Flexible Degree Options to Meet Your Specific Interests
The College of Arts & Sciences offers a number of specialized degree programs to qualified students who wish to pursue their academic or future career goals through a program that addresses their particular interests:
BU Dual Undergraduate Degree Program
The BU Dual Degree Program (DDP) allows 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 and requires a substantial commitment. To be eligible to enroll, you must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and must maintain this level of performance for the duration of the program. At least 144 units must be earned in no fewer than 36 courses. Some students enroll in summer courses, use AP credit, and/or overload to ensure that they graduate with their class.
You must design a curriculum in consultation with your Faculty Advisors and/or Counselors in the relevant colleges to ensure that all requirements for both degrees are addressed; unless and until all requirements are fulfilled for both degrees, neither degree will be granted. You may apply for admission no earlier than the first term of your sophomore year and no later than the end of the first term of your junior year.
To explore BU Dual Degree Program possibilities in the College of Arts & Sciences, please contact the CAS Academic Advising Center to schedule an appointment with a CAS Academic Counselor.
Modular Medical/Dental Integrated Curriculum (MMEDIC)
The MMEDIC program is an early assurance program to the Boston University School of Medicine and the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Founded in 1977 as a collaborative effort between the College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Medicine, the MMEDIC program is open to premedical and predental students enrolled in undergraduate degree–granting programs at all Boston University schools and colleges. The MMEDIC program does not accelerate the prehealth-professional sequence but rather permits an enhanced educational transition from undergraduate to graduate professional study. At least three years must be taken at Boston University; the last two years of undergraduate study, including at least 64 course units, must be completed in the MMEDIC program at Boston University. Students must also register at the School of Medicine or School of Dental Medicine for at least four years for a total of eight years of combined study.
Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Programs
If you are looking ahead toward a professional career or post-baccalaureate education, you may wish to consider the Bachelor’s-to-Master’s degree programs offered jointly by the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, by which you complete all requirements for the Bachelor of Arts and the Master of Arts or Master of Science.
Successful completion of the Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Program may lead to enhanced career employment opportunities, professional training, or doctoral studies. Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Programs are offered through a number of departments in the College, but not all.
Bachelor of Arts/Master of Public Health (MPH) Program
The Bachelor of Arts/Master of Public Health program (BA/MPH), offered jointly by the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and the School of Public Health (SPH), is a blend of the undergraduate experience and graduate professional study leading to increased career opportunities in the field of public health.
Students complete all degree requirements for the (128-unit) BA and all requirements for the (48-unit) MPH. Up to 12 units of graduate-level School of Public Health coursework completed in the final two years of undergraduate study may be applied both as elective units toward the BA and as units toward fulfillment of requirements for the MPH. Students will take a minimum of 36 units while enrolled as a master’s student.
Careful planning and full-time enrollment can result in students’ receiving the MPH after a total of five years of study, rather than the usual minimum of five-and-a-half years. Students may complete the MPH degree on a part-time basis if desired. The BA is awarded at the completion of all BA requirements; the MPH is awarded once students have completed all MPH program requirements.
A 5-year BS/MPH program is also available to qualified students in Boston University’s College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences (Sargent College).
To learn more about the BA/MPH, please visit the BUSPH website.
7-Year Liberal Arts/Medical Education Program
The College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Medicine offer a combined curriculum designed to improve the quality of medical education while shortening the overall period of study. Students must apply for admission to this program at the time of their application for admission to Boston University.
The first three years are spent in the College of Arts & Sciences, where the student takes premedical sciences and elective courses in the humanities and the natural and social sciences. In addition, the second summer is spent taking a required biology course and elective courses in the humanities and social sciences, so that the undergraduate requirements are completed by the end of the third academic year. Following completion of the required premedical courses in the first two years of study, students may enroll in certain modular medical courses in the third academic year. Although the program is accelerated, the student has three summers completely free to pursue other interests. Students in this program must meet all liberal arts, residence, and course-distribution requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (BA).
First-year medical studies begin with the fourth year; the amount of time devoted to medical courses is the same as in the present conventional medical program. Students are awarded the Bachelor of Arts degree at the completion of the first year at the School of Medicine and the Doctor of Medicine degree at the completion of the program. Learn more here.