Boston University
Boston, United States • Founded 1869 • World Rank #116
Overview
Founded in 1869, the Boston University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Boston (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Massachusetts.
This institution also has branch campuses in Los Angeles, Washington DC, London, Paris and Sydney. Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Boston University (BU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
Boston University (BU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 155-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. BU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Boston University's address, phone, email, and social presence. Department-level scholarship enquiries route faster through the specific faculty rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
Academic statistics for Boston University — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.
Academic Structures
Boston University's internal academic units — faculties, schools, and institutes — are grouped below. The breakdown helps when navigating departmental websites and specific contact points.
Unit 22 items
- Arvind and Chandan Nandlal Kilachand Honors College
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Communication
- College of Engineering
- College of Fine Arts
- College of General Studies
- College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Sargent College
- Division of Extended Education
- Division of Military Education
- Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences
- Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
- Metropolitan College
- Questrom School of Business
- School of Hospitality Administration
- School of Law
- School of Medicine
- School of Public Health
- School of Social Work
- School of Theology
- Wheelock College of Education and Human Development
Programs Offered
Boston University's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.
Bachelor's Degree
79 programmes
Boston University lists 79 programmes that award a bachelor's degree — the foundational tier where students establish a discipline before narrowing their focus later.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation Interior Design
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering Physics General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Nutrition Sciences Liberal Arts
Classical and Ancient Studies Liberal Arts
Mathematical Economics Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Physical Sciences, General Natural Sciences
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Social Work Social Work
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Archeology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Urban Studies/Affairs Urban Planning
Social Sciences, Other Social & Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
112 programmes
Explore 112 programmes of postgraduate study at Boston University. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning Landscape Architecture
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Data Processing Data Science & Analytics
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Information Systems & Technology
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Culinary Arts and Related Services Culinary Arts
Education, General Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Materials Engineering General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Systems Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering General Engineering
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Biological Sciences
Biotechnology Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Systems Science and Theory Liberal Arts
Historic Preservation and Conservation Liberal Arts
Nutrition Sciences Liberal Arts
Classical and Ancient Studies Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Bible/Biblical Studies Religious Studies
Religious Music and Worship Religious Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other Public Administration
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Archeology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Urban Studies/Affairs Urban Planning
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences Prosthodontics & Dental Specialties
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies Health Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Medical Illustration and Informatics Health Sciences
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Taxation Taxation
Insurance Business Administration
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
64 programmes
Boston University lists 64 programmes awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Materials Engineering General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Systems Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Genetics Biological Sciences
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Pharmacology and Toxicology Biological Sciences
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Molecular Medicine Biological Sciences
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Nutrition Sciences Liberal Arts
Classical and Ancient Studies Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Social Work Social Work
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other Public Administration
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Archeology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences Prosthodontics & Dental Specialties
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies Health Sciences
Public Health Public Health
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
4 programmes
Boston University lists 4 programmes awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.
Law Law
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Dentistry Dentistry
Medicine Medicine
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
54 programmes
Alongside its degrees, Boston University provides 54 programmes at associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation level, typically shorter and more applied in focus.
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other Computer Sciences
Culinary Arts and Related Services Culinary Arts
Education, General Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Legal Professions and Studies, Other Law
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other Biological Sciences
Mathematics and Statistics, Other Mathematics
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other Religious Studies
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Social Work Social Work
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other Public Administration
Social Sciences, Other Social & Cultural Studies
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Music Music
Music Music
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Visual and Performing Arts, Other Visual Arts
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences Prosthodontics & Dental Specialties
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Medical Illustration and Informatics Health Sciences
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Boston University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Boston University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
- 1 Research programmes at Boston University
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Boston University runs 313 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Before applying to Boston University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Boston University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.bu.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (617) 353 2000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boston University
Quick answers to the most common questions about Boston University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
How old is Boston University?
The institution opened in 1869 (approximately 157 years ago).
Where can I find Boston University?
The institution is located in Boston, United States.
Is Boston University public or private?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How many students does Boston University have?
The institution has a student body of 25,000-29,999.
What is Boston University's ranking?
Boston University holds rank #116 globally and #33 in United States.
How many faculties does Boston University have?
The institution comprises 22 academic units.
Who recognises Boston University?
The institution holds recognition from New England Commission of Higher Education.
Where can I learn more about Boston University?
You can find Boston University online at www.bu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
The institutions topping the United States's rankings give national context for Boston University. Context matters because employer perception in the United States often correlates with national rankings.
Members of Association of American Universities (AAU)
Other Association of American Universities (AAU) members offer mobility and exchange compatibility with Boston University. Exchange compatibility is one of the more practical benefits of shared network membership.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Public transport hubs near Boston University affect access to all the universities below similarly. Major transit nodes often correlate with where the cluster of institutions is densest.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Practicum and placement requirements vary widely across Education & Teaching programmes in the United States. Compulsory placements affect total time commitment but typically improve post-graduation employment outcomes.
Universities Often Compared with Boston University
Rankings methodologies differ across peer institutions to Boston University. National, subject-specific, and international rankings can all tell different stories about the same set of universities.
