Graduate Programs

DOCTORAL PROGRAMS IN ENGINEERING
Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Medicine Dual Degree Program
General PhD Program Requirements

MASTER'S DEGREE PROGAMS
Master of Science Degree
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Late Entry Accelerated Program (LEAP)
The Bachelor of Science/Master's Program
Graduate Cooperative Education Program

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Director Cheryl Kelley

DOCTORAL PROGRAMS IN ENGINEERING

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) may be earned through programs of study and research in the disciplines represented by the various academic departments of the College of Engineering. PhDs may be earned in the following areas:

Biomedical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Science
Materials Science & Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Systems Engineering

The College of Engineering offers specialized programs to doctoral students interested in pursuing the more applied research interests of a scholarly discipline. Recognizing the increased need for interaction between scientific discovery and technological development, the major purpose of the College’s programs is to support sophisticated doctoral study. The range of faculty research programs provides a rich academic experience for graduate students and enables them to gain experience in research problems and applications. The programs address the rigorous preparation required of applied research professionals in government, industry, and other technology-based areas, as well as the intellectual depth required for academic careers.

A pamphlet entitled PhD Programs in Engineering at Boston University is available from the Engineering Graduate Programs Office or on the Web at PhD Handbook. The pamphlet explains the academic requirements for the PhD program in some detail. These and additional requirements pertaining to all PhDs in engineering and to individual departments/divisions within the College of Engineering are outlined below.

An electronic application is available on the Web at College of Engineering. Electronic applications require payment by credit card. Applicants may also choose to download application forms and instructions at College of Engineering. A paper application for admission to the graduate programs may be obtained from the College of Engineering Graduate Programs Office, 48 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215; e-mail: enggrad@bu.edu.

Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Medicine Dual Degree Program

The Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Medicine dual degree program, conducted under the joint auspices of the School of Medicine and the College of Engineering, is designed for and open to highly qualified individuals who are strongly motivated for an education and a career in both medicine and research. The minimum entrance requirements and the prerequisite courses for the Medical School are the same as those for the Division of Medical & Dental Sciences. Applications may be obtained from the Boston University School of Medicine, Admissions Office, Building L, Room 124, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118; or e-mail: madadms@bu.edu. Applicants for the MD/PhD degree program are required to submit the official results of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and those of the General Graduate Record Exam Test (GRE).

General PhD Program Requirements

Admission normally requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or its equivalent in a closely related field. Applicants may be admitted to either a postbachelor’s or post-master’s PhD program depending upon interest and qualifications. Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply to the postbachelor’s PhD program and applicants who hold a master’s degree are eligible to apply for a post-master’s PhD program. All applicants are required to submit a Graduate Application Form, concise statement of personal and research goals, official transcripts of previous study, official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (use code 3105), and at least two letters of recommendation. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or international English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. International students applying for admission and financial aid awards should submit a completed application by December 15 for the September term. U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. applying for admission and financial aid awards should submit a completed application by January 15 for the September term. International students, U.S. citizens, and permanent residents applying for admission and financial aid awards for the January term must submit completed applications by October 1. The Biomedical Engineering Department does not accept applications for the Spring/January semester. For admission to the Biomedical Department (with or without financial aid consideration), domestic applications must be submitted by January 15 and international applications by December 15 for the fall semester. Applications for admission without financial aid must be received by the College of Engineering no later than April 1 for the September term and October 1 for the January term. Applicants that do not require financial aid are encouraged to apply by the early deadline of January 15, for consideration before department slots are filled. Most financial aid is awarded for the fall semester; consequently, less is available for the spring semester.

Course Requirements Postbachelor’s students are required to complete a minimum of 64 credits applicable to their degree; 32 credits must be structured courses, 28 credits of which must be at the 500 level or higher. A minimum of 16 credits of research/dissertation is required. Postbachelor’s PhD students are required to declare the MS degree upon fulfillment of the degree requirements of their department/division.

There are no structured course requirements for post-master’s PhD students, but such students are required to complete 32 credits applicable to their degree, all of which must be at the 500 level or higher. A minimum of 8 credits of research/dissertation coursework is required.

Coursework used to fulfill the PhD degree requirements may not be used to fulfill the requirements of any other degree program.

Doctoral students who have completed all course requirements, or hold appointments as teaching fellows or research assistants, are considered full-time students and should be enrolled for a minimum of 2 credits per semester. Full-time status enables students to access libraries, laboratories, instructional staff, and other academic facilities at the University.

Part-Time Study Occasionally, students are permitted to pursue the post-master’s PhD on a part-time basis. Such students must demonstrate a commitment to the program on an ongoing basis. Part-time students must fulfill the same degree requirements and are subject to the same policies, time frames, and deadlines as full-time students.

Continuing Registration See sections on “Continuing Students” in the Registration section of this website and “Leave of Absence” in the Withdrawal, Leave of Absence, and Reinstatement section of this website.

Residency Requirement Each student must satisfy a residency requirement of a minimum of two consecutive regular semesters of full-time graduate study at Boston University. Full-time study in this context means full-time commitment to the discipline as determined by the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs.

In order to graduate, students must be registered as part- or full-time students in the semester in which they complete degree requirements and in the preceding semester.

Qualifying Examination The student’s area of concentration determines the specific nature and scope of the qualifying examination. Students must pass a comprehensive examination covering basic knowledge in an area of specialized study selected from the following: biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, systems engineering, mechanical engineering, or materials science and engineering. Students who are unable to pass the qualifying examination are withdrawn from the PhD program. Individual departments/divisions coordinate administration of the qualifying exam. The qualifying exam is limited to two attempts. Departments/divisions may limit attempts to one, if they so choose.

Mathematics Requirement Students must satisfy a mathematics requirement which is determined by the department/division and approved by the College. Students unable to satisfy this requirement are withdrawn from the PhD program.

All PhD students must complete both the qualifying exam and the mathematics requirement by the end of their fifth semester.

PhD Candidacy A student in a College of Engineering PhD program will be accepted to PhD candidacy upon successful completion of the qualifying examination and the mathematics requirement. At that time, the student will receive formal notice of acceptance to PhD candidacy. The maximum period allowed between matriculation and acceptance to PhD candidacy is usually five semesters, but departments/divisions can specify a lesser time frame. Under no circumstances will a student who is not a PhD candidate be allowed to defend a completed PhD dissertation.

Dissertation Prospectus Defense Within one year of becoming a candidate, the student is expected to present an oral dissertation proposal to the prospective dissertation committee and obtain approval for the written dissertation prospectus. The committee evaluates the potential of the proposed research and the student’s academic preparation to engage in dissertation research. Upon approval of the committee members and the departmental/associate chair or the division associate head, the student submits the PhD Dissertation Prospectus Defense Form to the department/division office.

Dissertation A PhD candidate is expected to prepare and carry out an independent and original research project in partial fulfillment of the dissertation requirement. The dissertation committee must consist of College of Engineering (tenured or tenure-earning) faculty. Occasionally scholars from outside the University serve on dissertation committees. A “Special Service Appointment” form must be submitted to the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs for approval of all committee members from outside the University.

Final Oral Examination Students shall present themselves for a final oral examination in which they must defend their dissertation as a worthy contribution to knowledge in their fields and demonstrate mastery of their field of specialization as related to the dissertation. The Examining Committee is composed of at least five members of which two must be (tenured or tenure-earning) faculty from the student’s academic department/division. Each department/division determines the appointment of the chair.

Time Limit Both the postbachelor’s and post-master’s programs must be completed within five years of the individual’s acceptance into PhD candidacy. Once entered, PhD candidacy will expire on the fifth anniversary and after such time will be renewed only if the student requalifies for candidacy as determined by the department/division and the College Graduate Committee.

Advisor Candidates for the MS, MEng, or PhD degrees are required to have as an advisor a member of the graduate faculty in the department/division of their major field.

Program of Study A program of study must be approved by the student’s advisor and submitted to the appropriate departmental/division graduate committee for approval no later than registration for the fifth course. Failure to obtain approval of such a plan of study within this time frame will preclude registration in the next semester.

Research and Dissertation Students may register for research with approval of the faculty member concerned. Students may register for dissertation credits only after completing their prospectus, and with their advisor’s approval. A candidate for the PhD degree may not register for more than 12 credits of research/dissertation in a single semester.

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MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE

The College of Engineering has established graduate curricula and programs that emphasize creative design and research in a major field of engineering specialization. The College offers Master of Science (MS) and Master of Engineering (MEng) programs and the combined Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering/Master of Business Administration Program (MS/MBA) in cooperation with the School of Management. To be admitted to one of these degree programs, an applicant should have attained a high degree of scholarship in an undergraduate program in engineering or science and earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. A candidate who is admitted with an undergraduate background that is judged inadequate must make up the deficiencies in addition to fulfilling the regular course requirements for the graduate degree being pursued. Such required remedial work should be completed at the beginning of MS/MEng studies.

Applicants may apply online or download and print out the application forms and instructions at College of Engineering. The Biomedical Engineering Department does not accept applications for the spring/January semester. Paper applications for admission to the graduate programs may be obtained from the Graduate Programs Office, College of Engineering, 48 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215; e-mail: enggrad@bu.edu. An application for the MS/MBA program may be obtained from the Graduate School of Management, 595 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; e-mail: mba@bu.edu.

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Master of Science Degree

The Master of Science is a professional degree with emphasis on advanced training in engineering science and design. Students receiving the Master of Science degree may choose to continue studies toward a doctoral degree or to enter engineering practice. Individuals should consult specific departmental/division requirements (see descriptions). A minimum of 32 semester credits is required for the Master of Science in Materials Science & Engineering; Mechanical, Electrical & Computer Engineering; Photonics; and Systems Engineering. Biomedical Engineering; Manufacturing Engineering, and Global Manufacturing require 36 credits. No more than 8 credits may be transferred from other approved graduate schools. No fewer than 28 credits must be at the graduate level. A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) is required for all courses taken at Boston University as part of this degree program. Individual departments/divisions or programs may impose additional requirements. Coursework used to fulfill the Master of Science degree requirements may not be used to fulfill the requirements of any other degree program.

A 32-credit Master of Science program nominally requires one year; a full-time student can usually complete it in one academic year, although some students may find it advisable to plan to remain for the full calendar year in order to complete a project, thesis, or laboratory course in the summer term. A 36-credit program requires at least one academic year of full-time study, plus one summer session course. Students supported by research assistantships or teaching fellowships should be able to complete a Master of Science program, including thesis requirement, within two calendar years. Students with academic deficiencies may wish to enroll in some of the many undergraduate courses offered in the summer term preceding the fall semester of a full-time graduate program. Part-time students who take two courses each semester should be able to complete a Master of Science program within two calendar years. The program must be completed within five years after matriculation to degree-seeking status.

The Master of Science degree may be earned with one of the following designations:

Biomedical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
General Engineering
Global Manufacturing
Manufacturing Engineering
Materials Science & Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Photonics
Systems Engineering

The general engineering program designation is appropriate when the program of study does not conform to one of the other designated areas of specialization listed above and involves coursework from several different departments and disciplines. Typical Master of Science in General Engineering programs include such important areas as operations research, engineering economic systems, and energy systems. In addition to the general requirements of the College for the Master of Science degree, the specific requirements for the interdisciplinary degree Master of Science in General Engineering are: (1) the student’s program must be coherent, with a well-defined objective, and must be approved by the Graduate Committee of the College; and (2) the program must consist of a minimum of 32 credits, at least 16 of which must be earned within the College of Engineering. Students must also complete a minimum of one semester of the Master of Science degree program before they may apply to the general engineering program.

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Master of Engineering (MEng)

The Master of Engineering has been developed specifically for students interested in careers in industry rather than academic research. A minimum of 32 semester credits is required for the Master of Engineering program. No more than 8 credits may be transferred from other approved graduate schools. A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) is required for all courses taken at Boston University as part of this degree program. Individual departments/divisions or programs may impose additional requirements. Coursework used to fulfill the Master of Engineering degree requirements may not be used to fulfill the requirements of any other degree program.

A 32-credit Master of Engineering program nominally requires one year. A full-time student can usually complete it in one academic year. Part-time students who take two courses each semester should be able to complete a Master of Engineering program within two calendar years. The program must be completed within five years after matriculation to degree-seeking status.

The Master of Engineering degree may be earned in the Biomedical or Systems Engineering designation.

Late Entry Accelerated Program (LEAP)

The Late Entry Accelerated Program (LEAP) enables students with at least a bachelor’s degree in the liberal arts or other non-engineering fields to enter any of the College’s graduate programs and ultimately earn a Master of Science, Master of Engineering, or PhD degree in engineering. LEAP applicants must have successfully completed one semester of calculus in college with a grade of “B” or higher before admission to the program. Depending on a student’s math or science background, it typically takes a minimum of two years for a full-time LEAP student to earn a master’s degree. Part-time students will require proportionally more time. Students who complete undergraduate Phase I LEAP requirements advance to a master’s program provided they conform to the academic standards established for the program. Admission to the Master of Science or Master of Engineering degree program is guaranteed for Phase I students who maintain an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher. Advancement to the doctoral program requires an additional application procedure.

LEAP scholarship assistance is available to LEAP students who demonstrate need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or refugees. A complete description of available financial aid may be found in the Financial Information section of this bulletin. Federal and private educational loan funds are available to eligible students enrolled at least half time. LEAP scholarship support is available for a maximum of seven semesters. International students are not eligible for financial aid and must be prepared to present financial documentation as a requirement for admission. Inquiries should be directed to LEAP, Graduate Programs Office, College of Engineering, 48 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215; e-mail: leap@bu.edu. Full descriptions of LEAP programs leading to graduate degrees in engineering may be found in the Late Entry Accelerated Program section of this website.

The Bachelor of Science/Master's Program

The BS/Master’s degree program is designed to allow students to complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering. Students may complete this program in 4–5 years depending upon the number of AP and/or college credits with which they enter the undergraduate program. Students may apply to this program from the second semester of the sophomore year through the first semester of the senior year. Students must have at least a 3.40 cumulative GPA to be eligible for the BS/Master’s program. Further information on this program is available from the Undergraduate Programs Office, 44 Cummington Street (Engineering Research Building), Room 107, Boston, MA 02215, 617-353-6447.

Graduate Cooperative Education Program

The College of Engineering at Boston University offers one of the few graduate-level cooperative education programs in the United States. The Graduate Co-op Program allows students to work full or part time in positions related to their majors. Co-op administrators strive to match graduate students with employers whose position requirements most closely align with the students’ curricula and professional career goals.

Participating employers include large industrial corporations, small specialized companies, research firms, and government agencies. The majority of our Graduate Co-op Program assignments are in the New England area, many within commuting distance of the Boston University campus. Students may also pursue opportunities nationally.

The Graduate Co-op Program is an option available to all graduate students in good standing (i.e., with a GPA of 3.0 or better). Graduate students may apply to co-op after completing one semester of study. All students participating in the co-op program must return, register for, and complete one full semester at the College after their co-op experience has ended. International students may be authorized to participate in the co-op program as an educational experience for up to 12 months under Curricular Practical Training. Additional information is available on the International Students & Scholars Office website. LEAP students are also permitted to participate, upon acceptance to the Master of Science or Master of Engineering degree program (see the “Late Entry Accelerated Program” section of this website). Graduate Co-op Program positions help defray the costs of a graduate engineering education. Graduate students who elect to participate earn, on average, over $27 an hour. More importantly, however, the co-op program has proven to be an excellent path to permanent and satisfying employment. Nationwide studies confirm that relevant work experience combined with university studies increases employability. Graduates with cooperative education experience are generally recruited more quickly, and for more responsible positions at higher salaries, than their peers without similar experience.

For more information, please contact the Career Development Office at 44 Cummington Street, Room 112, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-5731 or e-mail engcareer@bu.edu. Visit the College of Engineering Career Development Office website at www.bu.edu/eng/careers.

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