Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below, you’ll find answers to several frequently asked questions about BU Global. Be sure to visit the BU Global Experience for details on Living in Boston and Studying at BU.

You can also learn more about BU Global’s role at Boston University by reading the About BU Global portion of the site.

1. Will I be able to access Boston University facilities?
2. Is the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) required for admission into the programs?
3. Will I need a laptop?
4. What will my housing be like?
5. Will I be able to work on campus?
6. How will I get my visa?
7. Can I apply for a Graduate Diploma or Certificate Program if I’m still getting my undergraduate degree?
8. Can I take other Boston University courses while I'm in a Graduate Diploma or Certificate Program?
9. What does the Admissions Committee look for in a candidate?

Still have Questions? Feel free to contact us for more information.

10. When will I hear from the Admissions Committee?
11. Is there on-campus housing available?
12. If I decide to get a traditional master’s degree are any of these courses transferable?
13. Do all your Graduate Diploma & Certificate Programs offer the internship option?
    
14. How many courses will I take?
15. How big will my classes be?
16. How much should I expect to spend on textbooks for my classes?

1. Will I be able to access Boston University facilities?
   Graduate Diploma and certificate students are fully integrated into the BU community. You take classes on our campus and are encouraged to use our many libraries, computer labs, sports facilities, and other BU resources. Boston University has four libraries on campus and a new Fitness and Recreation Center providing approximately 270,000 square feet of space, supporting physical education, non-credit courses, intramural and club sports, student organizations, and much more.
   
   
2. Is the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) required for admission into the programs?
   Yes, you must demonstrate that you have at least a 560 PP / 220 CBT / 84 iBT (iBT: Reading 21, Listening 18, Speaking 23, Writing 22) on the TOEFL unless you have a degree from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education.
   
   
3. Will I need a laptop?
   There are plenty of computer labs on campus available to you. However, if you have a laptop, you may want to bring it, as it may be more convenient.
   
   
4. What will my housing be like?
   Your housing will vary depending on whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student. Visit our Housing page for details.
   
   
5. Will I be able to work on campus?
   Yes. International students are allowed to work up to twenty hours a week on campus. You will need to receive approval and clearance through the International Students and Scholars Office before beginning work.
   
   
6. How will I get my visa?
   After you are accepted into a BU Global exchange program, BU Global will provide you with the documentation required to apply for an F-1 student visa or a J-1 exchange visitor’s visa. You will need to provide your BU Global documentation and a passport to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country in order to apply for your visa. Please allow sufficient processing time for your visa application. For a step-by-step guide to obtaining your student visa, visit the Student Resources page on this site.
   
   
7. Can I apply for a Graduate Diploma or Certificate Program if I’m still getting my undergraduate degree?
   No. You must have a bachelor's degree to be considered for the program. Graduate Diploma and Certificate Programs are a professional, post-baccalaureate experience for students who want a focused, fast-paced educational experience. In rare cases, students with extraordinary work experience may be considered for the Project Management Certificate.
   
   
8. Can I take other Boston University courses while I'm in a Graduate Diploma or Certificate Program?
   Technically, the answer is yes, but realistically the answer is no. Students will be in class at least twenty hours, and sometimes up to thirty-five hours, a week. Students can also expect to put in at least twenty hours of homework a week. Graduate Diploma and Certificate Programs are intensive, leaving little time for other classes.
   
   
9. What does the Admissions Committee look for in a candidate?
   Graduate Diploma and Certificate Programs are competitive and rigorous. Students must show strong academic performance, the ability to handle six graduate courses, and strong English language proficiency. Since the case study method is the primary method of instruction, strong professional work experience and your contributions in the classroom are very important considerations.
   
   
10. When will I hear from the Admissions Committee?
    Once your application is complete we will make every effort to get a decision to you within two weeks.
    
    
11. Is there on-campus housing available?
    BU Global does not provide housing for graduate students. However, our Graduate Housing page on this site features resources, advice, and tips for obtaining housing in the Boston area.
    
    
12. If I decide to get a traditional master’s degree are any of these courses transferable?
    Yes, you may apply up to twenty credit hours of a Graduate Diploma, and sixteen credit hours of a Graduate Certificate toward a Master of Science in Administrative Studies. For details, please contact the Department of Administrative Sciences.
    
    
13. Do all Graduate Diploma & Certificate Programs offer the internship option?
    Yes, all BU Global programs offer the internship option upon successful completion of the academic component of the program. 
    
    
14. How many courses will I take?
    Typically, as a BU Global undergraduate student, you will take four courses within Metropolitan College. You may choose from the hundreds of courses offered each semester as long as they meet the prerequisite guidelines. Since most classes are taught during the evening, students have ample opportunity to complete the rigorous academic schedule while enjoying many of Boston's cultural activities.
    
    
15. How big will my classes be?
    Class size will vary by course, however the average class size is thirty students. You should expect some lecture-style and smaller, seminar-size classes, all depending on the subject matter. The classes that require intimate discussion setting will be smaller, while others lend themselves to a larger setting along with a smaller lab or discussion section.
    
    
16. How much should I expect to spend on textbooks for my classes?
    Required textbooks can vary from class to class. On average, a textbook will cost between $60-$140 USD. Professors may also require that you buy course packets consisting of required readings that you can purchase on campus. As a way of saving money, you may be able to purchase used books at the school bookstore prior to the start of the class. If you choose this option we recommend that you go to the store early to increase your chances of getting a used book as they tend to be purchased quickly. At the end of the semester you will have the opportunity to sell used books back to the Barnes and Noble/BU bookstore for a percentage of the cost of the textbook. This "buy back" will occur before you leave campus after your program ends.