Boston University offers a range of immersive and interdisciplinary experiential learning opportunities across the university, equipping students not only with knowledge gained in the classroom but also with the skills to apply and build their skill sets through hands-on projects in real-world settings. Scroll below to learn more about some of the experiential learning programs currently active at BU.
MetroBridge
MetroBridge is a university-wide program spearheaded by us, the Boston University Initiative on Cities, that empowers students across Boston University to tackle urban issues and, simultaneously, helps city leaders address key challenges. MetroBridge connects with local governments to understand their priorities and then collaborates with BU faculty to translate each city’s unique needs into course projects. Students in undergraduate and graduate classes engage in city projects as class assignments, working directly with local government leaders throughout the semester. The goal of MetroBridge is to mutually benefit both the BU community and local governments by expanding access to experiential learning and by providing tailored support to under-resourced cities.
BU Hub’s Cross-College Challenge (XCC)
The BU Cross-College Challenge (XCC) is the Hub’s signature project-based course, open to juniors and seniors from all 10 undergraduate schools and colleges. A variety of on-campus and community clients (including cities) can present real-world projects, and students work collaboratively on their team projects.
Students present their apps to judges, stakeholders, and visitors on May 2 at CDS for BU Spark! Demo Day. Photo by Cydney Scott for Boston University Photography
BU Spark!
BU Spark! is an initiative to support student-driven innovation and entrepreneurship in computer science, computer engineering, and related disciplines. BU Spark! aims to help students realize their technical potential by providing access to resources, knowledge, and expert networks to support their innovation journeys. Students participating in BU Spark! have created data science tools for Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Natick, and Revere.
BU URBAN Program
The BU Graduate Program in Urban Biogeoscience and Environmental Health (BU URBAN) is a graduate training program at Boston University designed to prepare Ph.D. students for careers in academia, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector. While each career trajectory requires specialized professional skills, this program combines broad training across science, management, policy, communication, and governance.
College of Arts & Sciences Experiential Learning Connector
The College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Experiential Learning Connector is a resource designed to help students discover and access a diverse range of experiential opportunities available to CAS students at Boston University (BU). It is designed to help CAS undergraduates navigate the various ways to engage in experiential learning at BU, from one-day service-learning projects to year-long study-abroad experiences — and everything in between.