Residency

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Policy

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University pivoted to remote learning; however, as a residential institution, BU’s expectation is that PhD students will be on campus unless research or fieldwork away from campus is required. Students seeking a PhD from the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences are required to be in residence in the Boston area during at least the first five years (fall, spring, and summer) to engage in University and departmental activities. The purpose of the doctoral residency requirement is to ensure students experience a period of concentrated attention to study, teaching, research, and interaction with faculty. Students who leave the Boston metropolitan area during their first five years may forfeit their fellowship funding.