Program Overview
For a full listing of the benefits of this program, visit our Program Benefits page.
Students can complete the program in two semesters, 6 credits each, or they can complete the program within 4 consecutive semesters.
Since our courses are all offered asynchronously online, there is no “set” class schedule. However, you can expect that professors or teaching staff will initiate interaction with you weekly, and the courses follow BU Law’s semester schedule.
Your attendance will be tracked automatically each time that you log in to your course.
Scholarships are available for qualified applicants who enroll in BU Law’s online Certificate in Financial Services Compliance. Scholarships are awarded in form of partial tuition waivers. All applicants are automatically considered simultaneously with completed application review with no separate paperwork required.
Program Overview
The Certificate in Financial Services Compliance has received American Bar Association acquiescence.
Academics
You will have a full online orientation session that will walk you through how to use the learning management system and familiarize yourself with all of the tools so that you are comfortable throughout each course. You will also have access to 24/7 technical support in case issues arise.
All courses are monitored to ensure continual course success, and staff regularly verifies that students have access to the learning management system.
Students should have reliable access to a high-speed, broadband Internet connection. A minimum download speed of 5 mbps and minimum upload speed of 2 mbps is recommended. Students are encouraged to use a laptop or desktop computer rather than a tablet or smartphone to watch and access course content.
The classes are not self-paced; however, they do allow for some flexibility. Students will be given weekly deadlines for readings and assignments, though they may complete these within the week in a manner that fits best for their schedule.
Yes; the course credits courses can be used to provide advanced standing into the LLM upon certificate completion, provided a student gains admission to the LLM program.
Admissions
We look for students with strong academic backgrounds and evidence that the candidate can perform well in a rigorous academic program. In addition to transcripts and letters of recommendation, the application also asks for a personal statement and curriculum vitae (CV). All applicants, unless otherwise exempted, are required to submit either a TOEFL or an IELTS exam report. Because students are expected to participate fully in classroom discussions, a high level of English proficiency is critical. All promising candidates receive a telephone or video interview with the Director and/or the Assistant Director.
We accept applications online through LSAC. Serious candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible as the application assembly and review process can be lengthy. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
The program starts at the beginning of BU Law’s fall and spring semesters. The fall semester typically begins the Tuesday after Labor Day, while the spring semester typically begins the Tuesday after Martin Luther King Day.
Direct work experience is preferred, but not required.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once the Graduate and International Programs Office receives all required materials (transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of English proficiency, personal statement, CV, and financial documentation). Depending on at which stage you submit your application, it can take up to several weeks for our office to receive and review all of your application materials and issue an admissions decision. If you require an expedited decision please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Promising candidates are contacted to schedule a phone or video interview with the Director and/or Assistant Director of the Banking program. The interview is a chance for you to tell us more about your background, interests in the program, and career goals. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have. In the happy event that a candidate will otherwise be in the Boston area, or is able to travel to Boston prior to admission, we will be delighted to schedule an in-person interview in lieu of a phone interview and provide a tour of BU Law.
The Program Director and/or Assistant/Associate Directors determine which applicants will be offered admission, in conjunction with the Admissions Committee, based on the applicant’s complete record. As such, grades and academic credentials, work experience, letters of recommendation, awards, language ability, test results, and interviews will all be considered when evaluating an applicant.
All the most up to date tuition and fee information for all of our programs can be found here.
Scholarships are available for qualified applicants who enroll in BU Law’s online Certificate in Financial Services Compliance. Scholarships are awarded in form of partial tuition waivers. All applicants are automatically considered simultaneously with completed application review with no separate paperwork required.
Every effort is made to notify applicants in a timely manner about the decision on his or her application. Given the expected volume of applications it may take several weeks from the time your application is complete to evaluate it and render a decision. Notification of your admissions decision will be made via email. Please note that we cannot communicate admissions decisions over the phone, but you are welcome to contact our office to inquire about the status of your application.