Depending on how many courses an applicant has successfully completed in one of the above academic areas, students may be eligible for immediate admission or may need to complete additional courses beyond the 46 graduate-level credits required within the MAT program. Each applicant is considered on the basis of the total application. Though the program begins in late June each year, it is possible to begin in September. Doctoral candidates must hold a master's degree or its academic equivalent from an accredited institution. Specific requirements relative to the selection of courses, seminars, and research or independent study are determined by the student's department of concentration.
Departments generally require a number of courses beyond the minimum.
Every doctoral candidate must spend a minimum of two consecutive semesters in residence at Boston University. Residence is defined as registration for a minimum of 12 credit hours at the University during each of two consecutive semesters. A formal application for a comprehensive examination must be filed with the department chairman and faculty advisor. The examination must be completed successfully. Each candidate must demonstrate the ability to make a significant contribution in his or her field and to report this contribution successfully in a doctoral dissertation.