BU Collaborative Degree Program

The Boston University Collaborative Degree Program (BUCOP) permits qualified undergraduates to enroll in two of the University’s schools or colleges and earn two baccalaureate degrees simultaneously. The program has become a popular option with students whose professional goals can be met by acquiring two degrees, as well as with students who have strong academic interests in disciplines which are based in two different colleges.

The program is a demanding one, requiring a substantial commitment on the part of the student. To be eligible for enrollment in BUCOP, a student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; this level of performance must be maintained for the duration of the program. At least 144 credits must be earned in no fewer than 36 courses (as opposed to the 128 credits and 32 courses normally required for the baccalaureate). This is the equivalent of nine semesters of coursework. Students may be required to go beyond the 144 credit minimum in order to meet both sets of degree requirements. Some BUCOP students enroll in summer courses, use AP credit, and/or overload to ensure that they graduate with their class.

Before official admission to BUCOP, students must design a curriculum in consultation with their Faculty Advisors and/or Counselors in the relevant colleges. All requirements for both degrees must be addressed in the design of the BUCOP curriculum before admission will be granted. Prospective BUCOP students are advised that the two degrees are co-terminal: that is, unless and until all requirements are fulfilled for both degrees, neither degree will be granted.

Students may apply for admission to BUCOP no earlier than the first semester of their sophomore year and no later than the end of the first semester of their junior year. Students whose primary school is CAS are advised that residence requirements vary in the other colleges of the University. Prospective BUCOP students are urged to consult with the BUCOP Coordinators in the relevant colleges at their earliest opportunity for details on residency policies and other degree requirements.

If you would like to explore BUCOP possibilities in the College of Arts and Sciences, please call the CAS Academic Advising Center to schedule an appointment with a CAS Academic Counselor. Once you have met with an Academic Counselor, you will asked to submit a statement of intent to the BUCOP Coordinator in the Office of Student Records, CAS Room B3.