Graduate Policies and Procedures

Students will uphold the Code of Student Responsibilities. This code presupposes that there will be civility and respect for others within the university.

Graduate Student Academic Contract:

• All students are required to sign the Graduate Academic Contract.
• The contract indicates that students have read and understand the policies and informational links on this page.

As the document of authority for all students, the Bulletin is a student’s guide to the departments, programs, policies, and courses at Boston University.

• University and College Level Academic Policies

“Boston University’s Academic Conduct Code is designed to assist in the development of a supportive and productive learning environment.  It is both a description of the University’s ethical expectations of students as well as a guarantee of students’ rights and responsibilities as members of a learning community. The Code provides clarity related to policy and procedure regarding academic conduct.”

A 3.0 (B) grade point average is required to qualify for the Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Master of Fine Arts degree. If a student’s grade point index (GPI) is less than a 3.0 in any semester, or if more than 8 credits below B- are received during the length of the program, the student’s record is reviewed by the department of enrollment to determine whether the student should be permitted to continue as a candidate for the degree, or should be placed on academic probation. A student who receives more than two C range grades will be subject to a status review by the College’s academic committee. A grade of D will not receive graduate credit. Please note that final acceptance of C range grades at the master’s level is at the department’s discretion.

It is the responsibility of all graduate students in the College of Communication to be aware of the graduation and academic requirements as outlined in the University Bulletin. Students are responsible for knowing the graduation requirements for their programs and their own status regarding fulfillment of these requirements. The minimum standard for Satisfactory Academic Progress for master’s students is:

• Maintain a GPI/GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Have no more than two C-range grades (C+,C, C–) during the duration of the degree program
• Students must also pass comprehensive exams, theses, professional projects and other milestones on the schedule specified by the program

For information on incomplete grades, please refer to the COM Bulletin.

• Incomplete Grade Form

Students are encouraged to review the COM Graduate Policy and University Policy regarding Leave of Absence, Withdrawals and Reinstatement.

• Graduate students planning a leave of absence or withdrawal need to submit a Withdrawal from University and/or Leave of Absence Form to comgrad@bu.edu.
• International students must meet with an ISSO advisor before interrupting their studies.
• Withdrawal from University Form 
• Leave of Absence Form
• For information on financial implications, please see Tuition Refund.

• The Academic Contract is an aggregated list of rules and policies that are pertinent to COM graduate students. The contract provides a platform to ensure that all students are aware of policies and should eliminate any confusion.
• Please review the Graduate Handbook page on the website, review and sign the contract. It is a fillable PDF so you can complete a digital copy and email it to kbring10@bu.edu OR you can print it off and bring a copy to Room 130A. The signed copy will be added to your student record.

• Graduate students are required to follow the curriculum listed on the university Bulletin.
• Any time a student deviates from the requirements listed on the Bulletin, they must speak with the Graduate Affairs Office, complete a petition form and have the course(s) approved by their academic department/division and graduate affairs.
• Students will receive email confirmation from comgrad@bu.edu when a decision is reached regarding a submitted petition.

• Application for Special Student Status (non-degree)

• Graduate students can transfer up to 8 credits from another university.
• Transferred credits cannot be from an undergraduate or previous master’s degree program.
• Students are required to submit a syllabus for each transferred course.
• Transferred credits can be applied as elective credits, where applicable OR they can replace required COM courses. If they replace required COM courses then the student will be required to take alternative courses to fulfill the degree credit requirement.
• All transfer credits must be reviewed by the department’s academic chairman.

Any student who wishes to complete a directed study with a professor for credit must complete the Graduate Directed Study Request Form.

Any student who wishes to graduate must complete an Application for Graduation prior to the date of graduation. Boston University’s dates of graduation can be found via the university’s Registrar’s calendars. All information regarding graduation, diplomas and ceremonies can be found here.

• Unless required by the degree program, graduate students cannot pursue more than 18 credits per semester without approval from an academic (faculty) advisor. A student and academic advisor must send an approval email to comgrad@bu.edu, or the student will see an additional charge appear on his or her tuition bill.
• Students should not overload into more than 20 credits per semester.

• A new Assistantship Contract is required of all students each semester who pursue employment at COM.
• Information on graduate student employment is available here.

• Federal Stafford Loan Processing Form

• Prize for Academic and Professional Achievement