Boston University - Online

Highlights

• Online extension of Boston University, one of the largest independent universities in the US
• Access to the university's professors
• Online graduates join an alumni network of over 250,000
• A member of the United States Distance Learning Association
• Accreditation provided by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges

About the School

Boston University (BU) was established in 1839 and is regarded as one of the United States largest independent universities. Online graduates join an alumni network of over 250,000 students located throughout the globe. BU is an institution of many firsts and achievements throughout its history. For example: it was the first American university to award a PhD degree to a woman; BU professor Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in a BU laboratory; and Dr. Martin Luther King earned his PhD at BU. The school recently has had four Nobel prize winners among its faculty.

Boston University Online offers master's, graduate certificates and doctoral degrees in various programs including a Doctor of Physical Therapy, MS for Occupational Therapy and a Master of Criminal Justice degree. The school strives to keep the programs current with the latest trends.

Academic Programs

The school's online programs include the following degree options:

• Graduate Certificates – According to the university, the certificate programs emphasize cutting-edge subjects that are pertinent to working professionals, including topics such as clinical investigation, emergency management and project management. Short-term specialized training is provided.
• Graduate Programs – The objective of the programs is to offer enrollees the skills and the theoretical foundation needed to advance in their careers. The curriculums strive to combine abstract with practical learning.
• Undergraduate Degree Completion Program – Designed for students who have finished about half of their undergraduate courses and desire to complete their curriculum in a convenient online format. The program includes liberal arts as well as social and natural sciences.

Several online programs that the school is currently featuring include:

• Computer Information Systems – A master's degree is available. The program takes advantage of full-time BU faculty. Typically completed in 12-20 months, the program is targeted for working professionals seeking to expand their abilities to manage IT projects and teams. Covered topics include security, digital forensics, project management, and business intelligence.
• Music Education – Designed to enable working music educators to get a Master's or Doctorate in Music Education. BU's School of Music was the first US degree-granting music school. Programs are structured to allow students to complete Master's courses in as little as 16 months and Doctoral requirements in 24 months.
• Health Communication – The school's Master's in Health Communication is aimed at helping students to be successful leaders in healthcare marketing, public relations, health literacy, crisis management, and social marketing. Students can earn their degrees as quickly as 18 months through part-time studies.
• Art Education – This Master's program is structured to give students the concepts and skills for fostering creativity and art knowledge in the classroom, while at the same time readying them for advancing their careers. This program can be completed in as few as 18 months.

Learning Options

• Flexible schedules
• Simulations, multimedia presentations and discussions are part of the programs
• Students can usually finish two courses per semester by taking seven-week courses back-to-back
• Students can begin a program almost at any time since courses regularly begin every seven weeks throughout the year
• Students have access to the university's professors

Faculty

The instructors have scholarly achievements and professional experience. Boston University Online includes faculty members who have expertise in online education.

Student Life

The vast majority of the enrollees in the online graduate programs are working professionals. The Online Learning Portal allows students to communicate with teachers and other students. The portal also offers course information, assignments, quizzes and other types of information. Regarding assistance, live technical support is available 24/7. Also, students are provided with a program manager and a small group instructor.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Each online curriculum has it's own application requirements and process. School admission representatives offer assistance regarding the application procedure. The Student Link program provides information about financing.