Late Entry Accelerated Program (LEAP)

Administration

  • William Oliver, LEAP Faculty Coordinator
  • Helaine Friedlander, Manager of Financial Aid and LEAP

Faculty Advisors

  • Catherine Klapperich, Materials Science & Engineering; Daniel Cole, Mechanical; Andrew Jackson, Biomedical; William Oliver, Electrical, Computer, and Photonics; James Perkins, Systems

Working professionals who seek new job opportunities recognize engineering as the ideal gateway to a fast-paced career in high technology. Many such opportunities, however, are inaccessible to individuals who lack a degree in engineering. For over twenty-five years, the Late Entry Accelerated Program (LEAP) at Boston University has allowed talented individuals and working professionals who have bachelor’s degrees in non-engineering fields to earn graduate degrees in engineering. Originally funded by a 1980 grant from the National Science Foundation as a means to attract more women into engineering, the program has admitted both men and women since 1985 and is supported by Boston University.

LEAP students may choose from any of the College’s graduate programs in biomedical, computer, electrical, manufacturing, materials science & engineering, mechanical, photonics, or systems engineering. A LEAP student first takes core undergraduate engineering courses to achieve a fundamental level of proficiency (Phase I), then advances to master’s degree candidacy in a chosen field of engineering (Phase II). The required undergraduate courses are determined individually for each applicant based on prior undergraduate degree coursework and work experience. Some students—physics undergraduates, for example—usually require only three or four undergraduate courses before proceeding to the master’s program. Other students, such as social science or business majors, typically need additional undergraduate coursework. Undergraduate courses required for LEAP vary with the field of study but cover such topics as computer programming, electric circuit theory, engineering mechanics, signals and systems, electronics, fluid mechanics, probability and statistics, engineering electives, and other science or mathematics courses as necessary. Sample core curricula are listed below by engineering major.

Admission to LEAP requires that the applicant have at least one semester in college of calculus for math and science majors with a grade of B or better, suitable scores on the general Graduate Record Exam (GRE), and a strong motivation for advanced study.

Courses taken to satisfy Phase I LEAP requirements may not be used to satisfy Phase II MS requirements.

After meeting individualized undergraduate core curriculum requirements, LEAP students apply to a master’s degree program in biomedical, computer systems, electrical, materials science & engineering, mechanical, mechanical/manufacturing, photonics, or systems engineering. Students with a Phase I grade point average of 3.2 or higher are guaranteed admission to the master’s of engineering program in their chosen field of study. Students with a grade point average of less than 3.2 must submit an application for admission to be reviewed by the Graduate Committee in the department of choice. The academic progress of LEAP students is monitored each semester.

The MS degree program usually can be completed in one year of additional full-time study once all required undergraduate courses have been completed. Upon completion of either Phase I or Phase II studies, LEAP students may also choose to apply to a PhD program in engineering at Boston University. LEAP students may apply for several forms of financial assistance.

Applicants to the LEAP Program should refer to the Instructions for LEAP (Late Entry Accelerated Program) Applicants in the application.

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 Engineering degree program is guaranteed for Phase I students who maintain an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher. Advancement to the Master of Science or doctoral program requires the standard application procedure.

LEAP students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents or who have refugee status and have demonstrated need through the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) will be considered for LEAP scholarship. Awarding of LEAP scholarship is based on merit and determined according to the availability of funding. Students who wish to be considered for LEAP scholarships should submit their application for the Summer and Fall terms by March 15 and their Spring applications by October 1. 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. 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; email: 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.

LEAP Phase I Course Requirements by Major

In addition to the entry requirement of a semester of calculus in college with a grade of B or better, students must complete the courses listed below or present evidence of previous equivalent coursework. Depending on prior educational performance and background, a student may be asked to complete additional courses as part of the admissions process. The following curricula represent the minimum number of courses necessary to complete Phase I.

Biomedical Engineering

  • ENG EK 127 Engineering Computation
  • CAS MA 124 Calculus II
  • CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus
  • CAS MA 226 Differential Equations
  • CAS PY 211 General Physics I
  • ENG EK 301 Engineering Mechanics I
  • ENG EK 307 Electric Circuit Theory
  • CAS CH 131 General Chemistry for the Engineering Sciences
  • ENG BE 200 Introduction to Probability

or

  • ENG EC 381 Probability Theory in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • ENG BE 209 Principles of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology
  • ENG BE 401 Signals and Systems in Biomedical Engineering
  • ENG BE 491 Engineering Physiology Lab I (2 cr)

Choose a, b, c, or d:

  1. a. ENG BE 402 Control Systems in Biomedical Engineering
  2. b. ENG BE 420 Introduction to Solid Biomechanics
  3. c. ENG BE 436 Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics
  4. d. ENG EK 424 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

Computer Engineering

  • ENG EK 127 Engineering Computation
  • CAS MA 124 Calculus II
  • CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus
  • CAS MA 226 Differential Equations
  • ENG EK 102 Introduction to Linear Algebra for Engineers (2 cr)

or

  • CAS MA 142 Introduction to Linear Algebra (2 cr)

and

  • CAS MA 193 Discrete Mathematics for Engineering (2 cr)
  • ENG EK 307 Electric Circuit Theory
  • ENG EC 311 Introduction to Logic Design
  • ENG EC 327 Introduction to Software Engineering
  • ENG EC 401 Signals and Systems
  • ENG EC 413 Computer Organization

Choose two of the following:

  • ENG EC 330 Applied Algorithms for Engineers
  • ENG EC 381 Probability Theory in ECE
  • ENG EC 440 Introduction to Operating Systems
  • ENG EC 441 Introduction to Computer Networking
  • ENG EC 447 Software Design
  • ENG EC 450 Microprocessors

Electrical Engineering

Core Courses

  • ENG EK 127 Engineering Computation
  • CAS MA 124 Calculus II
  • CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus
  • CAS MA 226 Differential Equations
  • ENG EC 381 Probability Theory in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • CAS PY 211 General Physics I
  • ENG EK 307 Electric Circuit Theory
  • ENG EC 401 Signals and Systems
  • ENG EC 410 Introduction to Electronics

Track Courses—choose one track (a) through (e):

  1. Bioelectric—Select three of the following:
    CAS PY 212 General Physics II
    CAS PY 313 Elementary Modern Physics
    ENG EC 311 Introduction to Logic Design
    ENG BE 402 Control Systems in Biomedical Engineering
    or
    ENG EC 402 Control Systems
    ENG EC 412 Analog Electronics
    ENG EC 416 Introduction to Digital Signal Processing
  2. Computer
    ENG EC 311 Introduction to Logic Design
    ENG EC 413 Computer Organization
    ENG EC 450 Microprocessors
  3. Electromagnetics
    CAS PY 212 General Physics II
    ENG EC 455 Electromagnetic Systems I
    ENG EC 456 Electromagnetic Systems II
  4. Electronics
    CAS PY 212 General Physics II
    CAS PY 313 Elementary Modern Physics
    ENG EC 471 Physics of Semiconductor Devices
  5. Information Systems
    ENG EC 402 Control Systems
    ENG EC 415 Communication Systems
    ENG EC 416 Introduction to Digital Signal Processing

    Materials Science & Engineering

    Core Courses

    ENG EK 127 Engineering Computation
    CAS MA 124 Calculus II
    CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus
    CAS MA 226 Differential Equations
    CAS PY 211 General Physics I
    CAS PY 212 General Physics II
    CAS PY 313 Elementary Modern Physics
    ENG EK 301 Engineering Mechanics I
    ENG ME 304 Energy and Thermodynamics
    ENG ME/MS 306 Introduction to Materials Science

Track Courses—choose one track (a) through (c):

  1. Biomaterials
    CAS CH 171 Principles of General Chemistry
  2. CAS CH 172 Principles of Organic and Biochemistry
    Materials for Energy and Environment or Nanomaterials
    CAS CH 131 General Chemistry for the Engineering Sciences
    ENG ME 305 Mechanics of Materials
  3. Electronic/Photonic Materials
    CAS CH 131 General Chemistry for the Engineering Sciences
    ENG EK 307 Electric Circuit Theory

Manufacturing Engineering

  • ENG EK 127 Engineering Computation
  • CAS MA 124 Calculus II
  • CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus
  • CAS MA 226 Differential Equations
  • CAS PY 211 General Physics I
  • ENG EK 301 Engineering Mechanics I
  • ENG ME 304 Energy and Thermodynamics

or

  • ENG EK 424 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
  • ENG ME 305 Mechanics of Materials
  • ENG ME/MS 306 Introduction to Materials Science
  • ENG ME 308 Statistics and Quality Engineering
  • ENG ME 345 Automation and Manufacturing Methods
  • ENG ME 415 Product Design

Mechanical Engineering

  • ENG EK 127 Engineering Computation
  • CAS MA 124 Calculus II
  • CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus
  • CAS MA 226 Differential Equations
  • CAS PY 211 General Physics I
  • ENG EK 102 Introduction to Linear Algebra for Engineers (2 cr)
  • ENG EK 301 Engineering Mechanics I
  • ENG ME 302 Engineering Mechanics II
  • ENG ME 303 Fluid Mechanics
  • ENG ME 305 Mechanics of Materials
  • ENG ME 366 Probability and Statistics for Mechanical Engineers (2 cr)
  • ENG ME 400 Engineering Mathematics

Choose two of the following:

  • ENG ME 304 Energy and Thermodynamics
  • ENG ME 309 Structural Mechanics
  • ENG ME 404 Dynamics and Control of Mechanical Systems
  • ENG ME 419 Heat Transfer

Students are also encouraged to take ENG ME 407 Computer-aided Design and Manufacture

Photonics

  • ENG EK 127 Engineering Computation
  • CAS MA 124 Calculus II
  • CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus
  • CAS MA 226 Differential Equations
  • CAS PY 211 General Physics I
  • CAS PY 212 General Physics II
  • CAS PY 313 Elementary Modern Physics
  • ENG EK 307 Electric Circuit Theory
  • ENG EC 401 Signals and Systems
  • ENG EC 410 Introduction to Electronics
  • ENG EC 455 Electromagnetic Systems I
  • ENG EC 456 Electromagnetic Systems II

Systems Engineering

Students with a BS degree in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematics or Computer Science may apply directly to the MS degree program in Systems Engineering.

Students with other bachelors degrees need to complete the following coursework before entry into the Systems Engineering MS, MEng, or PhD program.

  • ENG EK 127 Engineering Computation
  • CAS MA 124 Calculus II
  • CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus
  • CAS MA 226 Differential Equations
  • CAS MA 142 Linear Algebra (2 cr)
  • CAS MA 193 Discrete Mathematics for Engineering (2 cr)

Select one (1) of the following list:

  • ENG EC 381 Probability Theory in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • CAS MA 381 Elementary Probability
  • ENG ME 308 Probability and Quality Engineering
  • ENG EK 500 Probability with Statistical Applications

Select one (1) of the following list:

  • ENG EC 401 Signals and Systems
  • ENG BE 401 Signals and Systems in Biomedical Engineering

Select one (1) of the following list:

  • ENG ME 411 Operations Research
  • ENG EC 330 Applied Algorithms for Engineers
  • CAS CS 330 Introduction to Analysis of Algorithms

Select three (3) of the following list:

  • ENG EC 402 Control Systems or
  • ENG ME 404 Dynamics and Control of Mechanical Systems or
  • ENG BE 402 Control Systems in Biomedical Engineering
  • ENG EC 415 Communication Systems
  • ENG EC 441 Introduction to Computer Networking
  • ENG ME 420 Supply Chain Engineering
  • CAS CS 455 Computer Networks

Note: Only one of ENG EC 402, ENG ME 404, or ENG BE 402 is acceptable. Some choices of courses listed above may require additional prerequisite coursework.

Coursework used to satisfy Phase I requirements may not be used for credit toward the MS or MEng degree.