Getting a Master’s at BU

Advance your passion. And your career.

Earning a master’s degree at Boston University is a rewarding and exciting experience: an adventure of intellectual discovery, discipline, and creative thought. It’s a great way to further hone your analytical abilities and prepare for a successful career, or advance in your current one.

Why should I get a master’s degree at BU?

Boston University is one of the world’s leading research universities with highly ranked programs, award-winning faculty, and facilities second to none. Here you’ll join a vibrant graduate community as diverse in background as in thought. You can find more about what makes BU a great choice at our Why BU? page. If you are an international student, you should also visit our International Student Experience page to get an idea of what to expect from your transition to living and studying in Boston and the USA.

What master’s degrees are available?

Choose from almost 225 master’s programs across BU’s 17 schools and colleges. Our Program Finder can help you find the one that’s right for you. Degrees offered range from high-tech and science to fine arts and communication, including these in-demand areas of study:

• Master’s programs in analytics
• Master’s programs in biotech
• Master’s programs in business
• Master’s programs in computer science
• Master’s programs in data sciences
• Master’s programs in engineering
• Master’s programs in finance

Does BU offer flexible programs?

Study on campus, online, or a combination of both. Day or night. Full-time or part-time. Pursue a master’s degree, doctoral degree, or certificate. Not all options are available for all disciplines, of course, but there are many ways to build a program around your needs.

And, given BU’s interdisciplinary nature, we offer great academic flexibility as well. Graduate students are encouraged to reach across programs and campuses and bring all the University offers to bear on their experience and scholarship. You can even earn dual master’s degrees such as engineering and business, social work and theology, and medical sciences and public health.

How long does a master’s program take?

It varies. Many can be completed in one academic year. Others, particularly those requiring a thesis, may take two. And, of course, part-time study will take longer. Please check the specific programs you are interested in for details and options.

What support does BU offer master’s students?

The University, as well as the individual schools and colleges, provide you with everything you need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. Start with our comprehensive orientation and onboarding process. Tap into our extensive resources, from rare documents in our libraries to state-of-the-art facilities. Access funding, from scholarships and grants to government loans. Explore professional and career development opportunities. Join a student group that shares your interests. And be heard: BU’s Graduate Student Advisory Board represents the concerns and ideas of graduate students before the University administration, so you’ll have a voice in shaping your own experience. Visit our Master’s and Professional Education page to learn more about the BU experience.

Is there additional support for international students?

Yes, Boston University offers a number of resources to help international students plan, transition, and enjoy both their studies and lives here. You’ll find a great deal of helpful information and links at the International Student Experience page on this website. We also recommend you check out the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) for assistance with a number of practical matters, including immigration, visas, orientation, living in Boston, employment, and much more.

Is a master’s degree worth it?

A master’s degree can greatly advance your career. BU’s highly ranked programs hone your analytical abilities and sharpen your expertise while also connecting you to our extensive network of business, academic, professional, and institutional resources, including BU alumni worldwide. So, will a master’s degree help you make more money? Everyone’s situation is different but people with graduate degrees typically earn more than those without. And for many jobs, a master’s degree is required.

Why get my master’s degree in Boston?

Internships and other experiential opportunities abound. Lifelong networking connections can be made on and off campus. Boston is a global leader in technology, medicine, law, higher education, engineering, finance, business, communications, and many other fields, so it is a great place to launch your career.

And you just might stay for life. Because Boston is also great for work-life balance. The Hub teems with entertainment, restaurants, shopping, sports, the arts, history, and numerous unique, diverse neighborhoods that will always offer you something new no matter how long you stay. And BU’s three centrally located campuses put you right in the heart of it all.

Learn more about living in Boston and we think you’ll agree, there’s no other place quite like it.