The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences: A Hub of Intellectual Discovery
Graduate education at Boston University draws on the strength of our faculty, research programs, and facilities, as well as the historical and cultural advantages of our Boston location. With a richly international student body and a faculty fully engaged at the frontiers of knowledge, Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is making serious contributions to the intellectual developments of our time.
Our emphasis is on the individual graduate student, beginning with the proper match among interests, programs, and faculty advisors and continuing with a sustained concern for the student’s development as a researcher, scholar, practitioner, teacher, and professional. We welcome students of every background and viewpoint and strive to provide an environment that supports and encourages their valued contributions. Our programs are designed to build a solid foundation for a successful future both here at Boston University, recognized as one of only 62 distinguished research universities in the United States and Canada by the Association of American Universities, and beyond.
The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences offers MFA programs in Creative Writing, Playwriting, and Literary Translation, and 30 PhD programs in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. We invite you to explore the details, programs and requirements, and application deadlines for your program of interest.
Malika Jeffries-EL, Associate Dean of the Graduate School
Accreditations and Memberships
Boston University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.; is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU); is recognized by the University of the State of New York; and is a member of the following agencies: the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers; the American Council of Learned Societies; Universities Research Association; EDUCOM Interuniversity Communications Council; and the National Association of Schools and Colleges of the United Methodist Church.
The Department of Chemistry of the College of Arts & Sciences is accredited by the American Chemical Society; programs in clinical and counseling psychology in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences are accredited by the American Psychological Association. The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is a charter member of the Council of Graduate Schools of the United States.
Financial Aid for PhD Students Financial Aid for MFA Students
Contact Us
Teaching
Serving as a Teaching Fellow in the Learn from Anywhere format will likely look different than teaching experiences you have had in the past. GRS, in partnership with colleagues across the University are working to provide you with information about these changes to ensure you have a smooth transition into the LfA format.
The Center for Teaching and Learning
To help faculty and TFs during the transition to remote teaching and the Learn from Anywhere framework, CTL has compiled a number of resources available on their website including guides for remote teaching in STEM, Teaching remotely for Accessibility, Equity, & Inclusion, and many more. A comprehensive list of these guides can be found here: http://www.bu.edu/ctl/continuity-of-teaching-resources/
On Campus Research
As of September 2021, BU Campus has fully returned to on-campus research. The Research Recovery Toolkit will provide details about conditions and restrictions.
University-Sponsored Travel
All University-sponsored domestic and international travel for GRS students for the academic year must be reviewed and approved by the Associate Dean of GRS. To apply for an exception, please complete the form below. Students whose international travel requests are approved by the Dean should consult with the University’s Global Travel Risk Assessment Committee (GTRAC). Please find additional information about this process here.
Boston University’s International Travel Risk Policy provides valuable information and tools for students, faculty, and staff members planning or contemplating international travel. Please consult the policy for:
- Guidance on how to register your international travel plans with Global Programs for planning and emergency support;
- Restrictions on travel to high-risk destinations for undergraduates; and
- Requirements and minimum standards for insurance and emergency evacuation coverage
University-Sponsored Travel to High-Risk Destinations is not restricted, however, graduate students traveling to high-risk destinations and/or their sponsoring units are encouraged to seek advice from the GTRAC to develop steps to help mitigate risks.
Financial Matters
Information regarding your PhD fellowship, cost of attendance, and additional options for funding can be found here.
Tax Information
Information regarding your stipend and taxes can be found here.
Health & Wellness Resources
Graduation
Boston University continues to monitor public health and safety guidelines and will provide the university community information regarding graduation and commencement exercises once we are able to do so.
Following University policy, all dissertation defenses can continue to be held remotely. Please collaborate with your defense committee to find an appropriate solution.
All final approval pages for dissertations should be submitted electronically as a PDF to grsrec@bu.edu. Digital signatures are acceptable using tools such as Adobe Reader.
The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS)
Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Records, Student Services
705 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 112
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 353-2696