Graduate Program Admissions
The application process is done through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS). Applications must be sent to GRS, via either the postal mail or the online application. Do not send any application materials to the department. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact GRS.
What is required for the application?
First, you will need to fill out an application (available at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences), as well as a personal statement. We also require official copies of your GRE scores (all students) and TOEFL scores (international students). You do not need to submit a TOEFL if you are an international student and you graduated from a college or university in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom or New Zealand. We require three letters of recommendation and all official transcripts from any universities or colleges you have previously attended. Letters of recommendation and transcripts should be in sealed and signed envelopes. Also, all applicants are required to submit a writing sample. All application materials must be sent to GRS. Do not submit any application materials directly to us.
In order to be considered for financial aid, you must submit your application by Jan. 15 of the year you are applying for fall admission (i.e., Jan. 15, 2008, for Fall 2008 admission). If financial aid is not a consideration for you, or if you miss the Jan. 15 deadline, you are still welcome to apply until July 1 of the year you are applying. We also offer spring admission. Applications are due by Oct. 15 of the previous year (i.e., Oct. 15, 2009 for Spring 2010 admission).
If you apply by Jan. 15, you should hear of your decision by late March to early April. We do get many applications in that time. Please contact us at +1-617-353-2525 or at cdevits@bu.edu two to three weeks after you have sent in your application to ensure that all materials have been received. We cannot consider an application until it is complete.
