Boston University Summer Classes: A Comprehensive Guide
Boston University (BU) offers a wide array of summer courses and programs designed for various audiences, including high school students, undergraduates, graduates, working adults, and international students. With a flexible open enrollment policy and diverse course schedules, BU Summer Term provides an accessible platform for academic advancement, personal enrichment, and professional development.
Opportunities for High School Students
BU’s Summer Term features several pre-college programs tailored for high school students looking to get a head start on their college journey. These programs range from two to six weeks and offer opportunities to earn college credit, explore new subjects, conduct research, and experience hands-on learning.
High School Honors
This program is designed for rising seniors and exceptional rising juniors. Participants can enroll in undergraduate courses and earn up to 8 college credits. The program offers residential, commuter, and online options to suit different student needs.
Research in Science and Engineering (RISE)
The RISE program is aimed at rising domestic seniors interested in conducting university-level research. Students work alongside faculty mentors on research projects. The program offers two tracks: Internship and Practicum, with residential and commuter options available.
Academic Immersion (AIM)
Designed for rising juniors and seniors, the AIM program allows students to focus intensively on a single subject. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on experiential learning. Tracks include Introduction to Experimental Psychology, Introduction to Medicine, Creative Writing, and Business, with residential and commuter options.
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Summer Challenge
This program is for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students explore two subjects of their choice and experience college life through residential or commuter participation.
Academic Opportunities for All Students
BU Summer Term offers over 700 courses across more than 70 subject areas. This provides an ideal opportunity for students to earn credits toward graduation, focus on challenging courses, develop professional expertise, or explore new topics for personal enrichment. Each summer, BU welcomes over 7,000 domestic and international students to its campus.
Course Enrollment and Registration
Summer 2026 course listings are available for students planning their summer studies. BU students with an active BU login account and Kerberos password can register for summer courses through the MyBU Student Portal. Students can add or drop courses on the portal until the end of the add/drop period.
It is recommended that students register for and attend summer courses by their first meeting date, as some instructors may not allow students to join after the course has begun. The Summer Term Calendar provides important registration dates and deadlines.
A typical schedule for a six-week or seven-week summer session consists of two courses, totaling 8-10 credits. Students wishing to take more than two courses within one session must seek approval from their advisor.
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Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fee charges appear on a student's account soon after registering for courses. Students are responsible for payment unless they officially drop the course(s) by the published drop deadline.
Resources and Services
BU Summer Term provides a range of resources and services to support students during their studies, including academic support, housing, library services, IT support, and health & wellness services.
Housing Services
Summer Term students have the option to live on campus, fostering camaraderie and community. Ample on-campus housing is available, and instructions on how to apply are provided upon registration. The residence halls typically accommodate two or three students per room. Resident program assistants provide guidance, coordinate social activities, and enforce program policies.
Library Services
Students have access to the University’s extensive library system, comprising 21 libraries and over 100 academic centers and institutes. These resources include over 3 million print and electronic titles, over 200,000 print and electronic serials, and over 100,000 physical and electronic media titles. The BU Libraries offer research tools and services, including databases, tutorials, library instruction, reference services, digital resources, specialist consultations, and librarian-created guides.
ICT Services
Students have access to computing and network resources for communication, coursework, instruction, and research. The University provides secure wireless network access, and all Summer Term students have access to the personal computing lab in Mugar Memorial Library. Many schools and colleges also have computer labs available to students enrolled in their courses.
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Medical Services
The University’s health and wellness services are staffed by qualified healthcare professionals. Services include behavioral medicine staff, psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical nurse specialists, licensed mental health clinicians, and licensed clinical social workers. BU’s fitness and recreation facility, FitRec, offers summer recreation courses, including outdoor activities, wellness classes, and fitness programs.
Student Clubs and Social Opportunities
The Summer Term office facilitates opportunities for visiting international students to meet and socialize. Embracing college life involves getting to know the campus and city.
Research Environment
BU is a leading global research institution, with over $486.8 million in grants and contract awards in FY2018. As a member of the Association of American Universities, BU is among North America’s most prestigious research universities, known for its creative, interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving.
University Requirements
BU has several requirements in place that students must fulfill. Students can check their Compliance Status on the MyBU Student Portal. This includes providing a current local address to comply with the safety regulations of the City of Boston.
Massachusetts state law requires all full-time students and all international students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases.
Students are required to settle their Student Account by the payment deadlines set for each academic term.
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