Boston University was chartered in response to a growing need for higher education in the Boston area during the mid-19th century. The university was founded by Methodists with the intention of providing a methodical and comprehensive education. As educational demands increased due to the burgeoning population and the industrial revolution, there was a clear need for a university that focused not only on theology but also on various other disciplines. The charter facilitated this vision by officially recognizing Boston University and granting it the rights and responsibilities to operate as a degree-awarding institution. The first classes were held in the following year, and the university would soon grow to add diverse programs and disciplines to its offerings, eventually distinguishing itself as a leading research university.

Throughout the decades, Boston University has evolved significantly, experiencing periods of expansion in both its physical campus and academic programs. The university's charter laid the groundwork for an institution that would become integral to the fabric of higher education in the United States. From its beginnings as a small school focusing primarily on theology, it redirected its efforts to become a comprehensive university known for rigorous academics across a multitude of fields, including the humanities, sciences, and professional studies. Boston University also contributed to broader societal changes, advocating for social justice and equality through various transformative programs and initiatives developed over the years.