Articles & Commentary

Articles & Commentary



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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

BU Virtual Connects Ep.1 Lifetime Learning

In the inaugural episode of BU Virtual Connects, BU Virtual Associate Provost Wendy Colby speaks with Nelson Baker, Ph.D., interim dean of Georgia Tech’s College of Lifetime Learning, who explores the importance of listening, asking bold “What if?” questions, and driving innovation in higher education through online-at-scale degrees and lifelong learning... More

BU Virtual Connects Ep.2 From BU Alum to Stanford University

This episode features Carissa Little, Associate Dean at Stanford, who reflects on her journey from Boston University to leading online education innovation, emphasizing the importance of building effective online units, harnessing technology, and fostering human connection and collaboration to expand higher education’s impact.

BU Virtual Connects Ep.3 Global Skills & Education

This episode features Kamran Malik, a former EY partner now at Korn Ferry, who challenges Higher Education to rethink its role in preparing a productive workforce amid rapid industry and technology shifts, urging universities to embrace bold, future-focused partnerships with industry.