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The Metropolitan College

A Quick Guide to Metropolitan College

What is Metropolitan College and Extended Education?
What kinds of courses are offered at Metropolitan College?
As a Metropolitan College student, may I enroll in courses at Boston University that are not offered by Metropolitan College?
Do I have to be in a degree program in order to take courses at Metropolitan College?
Is the degree I earn at Metropolitan College a Boston University degree?
How do I become a degree candidate?
Must I take a Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) to be admitted to an undergraduate degree program?
What are the admission requirements for an undergraduate degree program?
How do I declare an undergraduate major?
What are the admission requirements for a graduate degree program?
As a student at Metropolitan College, do I have access to University activities and facilities?
Who teaches at Metropolitan College?
Does Metropolitan College offer classes in locations other than Boston?
Who will be attending classes with me?
What if I am still uncertain of what I want to do?

 

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What is Metropolitan College?

As one of the seventeen schools and colleges of Boston University, Metropolitan College ­combines the University’s standards of excellence in teaching and research with academic programs and offerings that are responsive to students’ interests and commitments. The quality, flexibility, and scope of the College’s courses attract students with a broad range of educational needs in areas such as humanities, science, technology, management, and applied social sciences. Metropolitan College’s emphasis is on rigorous academic programs that are responsive to changing societal, institutional, and professional needs. The strength of the College’s academic programs is maintained and guided by the educational teaching and research expertise of its full-time faculty.

What kinds of courses are offered at Metropolitan College?

With more than 60 degree and certificate programs, Metropolitan College has the most exciting array of courses available in the Boston area. A brief glance through the pages of this publication will reveal offerings in dozens of subjects, from art history to urban affairs and everything in between. There are courses designed for those with a specific academic interest. There are certificate-earning programs in professional areas for people who seek to advance in their jobs. There are even short seminars on special-interest topics that are only one day long. If you have curiosity and a desire to learn, Metropolitan College has something for you.


As a Metropolitan College student, may I enroll in courses at Boston University that are not offered by Metropolitan College?

Yes. During the fall and spring semesters you may enroll in non-Metropolitan College courses if appropriate. However, you must register for a majority of your course load at Metropolitan College during any given semester.

Do I have to be in a degree program in order to take courses at Metropolitan College?

No. Most Metropolitan College courses are open to degree and non-degree students alike. However, in order to be eligible for most financial aid, including Work-Study programs, scholarships, and student loans, you must be a degree candidate.


Is the degree I earn at Metropolitan College a Boston University degree?

Yes. Metropolitan College, as part of Boston University, is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, one of six nationally recognized regional accrediting agencies. When you successfully complete a degree program with us, you receive a diploma stating that you have earned your degree at Boston University Metropolitan College.


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How do I become a degree candidate?

To be admitted as an undergraduate degree candidate at Metropolitan College, you must complete a formal application for admission through Undergraduate Student Services. Undergraduate international students should also apply through Undergraduate Student Services; however, additional documents are required. Graduate students should apply directly to the department of their choice. Undergrad­uate and graduate application forms can be found online at www.bu.edu/met/express.


Must I take a Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) to be admitted to an undergraduate degree program?

U.S. applicants do not have to take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I). Admission to Metropolitan College is based upon demonstration of previous academic success or demonstration of current academic achievement.


What are the admission requirements for an undergraduate degree program?

The Board of Admissions has established the following minimum criteria to apply for admission:

  1. If you have completed six academic courses at one accredited institution (outside Boston University) and have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 at that institution, you will be able to apply for admission to Metropolitan College. Satisfactory English composition skills must be demonstrated by either completion of MET EN 104 or its equivalent elsewhere with a grade of C or higher. If MET EN 104 is taken, it may then be counted toward the six required courses for admission. The Board of Admissions will make the final admission decision upon receipt of the completed application.

  2. If you cannot demonstrate previous academic achievement outside Boston University, you must complete six academic courses within Boston University and achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.30. Successful completion (C grade or higher) of MET EN 104, or its equivalent, must be demonstrated prior to acceptance into a degree program. MET EN 104 may then be counted toward the six required courses for admission. You will then be able to apply for admission.
  3. If you are uncertain about embarking on a degree program, the best way to proceed is to take a course or two on a non-degree basis. By doing so, you will have a chance to explore your interests and test your abilities in a college classroom. This academic experience may assist you in determining whether to continue study toward meeting admission requirements. Your performance in these courses will be taken into consideration by the Board of Admissions when you decide on a degree program that’s right for you.

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How do I declare an undergraduate major?

If you know what your major will be at the time you apply for admission as an undergraduate degree candidate, you may declare it at that time. If you don’t know what you want your major to be, you have until what would be the equivalent of the end of your sophomore year (usually the completion of 64 credits) to declare it.

What are the admission requirements for a graduate degree program?

Metropolitan College’s graduate degree programs are open to qualified applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a fully accredited college or university in the United States or abroad. Applicants must also meet the specific requirements of the individual degree programs, which can be found under each graduate program’s listing. In most cases the GRE is not required, but transcripts or other evidence of ­qualification must be submitted for ­consideration.

As a student at Metropolitan College, do I have access to University activities and facilities?

Yes. Students have access to many facilities, including Boston University’s state-of-the-art Fitness & Recreation Center. Membership is open for full-time students and significantly discounted for part-time students. Students can also purchase discounted evening commuter parking permits for certain lots after 4 p.m., or other permits for parking during the day. When you register for courses at Metropolitan College, you should request a student identification card. This card will admit you to many University events and services available only to Boston University students, including University libraries and research centers.

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Who teaches at Metropolitan College?

Metropolitan College’s distinguished full-time faculty offers the highest-level of scholarship and research, often ­combined with the expertise of extensive professional service in their fields. The College’s part-time faculty consists of both scholars and professionals. Our scholars are members of the greater Boston University academic community. For example, many of them are also on the faculty of Boston University’s College of Arts & Sciences. Our professionals are men and women of achievement who have excelled in their chosen fields and who are eager to share their knowledge and experience with students.

Does Metropolitan College offer classes in locations other than Boston?

Although most of our courses are held on Boston University’s Charles River Campus in Boston, we also offer graduate-level courses in computer science at our convenient North Campus location in Chelmsford, MA. See the North Campus section of this website for details.

A variety of graduate and undergraduate programs are available on military bases in Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Virginia; on location at corporate facilities; and at three prison facilities in Massachusetts.

If you plan to travel abroad, Metropolitan College also offers graduate degree programs overseas in Brussels, Belgium. Undergraduate students are eligible to participate in Boston University’s International & Study Abroad programs.

A wide variety of online courses and programs bring Boston University degrees and certificates to students at locations around the globe. In addition, blended eLive courses offer the flexibility of coursework divided between in-class meetings and online study.

Who will be attending classes with me?

At Metropolitan College, you are likely to find all sorts of men and women, ranging from young adults to senior citizens. They are people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and academic ­training. Many hold full-time jobs during the day. Some are acquiring skills that will enable them to re-enter the workforce. But all hold something in common: the desire to learn and the commitment to achieve.

What if I am still uncertain of what I want to do?

Don’t worry. Many people have questions about courses, admission policies, and program alternatives. For undergraduate students and non-degree ­students, MET has a full-time academic counseling ser­vice (Undergraduate Student Services, 755 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 102). Graduate students also have support services, which are provided by the individual academic departments. See the program section of this bulletin for locations and contact information. We’re here to help. Academic counselors and faculty coordinators are available for students, whether or not you are enrolled in a degree program.

For additional program materials or information, please contact Student & Corporate Outreach at 617-353-6000. Together we can design a program of courses that will meet your personal and career goals.

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Published by Trustees of Boston University
One Silber Way
Boston, MA 02215

18 September 2009
Boston University
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