Articles & Commentary
Articles & Commentary

Online Learning at BU: 5 Frequently Asked Questions
Online learning provides the flexibility to advance your career without hitting "pause" on your professional life. Whether you’re looking to move into leadership or pivot to a new field entirely, Boston University offers online certificates, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs designed to fit your goals. To help you decide if this... More

The Online AI Master’s Built for Real Work
The AI career shift is here. Pick the AI Master’s built for how work actually changes. Organizations are moving past AI experiments. They want outcomes: faster decisions, better services, stronger products, and real productivity. Accenture’s Pulse of Change shows the direction clearly: 86% of C-suite leaders plan to increase AI investment... More

3 Questions on AI and Online Education for BU’s Wendy Colby
Artificial intelligence has arrived in higher education amid a familiar mix of urgency and unease. Institutions feel pressure to respond quickly, even as they worry about hype, mission drift and whether today’s technologies will still matter tomorrow. The challenge is not whether to engage with AI, but how to do... More

Online vs. On-Campus Master’s in Computer Science (BU): Which Is Right for You?
A Complete Comparison: Online vs. On-Campus Computer Science Master’s at Boston University If you’re searching for an online master’s in computer science or weighing an in-person graduate experience, Boston University offers two strong pathways—each designed for a different kind of learner. This guide compares: BU’s Online MS in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence... More

Master the Convergence: BU Launches the AI-Forward MS in Strategic Integrated Communication
The traditional silos of public relations, advertising, and marketing have dissolved. In today's "Answer Engine Economy," where AI agents scan data and consumers expect hyper-personalized brand experiences, leadership requires more than just channel expertise. It requires a holistic, data-driven approach. Boston University’s College of Communication (COM) is meeting this shift head-on... More

What Is Software Engineering for AI and Why Does It Matter?
What Is Software Engineering for AI — and Why Does It Matter? Software engineering and artificial intelligence used to operate in separate worlds. Data scientists built models in Jupyter notebooks. Software engineers shipped production applications. These disciplines rarely overlapped. But that separation is disappearing rapidly. Today, as AI systems move from research... More

Master the Future of Tech: BU Launches the Online MS in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
The tech landscape isn't just changing; it’s being rebuilt around AI. BU’s new Online MS in Computer Science & AI is designed for those who don’t just want to watch the revolution—it's for those who want to lead it. Online MS in Computer Science & AI: At a Glance Format: 100% online;... More

Why Choose Boston University for Your Online Degree?
Boston University offers online degree programs through 13 schools and colleges, providing students with academic depth across a wide range of disciplines. Designed for working professionals, BU’s online programs combine flexibility with the rigor and reputation of a world-class research university. Academic Breadth Across 13 BU Schools and Colleges BU’s online programs... More

What Degrees are Most In Demand
Breaking Down Degree Options Boston University's online programs offer undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees across 13 individual schools. These programs provide students with access to the same academic rigor and faculty expertise as on-campus offerings. Visit this guide to online degrees to get a detailed breakdown of each school’s offerings, including... More

BU Announces the New Online Master’s in AI in Business
Boston University has announced a new online Master of Science in AI in Business, designed for professionals who want to translate AI into decisions, systems, and measurable results inside organizations. Applications are now open, and the program is scheduled to welcome its first cohort in Fall 2026. Online MS in AI... More

MET’s Online Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics ranked #1 in TechGuide’s 2026 Ranking
Boston University’s Online MS in Applied Business Analytics Ranked #1 for 2026 Boston University’s Online Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics has earned the #1 ranking in TechGuide’s 2026 Best Online Master’s in Business Analytics Programs, marking a major milestone for the program and reflecting its rapid momentum and academic... More

BU Announces the New Online Master’s in Enterprise AI
Boston University has launched a new 100% online Master of Science in Enterprise AI—built for working professionals who need practical, enterprise-ready skills to take AI from pilot to production. Applications are now open, and the program will welcome its first cohort in Fall 2026. Online MS in Enterprise AI: At a... More

Staying Motivated in Online Learning
Succeeding as an online student requires structure, motivation, and intentional planning. Whether you are balancing coursework with work, family, or other responsibilities, these strategies can help you stay focused, productive, and on track throughout your program. Strategy 1: Establish a Routine If you’re a creature of habit, you’ve already discovered that routines... More

Can You Work Full-Time While Earning a BU Online Degree?
Can I Work Full-Time and Pursue an Online Degree? Yes! Balancing full-time work with an online degree is absolutely possible, and almost all (95%+) of our students are working full-time alongside their studies. With that in mind, programs have been designed to meet our students’ needs and busy lives. Keep reading... More

Can Overseas Students Study Online with BU?
Boston University (BU) welcomes learners from around the world to join its growing community of online students. Through BU Virtual and the university’s top-ranked schools and colleges, international students can earn a world-class Boston University degree no matter where they live. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, change industries, or... More

Exploring the Costs of Online Degrees
Understanding Opportunity Cost When comparing online and residential graduate programs, it’s important to look beyond tuition. The true cost of earning a degree includes opportunity cost - the income you forego and living expenses you incur while studying full-time on campus. By choosing an online degree, you can typically continue working, More

Will My Degree Say Online?
What Is an Online Degree? Earning your degree online simply means that all the classes and coursework needed for your degree are virtual. An online degree does not differ in terms of academic rigor or quality. The key difference is the way that you earn your degree—online. Online learning offers unique... More

How to Succeed in Online Learning
As more students and professionals turn to online education for flexibility and accessibility, BU Virtual has been at the forefront of delivering high-quality, engaging, and supportive virtual learning environments. If you’re considering enrolling in an online program—or just curious about how to thrive in this format—this article will walk you... More

What to Expect from an Online BU Classroom
As more students and professionals turn to online education for flexibility and accessibility, BU Virtual has been at the forefront of delivering high-quality, engaging, and supportive virtual learning environments for students in Boston University's Online Degree programs. If you’re considering enrolling in a BU or just curious about what the... More

How to Balance an Online Degree with Your Career
Balancing education and a career might seem like an impossible juggling act in today’s fast-paced world. You don’t need to take time off of school to work; and you certainly don’t need to take time off of work to go to school. With Boston University’s 100% online graduate programs, achieving... More
