Boston University

Charles River Campus, Boston United States

Shortlist

# 108QS World University Rankings

146Undergraduate programs

293Postgraduate programs

AvailableScholarship

About Boston University

Boston University is a major global research institution, creating breakthroughs in everything from African studies to zebrafish genetics. With over 34,000 part-time and full-time undergraduate and graduate students and nearly 10,000 faculty and staff spread across 17 schools and colleges, BU’s three city campuses are always humming. Established in 1869 by three Methodist businessmen, Boston University has since evolved into the largest university in Boston and the fourth-largest private university in the country. In 2018, U.S. News & World Report ranked BU 37th in the nation and 39th among global universities. The faculty features a Pulitzer Prize winner, a MacArthur fellow, a former US Poet Laureate, and dozens of Guggenheim fellows. Our graduates are among the most employable in the country and the world—5th and 6th, respectively, according to Times Higher Education.

BU is a member of the Association of American Universities, an invitation-only group of 62 of North America’s most prestigious research universities. One of only four Boston-area members, BU boasts particular interdisciplinary breadth and depth of excellence in cloud computing and cyber security; engineering biology; infectious diseases; neuroscience; photonics; urban policy; education; and the humanities. Home also to a medical school and teaching hospital, in FY2017 BU landed more than $400M in federal research dollars. In the commercial sector, some 200 companies are developing and selling products based on BU discoveries.BU is also a global university, with thousands of international scholars, faculty, and students on campus at any given time. By the same token, thousands of Terriers and faculty members get their passports stamped each year for study, research, and internship opportunities on all seven continents.
With an alumni base of more than 300,000 graduates, Boston University has produced many notable alums including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The University counts 11 current or former governors of US states, 7 United States senators, and 32 members of the United States House of Representatives among its alumni. And a slew of Hollywood stars, including Geena Davis, Julianne Moore, Faye Dunaway, and Jason Alexander, call BU their alma mater, as do a number of other celebrated artists and thinkers.
BU is nestled in the heart of Boston, a hotbed of high tech and biomedicine, and the birthplace of American history, serving as an extended classroom for students, offering study, internship, and professional opportunities with some of the world’s most influential leaders in fields from art to finance to biotech. It’s no wonder BU is called “Boston’s university.”

About Boston University

Available programs

One of the largest private universities in the country, Boston University educates approximately 16,000 undergraduate students each year. Nearly 3,900 faculty members teach in 250 programs of study at 17 schools and colleges.

In 2018, U.S. News & World Report ranked BU 37th in the nation and 39th among global universities. The faculty features a Pulitzer Prize winner, a MacArthur fellow, a former US Poet Laureate, and dozens of Guggenheim fellows. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1 and the average class size is 27.
BU is a member of the Association of American Universities, an invitation-only group of North America’s most prestigious research universities. One of only four Boston-area members, BU boasts particular interdisciplinary breadth and depth of excellence in cloud computing and cyber security; engineering biology; infectious diseases; neuroscience; photonics; urban policy; education; and the humanities. It’s not unusual to find undergraduates in the cutting-edge labs and work spaces of prominent researchers tackling life-changing challenges.

Recognized around the world, the University fields applications for admission from students representing over 150 countries. By the same token, thousands of Terriers get their passports stamped every year for study, research, and internships on all seven continents. Once they graduate, BU students are among the most employable in the country and the world—5th and 6th, respectively, according to Times Higher Education.
BU is implementing a University-wide general education curriculum called the BU Hub, which ensures every graduate will possess the essential knowledge, skills, and habits of mind needed to think deeply, generate new ideas, and put them into action, particularly within the context of a hyper-fast, globally connected world.

On campus, daily life is a swirl of languages, faces, and religions, with 450+ student clubs, countless shows and lectures, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a slew of pubs and restaurants, and 22 varsity athletic teams, including the thrills and spills of Terrier hockey.

The University is nestled in the heart of Boston, a hotbed of high tech and biomedicine, and the birthplace of American history, serving as an extended classroom for students, offering study, internships, and professional opportunities with some of the world’s most influential leaders in fields from art to finance to biotech. It’s no wonder BU is called “Boston’s university.”

Arts and Humanities (6)

B.A. in Biology - Quantitative Biology

B.A. in Geography - Physical Geography

B.A. in Philosophy and Physics

BA in Ancient Greek

BA in Ancient Greek and Latin

BA in Archaeology

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Business and Management (6)

B.S. in Advertising

BA/MPH in Health Law, Bioethics and Human Rights

BS/MPH in Health Law, Bioethics and Human Rights

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Accounting

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Finance

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Engineering and Technology (6)

B.A. in Mathematics and Computer Science

BS in Computer Science

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Management Information Systems

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

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Life Sciences and Medicine (6)

B.A. in Anthropology

B.A. in Anthropology - Anthropology and Religion

B.A. in Biology

B.A. in Biology - Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics

B.A. in Biology - Ecology and Conservation Biology

B.A. in Biology - Neurobiology

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Natural Sciences (6)

B.A. in Astronomy and Physics

B.A. in Earth Sciences

B.A. in Earth Sciences - Geophysics and Planetary Sciences

B.A. in Mathematics

B.A. in Mathematics and Philosophy

BA in Astronomy

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Social Sciences and Management (6)

B.A. in Economics and Mathematics

B.A. in Geography - Human Geography

B.A. in Mathematics and Mathematics Education

B.S. in Communication Studies

BA in English

BA in Geography with a Specialization in Human Geography

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The largest university in Boston and the fourth-largest private educational institution in the country, Boston University counts some 15,000 graduate students among its student body.

Nearly 3,900 faculty members teach at 17 schools and colleges and when not at the front of the classroom, they can be found at BU’s 125+ research centers and institutes and 2,326 laboratories spread across three city campuses. The faculty features a Pulitzer Prize winner, a MacArthur fellow, a former US Poet Laureate, and dozens of Guggenheim fellows.
BU is a major, global research institution and a member of the Association of American Universities, an invitation-only group of 62 of North America’s most prestigious research universities. One of only four Boston-area members, BU boasts particular interdisciplinary breadth and depth of excellence in cloud computing and cyber security; engineering biology; infectious diseases; neuroscience; photonics; urban policy; education; and the humanities. Home also to a medical school and teaching hospital, in FY2017 BU landed more than $400M in federal research dollars. In the commercial sector, some 200 companies are developing and selling products based on BU discoveries.

U.S. News & World Report for 2019 ranked numerous BU graduate programs among the country’s top 50: Sargent College’s occupational therapy program (#1), School of Public Health’s program (#10), Business (#42), Education (#34), Law (#22), Engineering (#34), Biomedical Engineering (#12), Medical Research (#29), Medical Primary Care (#26), Social Work (#10), as well as graduate programs in Computer Science, Math, Physics, Economics, Psychology, and Sociology.

Arts and Humanities (6)

Dual JD/MA in English

JD/MA in English

JD/MA in History

MA in Archaeology

MA in Classical Studies

MA in Composition

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Business and Management (6)

MS in Business Analytics

MS in International Marketing Management

MS in Management Studies (MSMS)

MS in Mathematical Finance & Financial Technology (MSMFT)

MS/MPH in Health Law, Bioethics and Human Rights

Master of Liberal Arts in Gastronomy - Business and Entrepreneurship

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Engineering and Technology (6)

JD/MA in Preservation Studies

MA in Computer Science

MS in Computer Engineering

MS in Computer Science with Specialization in Cyber Security

MS in Computer Science with Specialization in Data-Centric Computing

MS in Global Manufacturing

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Life Sciences and Medicine (6)

MA in Cognitive and Neural Systems

MA in Pathology

MS in Clinical Investigation

MS in Forensic Anthropology

MS in Genetic Counseling

MS in Health Care Emergency Management

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Natural Sciences (6)

MA in Astronomy

MA in Chemistry

MA in Earth Sciences

MA in Physics

MS in Materials Science and Engineering

MS in Photonics Specializing in Fiber Photonics Materials and Devices

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Social Sciences and Management (6)

Dual Degree JD/MA in Preservation Studies

Dual JD/MA in International Relations

JD/MA in International Relations

JD/Master of Public Health (MPH)

MA in African American Studies

MA in Art Education

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Full-Time MBA (3)

Full-Time MBA

Health Sector MBA + MD

Health Sector MBA + MPH

MBA + JD

MBA + JD (3-Year Accelerated)

MBA + MA in Economics

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Online/Distance MBA (3)

Online MBA

Part-Time MBA (3)

Health Sector Full-Time MBA (HSM)

Part-Time MBA (PEMBA)

Social Impact Part-Time MBA

Arts and Humanities (6)

Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition

Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting - Dissertation Track

Doctor of Musical Arts in Historical Performance

Doctor of Musical Arts in Historical Performance - Dissertation Track

Doctor of Musical Arts in Historical Performance - Recital Track

Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting

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Business and Management (6)

PhD Program

Engineering and Technology (6)

Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Computer Science

Life Sciences and Medicine (6)

Doctor of Dental Medicine

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Doctor of Philosophy in Biology - Marine Biology

Doctor of Philosophy in Biology - Neurobiology

Doctor of Physical Therapy

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Natural Sciences (6)

Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics

PhD in Astronomy

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Earth Sciences

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering

PhD in Mathematics, Including Statistics and Probability

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Social Sciences and Management (6)

American Studies PhD

Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Economics

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Health

Doctor of Philosophy in Hispanic Language and Literatures

Doctor of Philosophy in Religion - Religion and Science Track

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Bachelor

SAT

1360+

GPA

IELTS

TOEFL

90+

Master

GMAT

620+

GRE

301+

GPA

IELTS

TOEFL

90+

Total students

27,938

UG students

63%

PG students

37%

International students

9,407

UG students

50%

PG students

50%

Total faculty staff

2,707

Domestic staff

81%

Int'l staff

19%

Tuition fee and scholarships

Scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

Download Scholarship Guide

Rankings & ratings

RANKINGS

Boston University is one of the top private universities in Boston, United States. It is ranked #108 in QS World University Rankings 2025.

QS World University Rankings

Chart
Data

2012
#64
2014
#=79
2015
#78
2016
#91
2017
#89
2018
#81
2019
#=93
2020
#98
2021
#110
2022
#=112
2023
#108
2024
#=93
2025
#108

View all rankings data

Campus locations

Campus Name

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Similar Universities

Temple University

Boston University

Charles River Campus, Boston United States

# 108QS World University Rankings

146Undergraduate programs

293Postgraduate programs

AvailableScholarship

Find your perfect Course!

About Boston University

About Boston University

Available programs

Bachelor UG

Master PG

MBA

PHD

B.A. in Biology - Quantitative Biology

B.A. in Geography - Physical Geography

B.A. in Philosophy and Physics

BA in Ancient Greek

BA in Ancient Greek and Latin

BA in Archaeology

BA in Architectural Studies

BA in Classical Civilization

BA in Classics and Philosophy

BA in Classics and Religion

BA in Geography with a Specialization in Physical Geography

BA in History

BA in History of Art and Architecture

BA in Latin

BA in Linguistics and Philosophy

BA in Music

BA in Philosophy and Psychology

BS in Modern Foreign Language Education - French

BS in Modern Foreign Language Education - German

BS in Modern Foreign Language Education - Italian

BS in Modern Foreign Language Education - Spanish

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Painting

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture

Bachelor of Liberal Studies in English and American Literature

Bachelor of Liberal Studies in History

Bachelor of Music - Education/Musicology

Bachelor of Music - Performance/Music Education

Bachelor of Music - Performance/Musicology

Bachelor of Music - Performance/Theory and Composition

Bachelor of Music in Composition and Theory

Bachelor of Music in Music Education

Bachelor of Music in Musicology

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Bass

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Bassoon

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Cello

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Clarinet

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Euphonium

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Flute

Bachelor of Music in Performance - French Horn

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Harp

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Oboe

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Organ

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Percussion

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Piano

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Saxophone

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Trombone

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Trumpet

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Tuba

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Viola

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Violin

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Voice

Bachelor of Science in Urban Affairs

B.S. in Advertising

BA/MPH in Health Law, Bioethics and Human Rights

BS/MPH in Health Law, Bioethics and Human Rights

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Accounting

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Finance

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - International Management

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Law

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Marketing

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Organizational Behavior

Bachelor of Science in Management Studies