Academic Structure

The Academic Structure is the foundational organizing framework of MyBU Student and its data. Below is an overview of Academic Structure components and example graduate and undergraduate paths to illustrate how these components operate.

Academic Structure Overview and Examples flow chart highlighting the difference between Academic Group and Academic Organization. The Academic groups are divided by graduate career and undergraduate career. Under each are examples of programs, plans, and sub-plans. On the graduate side, the two examples are as follows: the Graduate College of Engineering is the program, MS Biomedical Engineering is the plan, and Robotics specialization is the sub-plan. The Graduate Wheelock College of Education is the second program, EdM Counseling is the plan, and Sports Psychology Specialization is the Sub-Plan. On the undergraduate side, the two examples are as follows: The College of Arts & Sciences is the program, BA History is the plan, and Minor Jewish Studies is the sub-plan. College of Fine Arts is the second program, BA Art is the plan, and Minor Philosophy is the sub-plan.
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Academic Structure Definitions & Translations to Legacy SIS

MyBU Student Concept Definition Prior BU Legacy Equivalent Concept
Academic Career All the course work undertaken by a student that is maintained in a single record. (E.g., Undergraduate, Graduate, Law, Medicine, etc.) N/A
Academic Group Degree granting units at BU. This entity groups School or College students and courses. (E.g., College of Arts & Sciences, School of Public Health). School or College
Academic Organization An entity that is part of the administrative structure within BU. Course catalog and schedule of classes are organized by the academic organization. Can be a department or a School/College. (E.g., Sargent College, CAS History.) School or College; Department
Academic Plan Area of study such as major or minor. All students must have an academic plan, even if it’s Undeclared. Major, minor
Academic Sub-Plan A specialization or concentration directly linked to a plan (E.g., Ecology & Evolution concentration). Specialization, concentration
Academic Program Entity to which a student applies to and from which they graduate, and includes a student’s degree status at a school. Program also drives the set of policies that students will adhere to. (E.g., Undergraduate, College of Communication). College/Program of Application or Admit (on application file)

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