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.
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.
Obtaining a double-major in the School of Theatre is a challenging prospect (although not impossible). In the Performance programs, this is more possible with the BFA Theatre Arts track versus the BFA Acting track. In the Design, Production, and Management program, students in the Theatre Arts and Stage Management tracks may find double majoring easier than those in Design and Production tracks. Due to the conservatory nature of the School of Theatre programs, students work nearly 40-50 hours per week in studio classes and take about 80% of their overall 4-year curriculum in School of Theatre studio requirements/electives.
Students who wish to pursue a double degree may need 5-6 years at BU to complete both degrees. However, because of the flexibility and variety in the BFA Theatre Arts and BFA Stage Management programs, students can find more ways to incorporate courses from both majors into their course load. Such flexibility does not exist in the BFA Acting track, where double-majoring would take no less than 6 years to complete. Similarly, double majors in the Design or Production tracks would need at least 5 years to complete the requirements for two majors.
Students interested in a double degree though BUCOP should first apply to the School of Theatre (College of Fine Arts) and then, once admitted, apply for the second degree program within Boston University.