Boston University Arts & Sciences

Also in Admissions

• Undergraduate AdmissionsAdmission to Arts & Sciences is managed through BU’s main Admissions Office.
• Graduate AdmissionsLearn more about qualifications and the admissions process.
  • Apply
    • Application Requirements and Deadlines
    • Application Checklist
    • Reconsideration
    • What's Next
  • International Students
  • Nondegree Applicants
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • General Information
    • The Application Process
    • Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation,
      and Statement of Purpose
    • Testing Requirements
    • International Students
  • Financial Aid
    • Medical Insurance
    • Fellowships and Scholarships
      • Graduate Research Abroad Fellowships
      • Graduate Research Assistant Scholarship Program
    • Federal Stafford Loans
    • Credit-based Loans
    • External Funding Sources
    • Federal Work Study
    • Student Employment
• Intra-University TransferTransferring from another BU school or college to the College of Arts & Sciences

Related Links

• Graduate Bulletin

Graduate Admissions

Each year we admit over 500 new students who contribute to the scholarly work being conducted by our academic departments, interdisciplinary programs, research centers, and institutes. We welcome your interest in joining the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

Some application deadlines have changed. Please check the application deadline of your department.

Qualifications for Admission

Any well-qualified person with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university or with equivalent international education may apply. Also:

• Your undergraduate program should include introductory studies in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences; completion of specified courses without credit may be required to make up any deficiency.
• You may apply to a master's or MA/PhD program if you have a bachelor’s degree (if you hold a 3-year degree, you may be required to complete a one-year’s Masters degree or post-graduate diploma in a relevant subject).
• You may apply to any program if you have both a bachelor's and a master's degree.
• You may not enroll simultaneously in more than one graduate program unless the programs are part of a BU-approved combined degree.
• If you have twice been rejected for admission to the same degree program, you must submit a letter of approval for application from the current director of graduate studies for the department to which you seek admission.

The Admissions Process

2–3 months before application deadline

• Contact recommenders; inform them that recommendations should be submitted weeks before deadline
• Contact ETS and request an official copy of your GRE results (TOEFL for international students)
• Contact all previous colleges/universities and request official transcripts

2–3 weeks before application deadline

• Complete application and prepare to submit before deadline
• Contact any recommender who has not submitted a recommendation and request he/she do so before the deadline

Submit application to GRS Admissions

• Within 5–10 days of receipt by GRS Admissions Office, application and credentials sent to relevant department and e-mail acknowledgment sent to applicant
• Department admissions review committee reviews complete applications (according to department’s schedule)
• Department returns application to GRS Admissions Office with admission and financial aid recommendation
• Within 1–2 weeks of returned application, GRS Admissions Office conducts final review
• Official letter sent from GRS