Based Grants, Federal Needs-Based Grants and State Needs-Based Grants.
Credit Earning Options
The eligibility of credits for transfer to a Boston University degree program are evaluated on an individual basis. In general, transfer credits will be awarded for liberal arts classes completed at a regionally accredited institution with a minimum of a C grade. Approved courses that were completed on a quarter system will be awarded transfer credit worth two-thirds of the quarter-hour total.
Advance credits may be awarded for Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations, International Baccalaureate Examinations, GCE Advanced-Level Examinations, Italian Maturita Examinations, French Baccalaureate Examinations, Swiss Maturity Examinations, German Abitur Examinations and college courses completed during high school.