Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs at Boston University

Boston University logo

Each of the 17 schools and colleges and the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences has its own admissions and financial aid process. However, most schools at Boston University require applicants to submit two letters of recommendation, a Personal Statement, and a Resume or CV. 

International students need to take English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL as part of their application. GRE and GMAT scores are also required for many programs at Boston University. However, some programs like the Masters of Law (L.L.M) Baking and Financial Law do not require the applicants to give standardized test results like the GRE or GMAT. 


What are the typical GRE/GMAT scores considered for admission to graduate programs at the University of Boston?

The schools and colleges at Boston University quote no minimum GRE/GMAT requirement mentioned for graduate programs. However, to get into a university like Boston, applicants must have test grades of about 315 on the GRE and around 680 on the GMAT exam. 

There are some programs that don’t require test scores at all. The Master of Law (L.L.M) Baking and Financial Law does not require the applicants to give standardized test results like the GRE or GMAT. Along with test scores, students also need to submit their personal statements, resumes, and letters of recommendation.  

  • Average GMAT: 675
  • Average GRE: 315


Do certain master's programs at Boston University waive the GRE or GMAT requirement?

Boston University offers some programs without any standardized test requirements. For getting admission to the Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science program at Boston University, no GRE or GMAT scores are needed. Applicants only need to submit A personal statement, A current resume and transcripts from each college and graduate school attended. Similarly, Boston University’s Questrom School of Business does not require applicants to submit GRE scores for MBA programs. 

Here are some more programs which have waived off GRE/GMAT/LSAT scores:

  • LLM in Banking & Financial Law (No LSAT scores required)
  • Clinical Psychology PhD
  • Microbiology Ph.D. 
  • Master of Science in Criminal Justice
  • Speech-Language Pathology MA


How challenging is it to secure admission to Boston University's Master’s programs with a lower GPA?

Graduate programs at Boston University require candidates to have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. However, along with GPAs, the admission committees of various schools take into consideration other application documents like personal essays, extra-curricular activity records, portfolios, interviews, and work experience. These requirements can help but cannot guarantee admission in case of a low GPA.


Are international students likely to encounter challenges in the admission process at Boston University?

Boston University maintains an acceptance rate of around 20% making it difficult for students to crack admissions. However, the university welcomes international students and believes in the idea of diversity of thought and experience. Students from nearly 100 countries and alumni living in over 180 countries are part of the university. Apart from other application requirements, international applicants also need to have good scores in English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS. 


Is an interview a requisite part of the application process for Boston University Master's or joint-degree programs?

Yes, interviews are conducted for some programs at Boston University. For getting admission to Questrom School of Business’s MBA program, interviews are taken. Interviews are done on an invite basis and form an evaluative and integral part of the admission decision.


Lets explore the admission requirements for various graduate programs at Boston University that do not require GRE scores.

Master of Science in Computer Science concentration in Data Analytics

As a part of application at Boston University, official transcripts of previous academic work, three letters of recommendation, personal statement, and résumé are required.

Applicants to the program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and academic or work experience with programming, discrete mathematics, and computer systems. If college-level credit or professional experience is not in evidence, the Admissions Committee will determine which, if any, of the following prerequisite courses will need to be taken.

Students who have completed courses on core curriculum subjects as part of their degree program or have relevant work-related experience may request permission from the Computer Science to replace the corresponding core courses with graduate-level computer science electives.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Applicants to master’s degree must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to enrollment.

1. Transcript(s) from each college and graduate school attended. Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded to your application. Official transcripts will be required upon enrollment.

2. Two letters of recommendation

3. A personal statement (200-500 word essay) discussing your motivation for study.

4. A current résumé/CV

5. A nonrefundable application fee ($85 for master’s degree application, $25 for graduate certificate applications).

GRE/GMAT exams are not required for admission to graduate programs at Metropolitan College.

MS in Criminal Justice

Admission Requirements for MS in Criminal Justice degree from Boston University’s Metropolitan College

  1. Completed Application for Graduate Admission and application fee
  2. All college transcripts
  3. Résumé/CV
  4. Personal statement
  5. One letter of recommendation
  6. Official English proficiency exam results like TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS(International students)
  7. GRE is not required

MS in Supply Chain Management, Global Business Concentration- No GRE requirements

Admission Requirements for MS in Supply Chain Management, Global Business Concentration:

  • Transcript(s) from each college and graduate school attended
  • A current résumé/CV
  • Letters of recommendation 
  • GRE/GMAT exams are not required for admission

Online Master of Science in Global Marketing Management - NO GRE

Admission requirements for Online Master of Science in Global Marketing Management are as follows:

  • GRE score is not required.
  • All college transcripts
  • Résumé/CV
  • Personal statement
  • One letter of recommendation

Master of Science in Health Informatics

Though admission is competitive, Metropolitan College’s application process is simple and straightforward. The graduate degree programs accept applications on an ongoing basis, and it is easy to submit your application online. Admission decisions are made after a full evaluation of each candidate’s application materials.

Applicants to master’s degree and graduate certificate programs must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to enrollment.

Requirements for Complete Application for Admission

>Transcript(s) from each college and graduate school attended. Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded to your application. Official transcripts will be required upon enrollment.

>Two letters of recommendation

>A personal statement (200-500 word essay) discussing your motivation for study.

>A current résumé/CV

>A nonrefundable application fee ($85 for master’s degree application, $25 for graduate certificate applications).

GRE/GMAT exams are not required for admission to graduate programs at Metropolitan College.