With BU Virtual, you’ll actively participate in a highly engaging and interactive learning experience, collaborating with a community of students and faculty who contribute a range of insights and backgrounds. As a leading institution recognized for top-tier research and education, our online programs blend course study and real-world experiences to create opportunities to apply what you learn in your career and in your community.
Explore our expanding portfolio of online programs, developed in collaboration with top tier faculty and researchers at Boston University.
The work we are doing today will shape the future of global online education tomorrow. We believe that our work at BU Virtual, which is done in collaboration with our award-winning schools and colleges, brings a new level of innovation, reach, and access to learners around the globe and reinforces our commitment to inclusion at scale. —Wendy Colby, VP and
Associate Provost, BU Virtual
No matter where you are in your life, geography, or career, BU Virtual will help you develop and enhance world-class skills and experiences to succeed in a dynamic and rapidly evolving labor market. And, we provide the unparalleled competitive and reputational advantages that come from being a part of the Boston University global community.
Boston University Virtual meets you where you are today and throughout any stage of your career. We are innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, and university leaders seeking to bring BU to the service of the world and the world closer to the vibrant BU community.
Boston University Virtual works in close collaboration with the schools and colleges across BU to provide innovative, high-quality online programs in areas ranging from business and public health to social work, occupational therapy, education, computer science, and more.
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 strength. In just one […]
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 Glance Format: 100% online; […]
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 help you thrive. […]
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 to understand how Boston […]
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 gain expertise in a […]
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, maintain your income, and […]
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 opportunities with its flexibility […]
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 through common challenges and strategies […]