Graduate Information
We welcome your PhD or MFA application to Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS)!
Arts & Sciences is Boston University’s largest academic division, the heart of a world-class research university. Our faculty in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) are among the world’s most respected professors, researchers, and professionals in their disciplines. Our alumni are leading innovation and research and making an impact in their fields. Our campus is Boston, a city vibrant with history, culture, and diversity, and teeming with potential for connections and careers.
Boston University offers many similar sounding programs (ex: Biology, Neurobiology, Oral Biology, and Biomedical Engineering are each offered by a different graduate school). If you are applying to a program that is not offered by Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS), for example Bioinformatics or Neuroscience, please reach out to the respective schools directly, for example:
⇒ College of Engineering (ENG): Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, etc.
⇒ Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences (CDS): Bioinformatics
⇒ Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS): Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Neurobiology, etc.
⇒ Wheelock College of Education (SED): Counseling Psychology, Social Studies in Education
⇒ Other schools/programs
Important Admissions Update
Our fall 2027 PhD & MFA applications are now open (except for the programs noted below). If you have any questions about a GRS program (required application materials, writing samples, test scores, class sizes, research opportunities, career outcomes, decision timelines, etc.) that are not already answered below (or in our Admissions FAQs), please contact the program directly and not the graduate school’s central admissions office. The program contact information can be found below.
Does GRS offer my PhD or MFA program?
There are over 40 institutions of higher education in the Boston area, many with similar sounding names. Boston University alone has 17 separate graduate schools (ex: Communication, Engineering, Fine Arts, Medical Sciences, …, and Arts and Sciences). For example, Bioinformatics degrees are offered by Boston University’s Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences (CDS), and Neuroscience degrees are offered by Boston University’s Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS).
We only serve students of & applicants to Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS). Please do not contact our office if we do not offer your program and do not ask us to provide you with contact information for other Boston University schools or other Universities in the Boston area. If you have questions about a Boston University program that is not offered by GRS, please reach out to the respective office directly:
Admissions Basics
- Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) through our online application.
- You must use your full legal name as it appears on official government documents (passport, birth certificate, or social security card, etc.) when filling out university applications, documents, and corresponding with the our office. To ensure compliance with legal documentation and handle a high volume of inquiries and files, we must use legal names exclusively.
- We strongly advise that you familiarize yourself with our PhD & MFA: Frequently Asked Questions before contacting our admissions staff.
- Applications close at 11:59pm (23:59) Boston Time (Eastern Time Zone, UTC – 05:00) on the day listed as the program’s application deadline (refer to the list of programs at the bottom of this page). Example: if the deadline is listed as December 15, then the application will close on December 15 at 11:59pm Boston time. If you are currently located in a time zone west of Boston (i.e. UTC – 06:00 to UTC – 11:00), you must submit your application one to six hours before midnight your time. Please do not wait until the very last second to submit your application. We do not grant extensions. Please plan ahead.
- You cannot apply to more than one GRS program, and you cannot apply to both a GRS PhD and a GRS Master’s degree. We recommend that you contact the program directly if you are unsure about applying to the Master’s or the PhD degree. PhD & MFA applicants can only apply to the fall semester.
- You can apply to a program offered by GRS and program(s) offered by the other sixteen Boston University schools and colleges.
- When creating your account, please be sure to use a permanent, non-school or employer-issued email address. You will be contacted through the email address you use to create the account, and correspondence may occur after your previous school disabled your school or work email account. Having a “prestigious” email address does not boost your chances for admission.
- Letters of recommendation are received separately. You don’t need to wait for them to submit your application. Your recommenders will submit their letters separately.
- All documents (transcripts, personal statement, CV/resume, writing sample, if applicable, etc.) have to be submitted through the online application before the application deadline. Documents that are sent or emailed directly to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences by you, your institution, or a third party (ex: Parchment) cannot be added to your application. You cannot add or email updated documents (personal statement, resume/CV, etc.) or transcripts (showing fall grades for example) after you submit your application.
- We cannot add updated transcripts (showing fall grades for example) to your application after submission/after the deadline.
- All documents, official electronic test scores, and recommendations letters must be received by the deadline; otherwise, they may not be considered by the program’s application review committee. Please allow for 5-10 business days for electronic scores (GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) to be matched to your application.
- All credentials, including transcripts and recommendation letters, submitted in support of an application become property of Boston University. Neither originals nor copies may be returned.
- After you submit your application, it will be reviewed by the program’s admission committee (not the Graduate School’s central admissions office). The response time varies by program. Most programs make admission decisions in late February to early March. If you have questions about the timeline, please contact the program directly. Once a decision has been made, you will receive an email informing you of the outcome.
- If you are a PhD or MFA applicant to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS) and have a program-related question, please contact the program directly at the email address listed under each program (refer to the list of programs at the bottom of this page).
Application Checklist
Admissions FAQs
International Applicants (incl. English Language Requirement)
Statement on Holistic Admissions
The admissions committee of each of our graduate programs will be looking, as always, at the entire transcript and the cumulative GPA in their evaluation as well as test scores (if applicable), recommendations, and personal statements, as required by specific programs. We encourage applicants to include special circumstances as well as achievements that may not be apparent due to modified grading policies in their personal statements.
As part of our holistic approach to admissions, many of our PhD programs no longer require the GRE General Test, while others have suspended the requirement for applicants. For those who continue to use it, they do so as part of their holistic review. While GRE scores may be an essential component of the application for some programs, they are only one of many factors that contribute to your review as an applicant. Our programs consider the personal statement, letters of recommendation, GPA, and other supporting materials, when assessing an applicant’s academic potential and ability. Please refer to the Application Requirements listed under each program to see which program does/does not require the GRE.
Fellowship Aid
Please check out our Fellowship Page for information on financial aid policies, other important details, and links to aid for both PhD and MFA students.
Online Application
GRS PhD & MFA programs, deadlines, and requirements
The following PhD & MFA programs are offered by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS). For Master’s degree programs, please visit the Master’s admission website. For all other graduate programs, please visit the University’s Graduate Education website.
American Studies (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three recommendations (at least two from faculty members)
- Scholarly writing sample
- Curriculum Vitae
- Personal statement
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Anthropology (PhD)
PhD in Anthropology in one of three subfields of study:
- Archaeology – Accepting Applications for Fall 2027
- Biological Anthropology – Accepting Applications for Fall 2027
- Sociocultural Anthropology – Not Accepting Applications for Fall 2027
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three recommendations
- Personal statement
- Resume/CV
- Writing sample
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Astronomy (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three recommendations
- Official GRE General Test score report (optional)
- Official GRE Physics Subject Test score report (optional)
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Biology (PhD)
Areas of Interest:
- Marine Biology
- Cell & Molecular Biology
- Ecology, Behavior & Evolution
- Neurobiology
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three recommendations
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Biostatistics (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three recommendations
- Personal statement
- CV/Resume
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Chemistry (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three recommendations (personal letter in addition to questionnaire is strongly recommended)
- Personal statement
- CV/Resume
- Research Summary
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Classical Studies (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three recommendations
- Personal statement
- CV/Resume
- Scholarly writing sample
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Students who wish to apply to the MA in Classical Studies dual with PhD in Philosophy should visit the program website for information on how to apply.
Program Website
Program Email
Computer Science (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three recommendations
- Personal statement
- CV/Resume
- Official GRE General Test score report (not mandatory)
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Creative Writing (MFA)
Boston University’s MFA program in Creative Writing is undertaking a significant faculty recruitment effort to build on the program’s distinguished 75-year tradition and ensure its continued excellence. As a result, we will not accept applications in Fall 2026 (for 2027-28 academic year).
Program Website
Program Email
Earth & Environment (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three recommendations
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Economics (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three academic recommendations (PhD)
- Personal statement
- Official GRE General Test score report (required, cannot be waived)
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
English & American Literature (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three academic recommendations
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae
- Official GRE General Test score report (optional)
- Scholarly writing sample (page limit of 15-25 pages)
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
French Language & Literature (PhD)
Boston University’s PhD program in French Language & Literature is no longer accepting applications and will conclude once current students have completed their degrees. Students interested in language and literature may wish to explore the MFA in Literary Translation. We are proud of the PhD program in French Language & Literature program’s long history and the many graduates they have produced over the years and wish prospective scholars success in their future endeavors.
Program Website
Hispanic Language & Literatures (PhD)
Boston University’s PhD program in Hispanic Language & Literatures is no longer accepting applications and will conclude once current students have completed their degrees. Students interested in language and literature may wish to explore the MFA in Literary Translation. We are proud of the PhD program in Hispanic Language & Literatures program’s long history and the many graduates they have produced over the years and wish prospective scholars success in their future endeavors.
Program Website
History (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three recommendations
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae
- Foreign language(s) proficiency (please list the languages in which you are fluent)
- Writing sample
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
History of Art & Architecture (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three recommendations
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae
- Writing Sample
- Personal Background Statement (optional)
- Listing of related coursework and foreign language proficiency (For required background in coursework and for foreign language proficiency, please see the Graduate Program Handbook)
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Linguistics (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three academic recommendations
- Curriculum Vitae
- Writing Sample
- Personal statement
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Literary Translation (MFA)
For questions, please contact the GRS Master’s team at grsmams@bu.edu and refer to the Master’s programs website.
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three recommendations
- Personal statement (please describe your level of proficiency in the language you wish to translate from, your experience in literary translation and what you hope to gain from the MFA)
- Sample of critical writing in English (8-12 double-spaced pages)
- Translation sample (10-12 double-spaced pages) accompanied by the relevant passage of the original text
- Official GRE scores are not required
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Mathematics (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three academic recommendations
- Personal statement
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three academic recommendations
- Personal statement with detailed research interests included
- Curriculum Vitae
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
The Division of Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS) also offers PhD programs in Biochemistry as well as a PhD program in Cell and Molecular Biology. Please visit the GMS website for more information.
Program Website
Program Email
Philosophy (PhD)
PhD in Philosophy
MA in Classical Studies dual with PhD in Philosophy
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three academic recommendations
- Personal statement
- Scholarly writing sample (10-20 pages)
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Physics (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three academic recommendations
- Official GRE General Test score report (optional; it is strongly recommended that applicants interested in theoretical research and international applicants submit their GRE scores with their applications if circumstances allow)
- GRE Subject Test in Physics (optional; it is strongly recommended that applicants interested in theoretical research and international applicants submit their GRE scores with their applications if circumstances allow)
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Playwriting (MFA)
Boston University’s MFA program in Playwriting program is no longer accepting applications and will conclude once current students have completed their degrees. Students interested in writing for the stage or screen may wish to explore other opportunities at Boston University, including the MFA in Screenwriting in the College of Communication. The Boston Playwrights’ Theatre is now part of Boston University’s Office of the Arts, which advances artistic expression and creative engagement across the University through its programs, partnerships, and venues. The theater, along with the Office of the Arts’ other artistic spaces and initiatives, continues to support artists, present new work, and contribute to the university’s cultural and educational life. We are proud of the Playwriting program’s long history and the many writers it has helped develop and wish prospective playwrights the best in their future endeavors.
Program Website
Political Science (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three academic recommendations
- Official GRE General Test score report (optional)
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae
- Writing Sample
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Psychological & Brain Sciences (PhD)
PhD in Psychological & Brain Sciences (PBS) in one of three STEM-designated graduate programs of study:
- Brain Behavior & Cognition (BBC) – Accepting Applications for Fall 2027
- Developmental Science (DS) – Not Accepting Applications for Fall 2027
- Clinical Psychology (CP) – Accepting Applications for Fall 2027
Please remember to indicate the program of study to which you are applying by answering the relevant question in the application.
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three academic recommendations
- Official GRE score report (optional for BBC & DS; applicants to CP should visit the program website for additional information)
- Official GRE Subject Test (optional)
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae
Applicant Interviews:
- Applicants who are selected as final candidates will be invited by the Psychology department to a virtual or in-person interview in January.
- For questions about the interview process, please contact the Psychology department directly at psych@bu.edu.
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Religion (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three recommendations
- Personal statement
- Academic writing sample
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Sociology (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three academic recommendations
- Personal statement
- CV/Resume
- Academic writing sample
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email
Statistics (PhD)
Application Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three academic recommendations
- Personal statement
Fall 2027 Application Deadline:
Program Website
Program Email