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The Best Majors to Study at Boston University (BU)

The Best Majors to Study at Boston University (BU)

Discover the top majors and academic programs at Boston University (BU). Get insider tips from current students on the best majors to pursue at BU.

Photo: Iñaki del Olmo
Academics
Updated 2026-01
11 min read

The Best Majors to Study at Boston University (BU)

Discover the top majors and academic programs at Boston University (BU). Get insider tips from current students on the best majors to pursue at BU.
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Sarah Chen

BU Class of 2025 | CAS

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1

The Quick Answer

The Best Majors to Study at Boston University (BU) is part of the academic landscape at Boston University (BU) in Boston, Massachusetts. This guide provides perspective from students and alumni who have navigated these programs firsthand.

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The Top Majors and Academic Programs at BU

As one of the top research universities in the US, Boston University (BU) offers an incredibly diverse range of majors and academic programs to choose from. With over 300 different degree options spanning 17 schools and colleges, BU students have no shortage of opportunities to explore their interests and passions.

Whether you're interested in the sciences, humanities, business, or the arts, there are world-class programs at BU to suit just about every academic pursuit. In this guide, we'll dive into some of the most popular and in-demand majors at BU, as well as insights from current students on what makes these programs stand out.

So if you're trying to decide on the best major for you at BU, read on for an insider's perspective on the university's top academic offerings.

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Business and Management Programs

Boston University (BU)'s Questrom School of Business is one of the university's most renowned and selective academic programs. With degrees in fields like business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, and more, Questrom offers students a top-tier business education combined with unparalleled career preparation.

'The recruiting and career opportunities at Questrom are incredible,' says Samantha, a senior majoring in finance. 'The career center does an amazing job connecting students with internships and full-time roles at leading companies.'

Questrom is also home to several specialized business programs, including a highly-ranked undergraduate entrepreneurship track and a 5-year BS/MS in management. And with small class sizes, hands-on learning, and access to impressive faculty and alumni networks, it's easy to see why Questrom is consistently ranked as one of the best business schools in the country.

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World-Class Engineering Programs

As one of the top engineering schools in the northeast, BU's College of Engineering offers cutting-edge programs across a wide range of technical disciplines. From aerospace and electrical engineering to computer science and biomedical engineering, students have their pick of premier majors and specializations.

'The resources and facilities in the engineering school are top-notch,' says Tom, a junior studying mechanical engineering. 'The labs, research opportunities, and faculty mentorship have been invaluable in preparing me for my future career.'

In addition to its highly-ranked undergraduate programs, the College of Engineering also features several accelerated 4+1 master's tracks, allowing students to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in just 5 years. And with research centers tackling global challenges in areas like energy, healthcare, and transportation, engineering students get hands-on experience working on real-world problems.

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Renowned Arts & Sciences Programs

While BU is renowned for its professional schools, the College of Arts & Sciences also boasts a wide array of top-tier academic programs. From the humanities and social sciences to the natural and computational sciences, CAS offers world-class majors in fields like economics, psychology, biology, and political science.

'I chose to major in economics at BU because the program is extremely rigorous and respected,' says Olivia, a senior. 'The coursework has really pushed me to think critically, and the research opportunities have been invaluable.'

In addition to its stellar disciplinary programs, CAS also features several interdisciplinary majors and minors, allowing students to combine interests and tailor their education. And with small class sizes, award-winning faculty, and access to cutting-edge research facilities, CAS students get an unparalleled liberal arts experience.

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Top Communication and Media Programs

BU's College of Communication (COM) is widely regarded as one of the best communication schools in the country. With specialized programs in fields like journalism, public relations, advertising, and film/TV, COM provides students with the skills, experience, and industry connections needed to launch successful careers.

'The hands-on learning and professional development in the COM program are truly unmatched,' says Ethan, a junior studying PR and advertising. 'From our state-of-the-art production facilities to the abundance of internship and networking opportunities, COM sets students up for success.'

In addition to its flagship communication degrees, COM also features several cross-disciplinary majors that combine communication with other fields like marketing, political science, or computer science. And with an impressive alumni network of communication leaders, BU students gain access to invaluable mentorship and career support.

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Other Top Majors and Programs at BU

While the programs mentioned above are some of BU's most renowned, the university offers a wealth of other excellent academic options as well. Some other top majors and programs at Boston University (BU) include:

  • School of Public Health - Ranked among the best in the nation, with programs in public health, health sciences, and health policy.
  • Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences - Home to highly-ranked degrees in fields like physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and nutrition.
  • School of Law - A top-20 law school that offers a Juris Doctor degree as well as several specialized master's programs.
  • College of Fine Arts - Features renowned performing arts programs in areas like music, theatre, visual arts, and film/television.
  • Pardee School of Global Studies - Interdisciplinary programs that combine international affairs, policy, business, and language studies.
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Academic Resources and Support at BU

Pro Tip

Regardless of your intended major, BU provides a wealth of resources and support to help students succeed academically. From personalized advising and tutoring to research opportunities and career development, the university has an extensive infrastructure in place to foster student achievement.

Some of the key academic resources available to BU students include:

  • Faculty mentorship and office hours
  • Peer tutoring and academic coaching
  • Writing/research assistance through the Center for Writing & Rhetoric
  • Professional development workshops and career counseling
  • Undergraduate research programs and funding
  • Study abroad, internship, and experiential learning opportunities

'The academic support system at BU is really impressive,' says Emma, a sophomore studying mechanical engineering. 'The professors, advisors, and tutors are all incredibly invested in helping me achieve my goals.'

And with state-of-the-art facilities like the Mugar Memorial Library, BU students have access to cutting-edge resources and technology to support their learning and research.

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Tips for Choosing the Right Major at BU

Pro Tip

Deciding on the perfect major can be a daunting task, but BU has plenty of resources to help students navigate the process. Here are some tips for choosing the best academic program at Boston University (BU):

  • Explore your interests and passions. Use BU's degree search tool to browse the wide array of majors and see which ones align with your goals and curiosities.
  • Meet with academic advisors. Take advantage of personalized advising to get guidance on potential majors, course planning, and career paths.
  • Attend academic fairs and info sessions. These events allow you to directly connect with faculty and current students from different programs.
  • Consider potential career outcomes. Research job prospects, earning potential, and other practical factors for the majors you're considering.
  • Don't be afraid to change direction. Many BU students find their true passion by exploring different subjects before declaring a major.

'I came in as a biology major but ended up switching to economics because I found the quantitative and analytical aspects more engaging,' says Olivia. 'The flexibility at BU allowed me to try out different programs before finding the best fit.'

By taking the time to thoughtfully evaluate your options, you can choose the major that will provide the most rewarding and fulfilling academic experience at BU.

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What Surprises BU Students About Academics

The Hub curriculum at BU is more flexible than it first appears. With strategic planning, you can satisfy multiple requirements with single courses—but this requires understanding the system early.

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Key Considerations

When evaluating The Best Majors to Study at Boston University (BU), BU students should weigh both the benefits and constraints. No option is perfect for everyone—the right choice depends on your specific priorities, circumstances, and what tradeoffs you're willing to accept.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular majors at Boston University (BU)?
Some of the most popular and in-demand majors at BU include business administration, finance, computer science, economics, biology, psychology, and journalism. The university's renowned professional schools in fields like engineering, communication, and public health also attract a significant number of students.
Is it easy to change majors at BU?
Yes, Boston University (BU) is generally very flexible when it comes to changing majors. The university has a robust academic advising system that helps guide students through the process of exploring different programs and transitioning between majors. Many BU students find their true passion by trying out a few different subjects before declaring a final major.
What are the academic requirements for getting into BU?
Admission to Boston University (BU) is highly competitive. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students range from 1330-1490, while the middle 50% ACT scores are 31-34. BU also places a strong emphasis on high school GPA, with the middle 50% being 3.85-4.00. Additionally, the university looks for demonstrated leadership, extracurricular involvement, and strong essays in the application process.
Does BU offer accelerated or combined degree programs?
Yes, Boston University (BU) has several accelerated and combined degree programs across its schools and colleges. These include 4+1 master's programs that allow students to earn a bachelor's and master's in just 5 years, as well as dual-degree options that let you pursue two bachelor's or a bachelor's and master's simultaneously. These fast-track programs are available in fields like business, engineering, public health, and more.
What type of academic support is available at BU?
Boston University (BU) provides extensive academic support and resources to help students succeed. This includes personalized faculty mentorship, peer tutoring, writing/research assistance, career counseling, and more. The university also has state-of-the-art facilities like the Mugar Memorial Library to support learning and research. Overall, BU's comprehensive academic support system is designed to set students up for success in their programs and future careers.
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