Navigating Your Path: Understanding Boston University Diploma Requirements
Earning a diploma from Boston University (BU) is a significant achievement, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the diploma requirements at BU, covering various aspects from application deadlines and GPA requirements to transfer credits and specific program considerations. Whether you are a prospective student, a current undergraduate, or a graduate student, understanding these requirements is crucial for a smooth and successful academic journey.
Diploma Application Deadlines and Graduation Timeline
Boston University confers degrees three times a year: in August, January, and May. However, the University holds commencement exercises only in May. Therefore, planning and adhering to the deadlines for diploma applications is essential.
For students aiming to graduate in May and participate in the Commencement exercises, the diploma application must be submitted by September 30 of the preceding year. Students targeting August graduation need to apply by March 30, while those planning for January graduation must submit their applications by September 30 of the previous year. Bachelor’s students who are graduating the following August can petition to walk in the May Convocation exercises only if they have applied for August graduation, are registered for their summer courses, and have a maximum of 8 units remaining to complete the degree.
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements
A crucial factor in earning a diploma is maintaining a satisfactory Grade Point Average (GPA). The cumulative GPA includes all coursework taken after matriculation, along with any courses completed prior to matriculation that are submitted to fulfill degree requirements. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 for all courses taken at Boston University is required for graduation. A maximum of 16 credits of “D” grades earned at Boston University can be applied toward the credits needed for a degree. However, courses in which a student earns a “D” may not count toward their major or minor. Students should consult the Bulletin for their specific program(s) to understand the grades needed for courses to count toward their major or minor, as many majors and minors have higher grade requirements.
Credit Requirements and Transfer Policies
The number of credits required for a bachelor's degree can range from 131 to 135 term units of prescribed curricular courses, depending on the program. In addition to fulfilling all BS degree requirements, a minimum of 48 units of coursework must be taken at Boston University in the upper-division program, which consists of program requirements and/or program electives for the junior and senior years. It is generally expected that students will complete a minimum of 12 academic units per term with a Grade Point Index of at least 2.00.
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Boston University recognizes that students may enter with credits earned elsewhere. Students who have transferred courses from another college or university and have satisfied all program requirements but are deficient in the required number of unit hours to graduate, are required to make up the deficiency by taking an academic course that carries Boston University units (except PDP courses). Courses graded Pass/Fail are not acceptable. It is generally preferred that unit deficiencies in technical coursework (engineering, mathematics, and natural science courses) be satisfied by technical coursework.
Students who transfer into BU in Fall 2020 or later are required to complete the BU Hub Transfer Student Curriculum. Hub units must be earned at Boston University or through receiving a high enough score on an Advanced Credit Exam (e.g., an AP exam). Only some advanced credit exams carry Hub units. Some of the courses transferred in from a previous institution(s) may count toward a major, while others may earn credit toward the total credits required for a degree, but not toward a major. While students cannot petition for external courses to count toward their Hub requirements, they sometimes can petition for an external course to count toward their degree or major requirements.
Boston University Academy (BUA) Students
Boston University Academy students typically take between six and twelve Boston University courses as part of their BUA experience, all counting toward the credits required to earn the BUA diploma.
Replacement Diplomas
Boston University and Wheelock College Graduates may request a replacement diploma by completing the Online Diploma Replacement Request Form. Replacement BU diplomas will follow current BU diploma production templates. All fees are payable by MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express. Once you have submitted the Online Diploma Replacement Request Form, the request will be reviewed within 7 business days. If approved, the card will be charged for the applicable fees. Diploma orders are placed once per week.
Program-Specific Requirements and Opportunities
Beyond the general requirements, specific programs may have additional criteria for graduation. For example, the Performance Diploma at BU School of Music is a nondegree program for the specialized training of vocalists and performers of orchestral and keyboard instruments who seek advanced musical training. As part of a major research University, the program offers dozens of opportunities for students to perform on campus, in the city of Boston and surrounding communities, and beyond. Performance Diploma candidates are in residence at Boston University for two years during the program and are provided private lessons by an assigned faculty member in their performance area.
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Graduation Application and Review
All students will be asked to submit a graduation application and will receive a graduation review from the Undergraduate Records office.
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