FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Find here the answers to frequently asked questions about the Hub. Further details may also be found in the Hub Policies & Procedures.
What is a Hub requirement?
The Hub measures learning experiences in requirements, not credits. This alternative “currency” is needed to accommodate the various options students have to fulfill BU Hub requirements. A requirement is not the same as a course or a credit. A single course can satisfy multiple Hub requirements. A zero-credit Hub cocurricular experience can also fulfill a Hub requirement.
How many requirements do I need to graduate?
If you entered BU as a first-year student in fall 2018 or later, you need 26 Hub requirements to graduate.
If you entered BU as a transfer student in fall 2020 or later, you need 10 Hub requirements to graduate.
The Hub Requirements section provides details on each of these particular sets of general education requirements.
Who can advise me on my BU Hub requirements?
Every student at BU has a network of advisors, and these advisors offer guidance on different aspects of life at and beyond BU. To see your advising network, and to identify who should advise you on Hub requirements, click here.
Do AP, IB, or other Advanced Credit Exams count for Hub requirements?
Can I transfer in Hub requirements from another university?
No. The BU Hub is offered only at Boston University and is an essential component of the BU undergraduate experience. While courses often may be transferred from other universities for major, minor, or elective credits, they may not be used to fulfill Hub requirements.
Do I need to complete my Hub requirements within my first two years?
No, the Hub will be interwoven throughout your entire undergraduate degree program.
Do I need to fulfill all of my Hub requirements in order to graduate?
Yes. If you have questions about meeting your requirements, please consult with your academic advisor.
What happens if a course I take is later approved to carry BU Hub requirements?
Hub requirements are not applied retroactively. To determine when a course began carrying Hub requirements, look for the “effective” date in the course description.
How do I know when a course will begin carrying Hub requirements?
When a course is approved for the BU Hub, its course description is updated to include the Hub requirements the course will satisfy and an “effective” date. You can view course descriptions in the Course Catalog or Class Search in MyBU Student.
Are exceptions ever made for Hub requirements for students?
Exceptions to Hub requirements are rarely made. In truly unusual circumstances, a student’s school or college will work with the Hub Exceptions Committee to determine whether any adjustments are warranted. Students should address questions regarding exceptions to their school’s advising office or student services office. For a list of school/college liaisons to the Hub Exceptions Committee, please visit the BU Undergraduate Advising website.
Can I fulfill Hub requirements with a course I designate P*/F*?
Yes, you can fulfill Hub requirements by taking a course you designate P*/F*, if you receive a passing grade (P*). There are a number of restrictions on electing P*/F*, and you should review the University policy and talk with your advisor before choosing this option.
Do I need to take my First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g., CAS WR 120) before I can take Writing-Intensive courses?
Do I need to take Writing, Research, and Inquiry (e.g. CAS WR 150) before I can take Writing-Intensive courses?
Does Quantitative Reasoning I need to be taken before Quantitative Reasoning II?
No. However, for many students, it will make sense to take Quantitative Reasoning I and Quantitative Reasoning II in sequence.
Can two Quantitative Reasoning II courses meet the requirements for Quantitative Reasoning I and Quantitative Reasoning II?
Can I take a Quantitative Reasoning II course before I take a Quantitative Reasoning I course?
Yes, as long as you have met any prerequisite(s) for the Quantitative Reasoning II course, you can take it at any time. However, for many students, it will make sense to take Quantitative Reasoning I and Quantitative Reasoning II in sequence.
Does Scientific Inquiry I need to be taken before Scientific Inquiry II?
No. However, for many students, it will make sense to take Scientific Inquiry I and Scientific Inquiry II in sequence.
Can two Scientific Inquiry II courses meet the requirements for Scientific Inquiry I and Scientific Inquiry II?
Can I take a Scientific Inquiry II course before I take a Scientific Inquiry I course?
Yes, as long as you have met any prerequisite(s) for the Scientific Inquiry II course, you can take it at any time. However, for many students, it will make sense to take Scientific Inquiry I and Scientific Inquiry II in sequence.
Does Social Inquiry I need to be taken before Social Inquiry II?
No. However, for many students, it will make sense to take Social Inquiry I and Social Inquiry II in sequence.
Can two Social Inquiry II courses meet the requirements for Social Inquiry I and Social Inquiry II?
Can I take a Social Inquiry II course before I take a Social Inquiry I course?
Yes, as long as you have met any prerequisite(s) for the Social Inquiry II course, you can take it at any time. However, for many students, it will make sense to take Social Inquiry I and Social Inquiry II in sequence.
What are BU Hub Pathways?
BU Hub Pathways are an optional way for undergraduates to fulfill some or many of their general education requirements by taking Hub courses from across the University that are focused on an interdisciplinary topic of global significance. There are currently two Hub Pathways: Social & Racial Justice, and Environment & Society. Hub Pathways are fully elective, and students can choose to incorporate as many courses within a particular Hub Pathway as they wish. To learn more about and explore these Hub Pathways, please visit the BU Hub Pathways section of the Hub website.
Can I earn a credential for taking courses in a Hub Pathway?
No. Hub Pathway coursework is not tracked on a student’s record and does not come with an additional credential.
Can the Cross-College Challenge count as my senior capstone experience?
The Cross-College Challenge (XCC) is a 4-credit course that fulfills four Hub requirements. Different colleges consider the XCC differently when it comes to major or program requirements, so you should speak to an advisor in your school or college for an answer to this question.
Can a Hub cocurricular experience fulfill a Hub requirement?
A Hub cocurricular experience fulfills one Hub requirement. Entering first-year students can fulfill up to 2 Hub requirements of their total Hub requirements through Hub cocurriculars. Transfer students can elect to fulfill up to one requirement with a Hub cocurricular experience. For the current roster of Hub cocurriculars, click here. While you are welcome to enroll in multiple Hub cocurriculars (i.e., Hub cocurriculars with different course numbers), Hub cocurriculars are not repeatable for additional Hub requirements. To earn a Hub requirement through a cocurricular experience, you must register for the experience. Most course numbers for Hub cocurriculars begin with “HUB CC.”
My Hub cocurricular experience has a course number and I have to register for it--will I receive a grade?
Hub Cocurriculars are 0-credit, ungraded experiences that will appear on your transcript. If you successfully complete the required activities and assignments for your Hub cocurricular experience, you will earn the Hub requirement associated with that experience and receive a “P” on the transcript.
If you choose not to complete the experience, you can drop it or withdraw from it, depending on where we are in the academic calendar for the semester.
What if I change my mind about which Hub requirement or requirements I want to earn through Hub cocurriculars?
If you earn a Hub requirement or requirements through Hub cocurriculars, and then you later participate in a different Hub cocurricular experience and you want to earn that Hub requirement instead, please email thehub@bu.edu.
Can I earn RIL with my honor's thesis?
Yes. Research and Information Literacy (RIL) can be earned as a co-requisite with an honor’s thesis or directed study project. Learn more here.
Can I earn Hub requirements while studying abroad?
Does the Hub apply to me?
How can I draw upon my work in the BU Hub to support my career goals?
The BU Hub, in providing students with breadth of learning and essential skills, is designed to prepare you for your future professional life. Learn more on The Hub and Your Career webpage.
