Your Future Starts at BU Wheelock
We’re glad you’re considering Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development for your graduate studies. Applying to BU Wheelock is easy, and your application can be completed entirely online. Start your application today and take the next step toward your future at BU Wheelock.
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Items below marked with an asterisk (*) may not be required for all applicants. Applicants to BU Wheelock do not need to submit GRE or MTEL exam scores.
Master’s and CAGS Programs
English Proficiency*
Official English proficiency test score reports are required if both of the following apply to you:
- You do not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status; and
- You have not previously earned a degree from an institution where English was the primary language of instruction.
Your English proficiency requirement will be automatically waived if your previous institution’s primary language of instruction was English, or if you are from one of the following countries/territories:
United States, including permanent residents; Anguilla; Antigua & Barbuda; Australia; Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Bermuda; Botswana; British Virgin Islands; Canada, except Quebec and Nunavut; Cayman Islands; Dominica; Gambia; Ghana; Grenada; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; Kiribati; Lesotho; Liberia; Micronesia; Montserrat; Namibia; New Zealand; Nigeria; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Trinidad and Tobago; Turks and Caicos Islands; Uganda; United Kingdom; Zimbabwe.
Duolingo English Test
Boston University will evaluate scores from the Duolingo English Test, an online English proficiency test students can take on demand. Select “Boston University Graduate & Professional programs” as a score recipient.
The minimum Duolingo score is 130.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
You are responsible for ensuring that the testing agency can send us your official score report.
The minimum IELTS score for all programs is 7.0 overall.
Submit all IELTS scores to us electronically. To send us your scores, navigate to the IELTS website and request that your official scores be released to “Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs.”
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Our institution code for the TOEFL is 3087; we do not use a departmental code. It’s your responsibility to ensure that ETS can send us an official score report. Note: ETS will report scores up to two years after the test date. BU Wheelock accepts TOEFL MyBest scores. Please submit these scores directly to the application system.
-
- The minimum overall TOEFL or MyBest score for all programs is 100.
For the new TOEFL iBT score reports starting in January 2026, students are required to have a total/overall score of 5.0 or higher.
Transcript(s)
Transcripts for Your Application
As part of your application, you must upload transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended, including transcripts for every degree you have earned (bachelor’s, master’s, or otherwise).
Transcript Requirements
- Unofficial transcripts are acceptable and sufficient for application review.
- Official transcripts may be submitted during the application process using the approved methods outlined in this document.
- If you hold a master’s degree, you must submit transcripts for both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- If your transcript includes transfer or study abroad credits but does not show the grades earned for those credits, you must also provide transcripts from the institutions where you earned those credits. All institutions attended must be reported on your application.
Degree Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree is required to apply to most programs. You may apply before completing your bachelor’s degree, but it must be conferred before the program begins.
- Applicants to the Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) programs must hold both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree at the time of application.
Acceptable Unofficial Transcripts Include:
- An official transcript that has been opened and scanned
- A degree progress report
- An electronic transcript screenshot
International Transcripts
Applicants who have studied outside the United States or Canada must upload transcripts from all international institutions attended as part of their application. All international transcripts must be translated into English. A grading scale must also be included with international transcripts. If admitted, international students must submit official final transcripts according to the requirements outlined below before beginning their degree program.
If Admitted: Official Final Transcripts are Required Before Starting Your Program
If you are admitted, you must submit the required official final transcript(s) before beginning your degree program.
Official transcripts must be submitted using one of the approved methods outlined in this document. Transcripts submitted in any other format or through an unapproved method will not be considered official.
A final transcript is a transcript that includes your degree conferred and the date your degree was awarded.
Transcript requirements after admission are as follows:
- All programs except CAGS and Executive EdD programs: Submit your official final bachelor’s degree transcript.
- CAGS and Executive EdD programs: Submit your official final bachelor’s degree transcript and official final master’s degree transcript.
- Boston University graduates: You do not need to submit an official transcript for any degree previously earned at Boston University. Your BU academic record and degree information will be verified internally.
Resume
Statement of Qualifications & Objectives
For All Graduate Programs (except those listed below):
Please submit a detailed statement (approximately two double-spaced pages) that outlines your qualifications for the program and how it aligns with your professional goals. Your statement should:
-
Highlight your academic and professional background
-
Explain your motivation for pursuing this program at BU Wheelock
-
Identify the specific skills, knowledge, and experiences you hope to gain
For Applicants to the PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development:
Submit a statement (up to three double-spaced pages) describing your motivation to pursue a PhD and the research questions or topics you hope to explore. Your statement should also:
-
Reference BU Wheelock faculty and research projects that align with your interests
-
Identify a faculty advisor (from either specialization) whose work closely fits your research goals and mention them by name
-
Explain how your interests align with the program’s focus areas
For Applicants to the PhD in Educational Studies:
Submit a statement (up to three double-spaced pages) that outlines your research background, field of study, and motivation for pursuing a PhD. Your statement should:
-
Describe specific research questions or topics you wish to explore
-
Reference BU Wheelock faculty and research initiatives relevant to your goals
-
Discuss how your interests align with current faculty work, while acknowledging that research interests may evolve throughout the program
For Applicants to the EdD in Higher Education:
Write a statement that identifies a current problem facing higher education. In your response, please:
-
Analyze the causes or contributing factors of this issue
-
Describe how you would begin to address the problem
-
Discuss the broader impact or opportunities that could result from solving it
Equity & Inclusion Statement
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation should come from instructors, direct supervisors, or others you believe are in a position to appraise your skills and ability accurately. There is a space on the online application for applicants to submit the email addresses of their recommenders. Recommenders will receive an email with further instructions.
Recommenders must use an institutional email (business or academic institution) that can be verified. Our office may reach out to recommenders or the applicant for further verification if recommenders do not use an institutional email address.
Optional Essay*
Application Fee
A nonrefundable application fee is required at the time of submission:
-
$95 for degree program applications
-
$25 for non-degree certificate applications
You will be prompted to pay by credit card before submitting your application. Please note that your application cannot be submitted without payment.
If you would like to request a fee waiver, please complete the Application Fee Waiver form.
MS in Child Life & Family-Centered Care: 100 Volunteer Hours Prerequisite*
PhD and EdD Programs
English Proficiency*
Official English proficiency test score reports are required if both of the following apply to you:
- You do not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status; and
- You have not previously earned a degree from an institution where English was the primary language of instruction.
Your English proficiency requirement will be automatically waived if your previous institution’s primary language of instruction was English, or if you are from one of the following countries/territories:
United States, including permanent residents; Anguilla; Antigua & Barbuda; Australia; Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Bermuda; Botswana; British Virgin Islands; Canada, except Quebec and Nunavut; Cayman Islands; Dominica; Gambia; Ghana; Grenada; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; Kiribati; Lesotho; Liberia; Micronesia; Montserrat; Namibia; New Zealand; Nigeria; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Trinidad and Tobago; Turks and Caicos Islands; Uganda; United Kingdom; Zimbabwe.
Duolingo English Test
Boston University will evaluate scores from the Duolingo English Test, an online English proficiency test students can take on demand. Select “Boston University Graduate & Professional programs” as a score recipient.
The minimum Duolingo score is 130.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
You are responsible for ensuring that the testing agency can send us your official score report.
The minimum IELTS score for all programs is 7.0 overall.
Submit all IELTS scores to us electronically. To send us your scores, navigate to the IELTS website and request that your official scores be released to “Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs.”
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Our institution code for the TOEFL is 3087; we do not use a departmental code. It’s your responsibility to ensure that ETS can send us an official score report. Note: ETS will report scores up to two years after the test date. BU Wheelock accepts TOEFL MyBest scores. Please submit these scores directly to the application system.
-
- The minimum overall TOEFL or MyBest score for all programs is 100.
For the new TOEFL iBT score reports starting in January 2026, students are required to have a total/overall score of 5.0 or higher.
Transcript(s)
Transcripts for Your Application
As part of your application, you must upload transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended, including transcripts for every degree you have earned (bachelor’s, master’s, or otherwise).
Transcript Requirements
- Unofficial transcripts are acceptable and sufficient for application review.
- Official transcripts may be submitted during the application process using the approved methods outlined in this document.
- If you hold a master’s degree, you must submit transcripts for both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- If your transcript includes transfer or study abroad credits but does not show the grades earned for those credits, you must also provide transcripts from the institutions where you earned those credits. All institutions attended must be reported on your application.
Degree Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree is required to apply to most programs. You may apply before completing your bachelor’s degree, but it must be conferred before the program begins.
- Applicants to the Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) programs must hold both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree at the time of application.
Acceptable Unofficial Transcripts Include:
- An official transcript that has been opened and scanned
- A degree progress report
- An electronic transcript screenshot
International Transcripts
Applicants who have studied outside the United States or Canada must upload transcripts from all international institutions attended as part of their application. All international transcripts must be translated into English. A grading scale must also be included with international transcripts. If admitted, international students must submit official final transcripts according to the requirements outlined below before beginning their degree program.
If Admitted: Official Final Transcripts are Required Before Starting Your Program
If you are admitted, you must submit the required official final transcript(s) before beginning your degree program.
Official transcripts must be submitted using one of the approved methods outlined in this document. Transcripts submitted in any other format or through an unapproved method will not be considered official.
A final transcript is a transcript that includes your degree conferred and the date your degree was awarded.
Transcript requirements after admission are as follows:
- All programs except CAGS and Executive EdD programs: Submit your official final bachelor’s degree transcript.
- CAGS and Executive EdD programs: Submit your official final bachelor’s degree transcript and official final master’s degree transcript.
- Boston University graduates: You do not need to submit an official transcript for any degree previously earned at Boston University. Your BU academic record and degree information will be verified internally.
Resume
Statement of Qualifications & Objectives
For All Graduate Programs (except those listed below):
Please submit a detailed statement (approximately two double-spaced pages) that outlines your qualifications for the program and how it aligns with your professional goals. Your statement should:
-
Highlight your academic and professional background
-
Explain your motivation for pursuing this program at BU Wheelock
-
Identify the specific skills, knowledge, and experiences you hope to gain
For Applicants to the PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development:
Submit a statement (up to three double-spaced pages) describing your motivation to pursue a PhD and the research questions or topics you hope to explore. Your statement should also:
-
Reference BU Wheelock faculty and research projects that align with your interests
-
Identify a faculty advisor (from either specialization) whose work closely fits your research goals and mention them by name
-
Explain how your interests align with the program’s focus areas
For Applicants to the PhD in Educational Studies:
Submit a statement (up to three double-spaced pages) that outlines your research background, field of study, and motivation for pursuing a PhD. Your statement should:
-
Describe specific research questions or topics you wish to explore
-
Reference BU Wheelock faculty and research initiatives relevant to your goals
-
Discuss how your interests align with current faculty work, while acknowledging that research interests may evolve throughout the program
For Applicants to the EdD in Higher Education:
Write a statement that identifies a current problem facing higher education. In your response, please:
-
Analyze the causes or contributing factors of this issue
-
Describe how you would begin to address the problem
-
Discuss the broader impact or opportunities that could result from solving it
Equity & Inclusion Statement
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation should come from instructors, direct supervisors, or others you believe are in a position to appraise your skills and ability accurately. There is a space on the online application for applicants to submit the email addresses of their recommenders. Recommenders will receive an email with further instructions.
Recommenders must use an institutional email (business or academic institution) that can be verified. Our office may reach out to recommenders or the applicant for further verification if recommenders do not use an institutional email address.
PhD Programs: Analytical Essay*
For applicants to the PhD in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development (required)
Identify key arguments on a current educational or social issue in your field. Include your analysis and conclusions, and cite references that inform your understanding. This essay may be a new work or a previously written essay. This essay has no specific length requirement, but submissions average about 10 pages.
For applicants to the PhD in Educational Studies (optional)
Identify key arguments on a current educational or social issue in your field. Include your analysis and conclusions and cite references that inform your understanding. This essay may be a new work or a previously written essay. There is no specific length requirement for this essay.
Optional Essay*
Application Fee
A nonrefundable application fee is required at the time of submission:
-
$95 for degree program applications
-
$25 for non-degree certificate applications
You will be prompted to pay by credit card before submitting your application. Please note that your application cannot be submitted without payment.
If you would like to request a fee waiver, please complete the Application Fee Waiver form.
Graduate Certificates
English Proficiency*
Official English proficiency test score reports are required if both of the following apply to you:
- You do not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status; and
- You have not previously earned a degree from an institution where English was the primary language of instruction.
Your English proficiency requirement will be automatically waived if your previous institution’s primary language of instruction was English, or if you are from one of the following countries/territories:
United States, including permanent residents; Anguilla; Antigua & Barbuda; Australia; Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Bermuda; Botswana; British Virgin Islands; Canada, except Quebec and Nunavut; Cayman Islands; Dominica; Gambia; Ghana; Grenada; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; Kiribati; Lesotho; Liberia; Micronesia; Montserrat; Namibia; New Zealand; Nigeria; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Trinidad and Tobago; Turks and Caicos Islands; Uganda; United Kingdom; Zimbabwe.
Duolingo English Test
Boston University will evaluate scores from the Duolingo English Test, an online English proficiency test students can take on demand. Select “Boston University Graduate & Professional programs” as a score recipient.
The minimum Duolingo score is 130.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
You are responsible for ensuring that the testing agency can send us your official score report.
The minimum IELTS score for all programs is 7.0 overall.
Submit all IELTS scores to us electronically. To send us your scores, navigate to the IELTS website and request that your official scores be released to “Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs.”
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Our institution code for the TOEFL is 3087; we do not use a departmental code. It’s your responsibility to ensure that ETS can send us an official score report. Note: ETS will report scores up to two years after the test date. BU Wheelock accepts TOEFL MyBest scores. Please submit these scores directly to the application system.
-
- The minimum overall TOEFL or MyBest score for all programs is 100.
For the new TOEFL iBT score reports starting in January 2026, students are required to have a total/overall score of 5.0 or higher.
Transcript(s)
Transcripts for Your Application
As part of your application, you must upload transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended, including transcripts for every degree you have earned (bachelor’s, master’s, or otherwise).
Transcript Requirements
- Unofficial transcripts are acceptable and sufficient for application review.
- Official transcripts may be submitted during the application process using the approved methods outlined in this document.
- If you hold a master’s degree, you must submit transcripts for both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- If your transcript includes transfer or study abroad credits but does not show the grades earned for those credits, you must also provide transcripts from the institutions where you earned those credits. All institutions attended must be reported on your application.
Degree Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree is required to apply to most programs. You may apply before completing your bachelor’s degree, but it must be conferred before the program begins.
- Applicants to the Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) programs must hold both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree at the time of application.
Acceptable Unofficial Transcripts Include:
- An official transcript that has been opened and scanned
- A degree progress report
- An electronic transcript screenshot
International Transcripts
Applicants who have studied outside the United States or Canada must upload transcripts from all international institutions attended as part of their application. All international transcripts must be translated into English. A grading scale must also be included with international transcripts. If admitted, international students must submit official final transcripts according to the requirements outlined below before beginning their degree program.
If Admitted: Official Final Transcripts are Required Before Starting Your Program
If you are admitted, you must submit the required official final transcript(s) before beginning your degree program.
Official transcripts must be submitted using one of the approved methods outlined in this document. Transcripts submitted in any other format or through an unapproved method will not be considered official.
A final transcript is a transcript that includes your degree conferred and the date your degree was awarded.
Transcript requirements after admission are as follows:
- All programs except CAGS and Executive EdD programs: Submit your official final bachelor’s degree transcript.
- CAGS and Executive EdD programs: Submit your official final bachelor’s degree transcript and official final master’s degree transcript.
- Boston University graduates: You do not need to submit an official transcript for any degree previously earned at Boston University. Your BU academic record and degree information will be verified internally.
Resume
Statement of Qualifications & Objectives
A double spaced, 250 word statement, approximately one page, describing your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and why you want to pursue this graduate certificate program.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation should come from instructors, direct supervisors, or others you believe are in a position to appraise your skills and ability accurately. There is a space on the online application for applicants to submit the email addresses of their recommenders. Recommenders will receive an email with further instructions.
Recommenders must use an institutional email (business or academic institution) that can be verified. Our office may reach out to recommenders or the applicant for further verification if recommenders do not use an institutional email address.
Optional Essay*
Application Fee
A nonrefundable application fee is required at the time of submission:
-
$95 for degree program applications
-
$25 for non-degree certificate applications
You will be prompted to pay by credit card before submitting your application. Please note that your application cannot be submitted without payment.
If you would like to request a fee waiver, please complete the Application Fee Waiver form.