BU Summer Term

A World-Renowned Institution

Founded in 1839, Boston University is internationally recognized as a top institution of higher learning and research. The University’s 17 schools and colleges offer more than 250 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and special degree programs, along with the resources of 23 libraries and over 104 academic centers and institutes. With more than 30,000 students from all 50 states and 135 countries, Boston University is the fourth-largest independent university in the United States.

Every summer, Boston University welcomes more than 7,000 students from the United States and around the world to Summer Term. With over 600 summer courses representing a majority of the University’s schools and colleges, students are able to pursue undergraduate or graduate study in a wide range of subjects. In addition, a selection of Summer Highlights includes unique, topical areas of focus, such as study and travel courses, foreign languages, and music programs. Summer Term is an opportunity for students to earn credits toward graduation, focus on challenging courses, develop professional expertise, or explore new topics for personal enrichment.

Boston University’s award-winning faculty includes three Nobel laureates and a former U.S. poet laureate, along with MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellows, Fulbright Scholars, winners of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, and dozens of leading scientists, authors, and scholars. With their considerable achievements and their commitment to teaching, Boston University faculty members provide the foundation and support that inspires students to continue the University’s distinguished tradition of accomplishment.

Boston University’s alumni exemplify a rich tradition of social concern, academic excellence, and innovation. Their pioneering contributions have influenced all areas of civil rights, science and medicine, journalism, literature, business, government and politics, entertainment, broadcasting, popular culture, and sports. Learn more about Boston University.

Summer in Boston

Located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, the Boston University campus stretches alongside the Charles River Esplanade, where students enjoy summer activities such as bicycling, boating, jogging, and sunning. The campus is within easy reach of Boston’s many cultural and recreational attractions. Historic Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, is just steps away, while downtown theatre, shopping, government, and financial districts are easily accessed by streetcar (the “T”). There is much to do in Boston during the warm summer months. Explore the elegant shops along Newbury Street or in Copley Square, enjoy outdoor cafes and dining, watch sporting events at Fenway or the TD Garden, or hear live music in one of Boston’s many venues. Relax in one of Boston’s many parks, experience theatre, or wander through famed museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Institute of Contemporary Art, or the Museum of Science. Reminders of Boston’s rich history—such as Faneuil Hall Market Place or the Old North Church—abound in the city’s diverse neighborhoods, from the North End to the South End, Chinatown to Harvard Square.

While you can stay in the city to explore social, recreational, and cultural activities galore, when it gets too hot, the MBTA Commuter Rail can whisk you to beaches in Manchester, Gloucester, or Rockport—or you can drive to picturesque Cape Cod. For the hiker, the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont are but a few hours away by car, as are the invigorating shores of Maine. Finally, for those who want to venture outside of New England, trains and buses depart South Station to destinations such as New York City, Philadelphia, or Washington D.C.

For more information on what to do in Boston, visit our Boston in the Summer page.

Accreditation

Boston University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. The individual schools and colleges of the University carry additional accreditation in their respective fields.