Penny Lane.

I am currently a junior in High School and Boston University is one of my top choice schools. I would like to double major in Communications (Journalism) and English. How does this work exactly? I understand that these fields are apart of different schools within BU, so how do I go about applying to double major? Do I apply to one school and request a double major junior year?

As you can see, i'm pretty lost.
Help?

Alectricity

To double major, you have to go through this program called BUCOP which is pretty much a dual degree program. For now, just apply to one school here at BU. If you want to complete your dual degree in 4 years(which is what I'm assuming) you'll have to do something called course over-load which is pretty much taking more classes than is permitted. You'll end up paying more tuition for it too. So most people here take 16 units(4 classes) but, you'll be taking 20 units(5 classes). It's a very intense program as it requires you to take summer school and to overload on classes almost every semester starting your spring semester as a freshman. The classes you take can, however, be reduced by AP/IB credits or equivalents. Good luck!

odin64x

Actually, many people are able to BUCOP and get double majors without having to take summer classes. As for overloading, chances are you will have to overload at some point but if you have above a 3.3gpa, you do not have to pay. I have overloaded every semester possible since I feel like although it is a lot of work, it's basically a free class if you have above a 3.3. And I'm not totally sure about this but I believe the BUCOP program requires you to maintain at least a 3.3 gpa anyways so essentially if you have to overload because of BUCOP, the extra class would always be free. How many AP credits you come in with also is a big factor. If you have a lot of AP credits then they'll go towards a lot of your elective requirements and you'll have more than enough time to take the courses you'll need for your major.

Lergnom

It is a double degree, so you'd get a BS from COM and a BA from CAS. It's not hard to take 5 classes and do well, depending on your college and the particular classes.

Kids who BUCOP often do very well. When you're at a graduation, you'll be surprised how many times you'll hear two magna or even summa cum laude degrees for one person. (Yes, they read out your degree and any Latin honor.)

Beach_Blvd

Boston University Arts & Sciences

You must have a 3.00 GPA to apply for BUCOP and must maintain a 3.00 for the duration of the program. The degrees are co-terminal; if you don't complete the requirements for the CAS degree, you can't graduate with the COM degree. If you have sufficient AP scores or you take college-level courses while in high school, you have a leg up on fulfilling the 144 required credits (compared to 128 for a single degree). I'm a current BUCOP junior and will graduate on time without overloading (I've taken two summer courses while at home in California so far).

As for which college you should apply to, that's up to you. I started in COM and then applied to CAS, which has worked out well for me because COM is smaller and more intimate. I guess I'd say apply for whichever major (Journalism or English) you feel you're a stronger applicant and have the better chance of being admitted into BU.

kinshasa

My son started in CAS as a political science major and then applied to BUCOP in COM. He graduated with a BA in political science and BS in communications (public relations)--- we needed two diploma frames! He had placed out of several poli sci courses due to AP credit which made it easier for him to finish on time. I think he took 5 courses one semester only.

Lergnom

BU is pretty generous in giving AP credits. You can find the list somewhere on the site. I've posted a link before but they often change the site around. One of my kids got 28 credits coming in, which meant only 1 class to make a whole year. That makes two degrees much easier.

Penny Lane.

Thanks guys!
I'm getting 2 different answers regarding the money situation, about how much more will this cost?