If you wish to develop and pursue a course of study centered around a unifying theme, problem, or issue, the Bachelor of Science (BS)/Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) in Interdisciplinary Studies degree programs at Boston University’s Metropolitan College provides an opportunity to propose your own curriculum and choose ten related upper-level courses (40 credits), selected from various Metropolitan College departments and programs. Exposure to humanities, social and natural sciences, math, and computer science ensures that you develop college-level rhetorical acumen and critical-thinking skills. Your application must include a statement of rationale for the topic and be sponsored by a faculty member. The application must then be reviewed and approved by the Associate Dean for Enrollment & Student Affairs.
The BLS in Interdisciplinary Studies is also available through the Online Undergraduate Degree Completion Program (UDCP). For students who wish to complete their bachelor’s degree—and who have previously earned 52–64 transferable academic credits—the Online UDCP offers a unique, completely online curriculum covering the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.
Program at a Glance
- On Campus
- Part-Time
- 128 Credits
- 24–36 Months
An Interdisciplinary Foundation for Success
Metropolitan College’s Interdisciplinary Studies bachelor’s degree will equip you with:
- A broad understanding of the liberal arts (that may be considered complete in itself or as suitable preparation for graduate studies), along with college-level rhetorical acumen through exposure to the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, including mathematics and computer science.
- Critical thinking skills via analysis and synthesis of interdisciplinary material studied in the classical and contemporary liberal arts.
- Preparedness for active citizenship by means of a strong foundation in the liberal arts and an understanding of the connectedness of knowledge and learning.
Career Outlook
- 93% of employers agree that a candidate’s demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than their undergraduate major.
- 80% of employers agree that all students should acquire broad knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences.
- 55% of employers prefer a combination of field-specific knowledge and skills and a broad range of knowledge and skills.
Source: National Center for Higher Education Management Systems and the Association of American Colleges and Universities, How Liberal Arts and Sciences Majors Fare in Employment
Why Complete Your Interdisciplinary Studies Bachelor’s at BU?
- Rounded Learning Environment: MET’s BLS in Interdisciplinary Studies explores classical and contemporary areas of the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, and is designed for you to self-direct your bachelor’s degree education—pick your own courses and choose your own interdisciplinary focus with the help of your advisor.
- A Balanced Education: BU MET Interdisciplinary Studies students acquire an understanding of literature and history through focused themes, and gain full proficiency in writing through individual and collaborative work.
- Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s BLS/BS in Interdisciplinary Studies bachelor’s program, an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio ensures close interaction with highly qualified faculty drawn from across the Boston University community that will develop your interdisciplinary skills in analysis, creative thinking, and communication across media.
- Extensive Network: Study alongside peers with professional experience, learn from faculty who have valuable contacts, and benefit from a global alumni community with strong connections.
- Student Support: Benefit from access to personalized professional academic advice from the team of academic counselors in MET Enrollment & Student Success.
- Valuable Resources: Make use of Boston University’s extensive resources, including the Center for Career Development, Educational Resource Center, Fitness & Recreation Center, IT Help Centers, Mugar Memorial Library, Center for Antiracist Research, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, George Sherman Union, Rafik B. Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering, and many others.
- Flexible Schedule: Pursue your studies part-time, at the pace that works for you, evenings on campus.
- Affordable Tuition: Complete your bachelor’s part-time at BU at a substantial savings compared to full-time study.
- Financial Assistance: Undergraduate students at BU MET are eligible for a range of financial aid and community-minded scholarship opportunities designed to support those investing in their education part-time who still need to navigate full-time responsibilities.
Flexible, Part-Time Degree Completion—at Boston University
The BLS in Interdisciplinary Studies at Boston University’s Metropolitan College is a self-paced bachelor’s degree completion program offered in a convenient, part-time evening format—ideal for busy professionals who seek to earn a Boston University degree without turning their personal lives upside down or putting their careers on hold. Along with self-paced on-campus programs in a variety of majors, MET also offers the Online Undergraduate Degree Completion Program.
Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies Curriculum
Candidates for the bachelor’s degree at Metropolitan College are required to complete a minimum of 32 courses (128 credits), including Hub requirements, major requirements, related courses, and electives.
Hub Requirements
All BU undergraduate students, including transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University’s general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied in a number of ways, including coursework in and beyond the major as well as through cocurricular activities.
Major Courses
A total of ten approved, upper-level courses (40 credits), completed with a grade of C or higher, is required. A minimum of six courses (24 credits) must be at the 300 level or higher.
Electives
Electives are chosen with the advice of an academic counselor. The number of electives varies depending on transfer credit.
View undergraduate courses.
View all Interdisciplinary Studies undergraduate courses.
Tuition & Financial Assistance
Competitive Tuition
Our part-time rates are substantially lower than those of the traditional, full-time residential programs yet provide access to the same high-quality BU education.Comprehensive Financial Assistance
Our services include scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans.How Much Does This Program Cost?
BU MET’s bachelor’s degree completion programs allow students to quickly complete their degree at an affordable part-time tuition rate, enrolling in two to three courses (8–12 credits) each semester. Eligible graduates from any public Massachusetts community college receive a 50 percent tuition reduction.
Total program cost is dependent on the quantity of transferrable credits and number of courses taken each semester. For a cost estimate based on your academic background, please connect with an admissions advisor.
This chart shows the variable costs dependent on the volume of incoming transfer credit:
| Incoming Transfer Credits** |
68–80 (17–20 courses) |
36–64 (9–16 courses) |
24–32 (6–8 courses) |
| Remaining BU Credits for Degree Completion |
48–60 (12–15 courses) |
64–92 (16–23 courses) |
96–104 (24–26 courses) |
| Time to Degree | 4–7 semesters (16–28 months)*** |
6–11 semesters (24–44 months)*** |
8–13 semesters (32–62 months)*** |
| Tuition per Credit* | $550 | $550 | $550 |
| Fees per Semester* | $60 | $60 | $60 |
| Total Degree Cost* | $26,640– $33,420 |
$35,620– $51,260 |
$53,280– $57,980 |
*Based on 2024–2025 Boston University tuition & fee rates. Some courses may require a $200 undergraduate lab fee (for non-computer science courses).
**To determine your transferrable undergraduate credits, schedule an appointment with Assistant Director of Admissions Kevin Ahearn.
***Program completion time is dependent upon transfer credits and pace of enrollment (two or three courses per semester).
Please note that enrollment in four or more courses in a semester requires students to pay the full-time (per semester) tuition rate.
Questions? Please contact us to hear from an Admissions Advisor who can help you determine the best enrollment pathway. For information regarding financial aid, visit the Boston University Financial Assistance website. We also encourage you to review the scholarship opportunities for BU MET undergraduate students.
Get Started
Please visit the BU MET admissions page for details on how to apply, financial assistance, tuition and fees, requirements for international students, and more.
News & Events
September 5th, 2024 at: 1:00pm - 1:45pm
The Inside Scoop: BU MET Graduate Admissions for Domestic Students (US Citizens & Permanent US Residents)
September 10th, 2024 at: 10:00am - 10:45am
The Inside Scoop: Graduate Admissions at BU MET (International Students)
September 24th, 2024 at: 10:00am - 10:45am
STEM Programs at BU MET