What is Metropolitan College?

Metropolitan College (MET) is one of the seventeen degree-granting bodies that make up Boston University. The College’s special purpose is to serve the Boston metropolitan area, and since 1965 it has been doing just that. By providing the highest quality credit and noncredit courses in the evenings, Metropolitan College offers opportunities for education, career advancement, and personal fulfillment to thousands of working adults who might not otherwise have the chance to take courses or earn degrees.

What kinds of courses are offered at Metropolitan College?

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 course offerings in art history, lectures in mathematics and computer science, graduate degree programs in urban planning, and much more. 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, this College has something for you.

TOP OF PAGE

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.

TOP OF PAGE

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.

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 the Office of Undergraduate Student Services. International students should apply through the Office of 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 at www.bu.edu/met.

TOP OF PAGE

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. 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 2.5 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 2.3. 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.

TOP OF PAGE

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 then what you want your major to be, you will have until what would be the equivalent of the end of your sophomore year (completion of 64 credits) to declare it.

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

Yes. 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. Your ID card will also entitle you to discounted parking on campus after 5 p.m.

TOP OF PAGE

Who teaches at Metropolitan College?

At Metropolitan College, we have assembled a distinguished faculty of 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 and 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 master’s degree programs at our convenient metro-Boston campus in Tyngsboro, 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 program.

TOP OF PAGE

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 (the Office of Undergraduate Student Services, 755 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 102). Graduate students also have support services, which are provided by the individual graduate departments. See the program section of this site 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. Together we can design a program of courses that will meet your personal and career goals.

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, experience, abilities, and academic training. Many hold full-time jobs during the day. Some are acquiring skills that will enable them to reenter the work force. But all hold something in common: the desire to learn and the commitment to achievement.

TOP OF PAGE