Boston University College of Arts & Sciences: A Comprehensive Overview
The Boston University College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), together with the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS), forms the largest academic unit within Boston University. Founded in 1873 as the College of Liberal Arts, with Rev. John W. Lindsay as its first dean, and renamed to the College of Arts & Sciences in 1996, CAS provides a broad and deep education in the liberal arts and sciences. The School of All Sciences, which later became the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, opened a year later in 1874. This article delves into the various facets of CAS, including its academic programs, student life, admissions process, and unique opportunities.
Academic Programs and Structure
CAS offers a multitude of Bachelor of Arts degrees across 25 departments and numerous interdisciplinary programs, including those offered through the Pardee School of Global Studies. These academic offerings are categorized into natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and mathematics & computer science. Students can choose from over 3,500 courses and over 100 undergraduate majors and minors. Graduate students have the opportunity to pursue a master's or Ph.D. in nearly 50 fields.
Undergraduate Studies
The College Program for the Liberal Arts & Sciences is designed to provide students with a broad and deep base of skills, competence, and knowledge. It allows students to design their degree program to suit their interests, abilities, and aspirations. CAS students earn the degree Bachelor of Arts (BA).
A liberally educated person acquires, by experience, an understanding of the process of scientific inquiry by conducting laboratory experiments related to the nature of the physical world and demonstrating a broad understanding of the principles of natural science, including the critical role of experiments in establishing humanity’s understanding of the physical world. A liberally educated person can communicate effectively in a global world and possesses in-depth understanding and skills in a particular area of study.
Graduate Studies
In cooperation with the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS), some of the college’s departments offer linked Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Programs; a linked BA/MPH program is offered jointly with the Boston University School of Public Health (SPH).
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Interdisciplinary Programs and Dual Degrees
CAS fosters interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to combine multiple fields to create a personalized learning experience. Students can explore combinations like Archaeology & Environmental Science, Mathematics & Computer Science, and Philosophy & Physics. Through the Boston University dual degree program, students may enroll in another of the University’s undergraduate schools to earn dual bachelor’s degrees. The Modular Medical/Dental Integrated Curriculum (MMEDIC) combines the study of the liberal arts and basic medical or dental sciences, providing early admission and an enhanced transition to the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine or the Henry M.
Curriculum and Requirements
All students in CAS undergraduate degree programs are subject to the general Boston University policies and regulations governing undergraduates stated in the Bulletin and the specific policies and regulations governing CAS degree programs. All CAS students are responsible for understanding these policies and acting in accordance with them.
A grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in academic coursework is required for graduation. Students may offer for the degree no more than four courses (16 units) with a grade of D. Boston University students who enter as first-year students must complete a minimum of 68 Boston University units for the undergraduate program. Boston University students who enter as transfer students must complete a minimum of 60 Boston University units for the undergraduate program. More than that minimum may be required for completion of a student’s chosen program of study.
For CAS students, courses used to satisfy specific major requirements must be completed within CAS, within another Boston University school or college if allowed by the relevant major, or at another accredited college or university and approved by the relevant CAS department or program. Further, CAS students must complete at least four principal courses for the major in CAS; some departments or programs may require more. CAS students are not required to have a minor field of study.
The Core Curriculum is an integrated curriculum in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences that provides a strong intellectual foundation for any undergraduate major or professional pursuit, as well as a guided pathway through the BU Hub. Directed study allows the advanced undergraduate student to pursue independent research under the guidance of a faculty specialist. Ordinarily, directed study proposals are developed in consultation with a faculty advisor and are submitted for approval no later than the week preceding registration. Directed study projects may be undertaken for variable units (1-6 units) and students may complete a maximum of 12 units of directed study while at CAS. Qualified CAS students may apply to pursue a course of study leading to graduation with honors in their chosen major.
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Course Load and Registration
Most CAS courses carry 4 units; a few carry half or variable units. Many CAS students achieve the total of 128 units required for graduation by taking 32 distinct (4-unit) courses. Students are expected to be enrolled on a full-time basis and ordinarily are expected to proceed at the rate of four (4-unit) courses per term. Students wishing to register for 19 or 20 units, but not more than 20, may do so without prior CAS approval if they are in good academic standing and their advisor approves; however, first-term freshmen and first-term transfers may not take five 4-unit courses. Additional tuition will be charged for all units in excess of 18, except to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, or students in their senior year who have accumulated at least 88 units. Additional tuition will be charged to all students for units in excess of 20. Students in other schools and colleges within the University wishing to transfer into the College of Arts & Sciences may obtain information at CAS Academic Advising. A CAS student wishing to spend a term at another institution as an unmatriculated student should first inquire at CAS Academic Advising for information on the appropriate procedure.
Faculty and Research Opportunities
CAS boasts an internationally recognized faculty actively involved in the discovery, evaluation, and transmission of knowledge. With an average class size of 30 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, students find themselves in classes taught by Pulitzer Prize winners, Fulbright scholars, or a MacArthur fellow. Boston University received more than $579.5 million in research funding in 2024 and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). The academic flexibility offered by BU can maximize the value of your degree. Choose from more than 300 programs of study, Dual Degree programs, combined BA/MA programs, and chances to take coursework across schools and colleges.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
Students who want to participate in hands-on research can take advantage of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which offers hundreds of research opportunities across all areas of study. Students have the opportunity to participate in research across the humanities, arts, and sciences as early as their first year.
Research Facilities
Boston University's academic, research, and athletic facilities are some of the best in the country, providing an exceptional workspace. The 19-story structure features convention-bending design inside and out that makes it an iconic presence on Central Campus. That design is state of the art in every way: striking architecture, advanced resources, environmental sensitivity, and open, flexible interior spaces. The Engineering Product Innovation Center (EPIC) is home to a full carpentry and machine shop, 3D printers, a metals foundry, and laboratories. The University's Rajen Kilachand Center for Integrated Life Sciences & Engineering brings together life scientists, engineers, and physicians to speed life-changing developments in the fields of human health, environment, and energy. The IDG Capital Student Innovation Center fosters innovation and entrepreneurship across the campus. Students can connect with advisers, collaborate with other students, and get help with matters from design and prototyping to legal advice and marketing. The Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre and College of Fine Arts Production Center is home to studio space for visual arts students, practice rooms for music, and a 575-seat music performance center. The Student Village provides first-rate recreation and athletics with the Fitness & Recreation Center and Agganis Arena, as well as high-rise apartments and dining.
Admissions and Financial Aid
The Board of Admissions evaluates each prospective student holistically. The Board's main focus centers on the rigor of a student's high school record, but submitting standardized test scores (SAT and ACT) remains test optional for students applying for admission through fall 2028 and spring 2029. Personal qualities and integrity, interests, teacher and counselor references, and other relevant attributes are also considered carefully. All candidates must have graduated from high school or earned an equivalency diploma to be considered. For admission to the College of Fine Arts, most students are not required to submit the SAT or ACT but must either audition or submit a portfolio (some programs also require pre-screening). A few select programs require interviews for admission. Boston University accepts either the Common Application. Students should visit bu.edu/admissions for additional information. Boston University also considers students with transferable credit from other institutions for admission.
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Boston University offers early decision and early decision 2 (which are binding agreements), and regular decision programs. Applicants for these programs for fall 2025 are not required to submit SAT and ACT scores. For more details, visit go.bu.edu/apply. All applications for early decision must be submitted by November 1, applications for early decision 2 and regular decision must be submitted by January 5. Transfer students seeking January admission must submit their application forms by November 1. Transfer students cannot be admitted to the nutrition or six-year, combined AT/DPT and DPT programs in the Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences. Transfer students may not apply for January admission to the School of Theatre in the College of Fine Arts.
Financial Aid
Boston University offers expanded financial aid packages that will make up the difference between the cost of attendance and what students can afford. The total cost varies from family to family. BU will calculate your family contribution based on a student's FAFSA and CSS Profile. This will be subtracted from the full cost of attendance. The difference-your calculated need-will be made up by financial aid. Tuition for the 2024-25 academic year is $66,670; standard housing is $12,180, and most dining plans are $6,840. Additional mandatory fees are $1,432. Forty-three percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $27,779.
Campus Life and Student Activities
Boston University is one of the most diverse research universities in the country, with students coming from every state in the US and more than 118 countries and a myriad of ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Students are engaged, participating in academic clubs, cultural or religious organizations, and community service groups. There are more than 450 student organizations and more than 40 intramural and club sports that students can participate in. Students can get involved with organizations such as Alianza Latina, BU Habitat for Humanity, the Debate Society, or the Alpine Ski Team.
Support Services
Overdose Prevention Training is available for all students and all faculty and staff. Sexual misconduct prevention training is required of all students, faculty, and staff. The Student Support Network provides one-time trainings for RAs in Res Life. Other group counseling available to students, faculty and staff include First-Generation, Pell-eligible/Low Income, Women, LGBTQ+, International Students, Students on Color/Multicultural, Nutritional Support/Eating Disorders, and Rape/Sexual Assault. For general wellness, BU students have FREE access to Headspace, Terriers Connect program which helps students to be Gatekeepers equipped to support students in distress and start crisis care. Trained peer educators offer listening sessions for students through a program called "All Ears." We also partner with Togetherall, a company which offers students a global network of peer support through a clinically moderated online platform. Terriers Connect suicide prevention training is a one-time training for Resident Assistant’s (RA’s) in Residence Life.
Location and Opportunities in Boston
Located in the heart of Boston, students experience the city as an extension of the campus. No other city can compete with Boston's remarkable concentration of higher education institutions, world-renowned medical centers, and historic and cultural attractions. The city provides many opportunities for impressive internship and research positions and is home to world-class attractions including the Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The nation's first transit system runs right down the spine of out 1.3-mile campus, and the Charles River flows by our side.
Internships and Study Abroad
The opportunities to learn outside the classroom are limitless thanks to BU's location in the heart of the city. In fact, 64% of undergraduates participate in at least one internship before graduating. Students can intern with top-tier financial services, biomedical, or engineering companies. The city is also home to world-class museums and art galleries, top-ranked hospitals and health services facilities, numerous advertising and public relations firms, and more.
Boston University has one of the world's most extensive study abroad programs. Among the University's 180+ programs are language and liberal arts programs; programs that combine studies with internships; fieldwork programs for students wishing to pursue academic or scientific research; and summer programs. Programs are available in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, and Turkey. Study abroad programs integrate students into a foreign culture and allow them to concentrate on language acquisition, cultural and historical study of the program country, and coursework in their major fields.
Rankings and Recognition
In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Boston University is ranked No. 42 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 11 in Lowest Acceptance Rates. The four-year graduation rate is 81%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $65,655.
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