Boston University Arts & Sciences

The College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Medicine offer a combined curriculum designed to improve the quality of medical education while shortening the overall period of study.

The first three years are spent in the College of Arts & Sciences, where the student takes premedical sciences and elective courses in the humanities and the natural and social sciences. In addition, the second summer is spent taking a required biology course and elective courses in the humanities and social sciences, so that the undergraduate requirements are completed by the end of the third academic year. Following completion of the required premedical courses in the first two years of study, students may enroll in certain modular medical courses in the third academic year. Although the program is accelerated, the student has three summers completely free to pursue other interests. Students in this program must meet all liberal arts, residence, and course-distribution requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (BA).

First-year medical studies begin with the fourth year; the amount of time devoted to medical courses is the same as in the present conventional medical program. Students are awarded the Bachelor of Arts degree at the completion of the first year at the School of Medicine and the Doctor of Medicine degree at the completion of the program.

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program is a University-wide academic program that promotes undergraduates’ participation in faculty-mentored research projects.

Students who participate in UROP have a chance to learn experientially through conducting actual research and to become acquainted with the entire research process while working closely with faculty.

The Boston University Collaborative Degree Program (BUCOP) allows 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 and requires a substantial commitment. To be eligible to enroll in BUCOP, you must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and must maintain this level of performance for the duration of the program. At least 144 credits must be earned in no fewer than 36 courses. Some BUCOP students enroll in summer courses, use AP credit, and/or overload to ensure that they graduate with their class.

You must design a curriculum in consultation with your Faculty Advisors and/or Counselors in the relevant colleges to ensure that all requirements for both degrees are addressed; unless and until all requirements are fulfilled for both degrees, neither degree will be granted. You may apply for admission to BUCOP no earlier than the first semester of your sophomore year and no later than the end of the first semester of your junior year.

To explore BUCOP possibilities in the College of Arts & Sciences, please contact the CAS Academic Advising Center to schedule an appointment with a CAS Academic Counselor.

If you are looking ahead toward a professional career or post-baccalaureate education, you may wish to consider the combined bachelor’s degree–master’s degree programs offered jointly by the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, by which you complete all requirements for the Bachelor of Arts and the Master of Arts. The last two years of undergraduate study are integrated with the first year of graduate work, eliminating duplication of courses and, in some cases, reducing the time required to earn the two degrees.

Successful completion of the BA/MA Program may lead to enhanced career employment opportunities, professional training, or doctoral studies. BA/MA Programs are offered through a number of departments in the College, but not all.

Combined BA/MA Degree Program Guidelines