Boston University & Smith College Graduate Engineering Partnership Program

Boston University’s College of Engineering and Smith College are pioneering a new collaboration that enables Smith College students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science to gain early admission to the Master of Science programs in engineering at Boston University and access enriching research experiences at BU as undergraduates.

The joint 4+1 BS-MS program will provide Smith College students with an exciting and substantive research experience in a Boston University’s faculty laboratory in the summer before their senior year and the summer prior to the Master’s program at Boston University.

Graduates of Smith’s renowned ABET-accredited Picker Engineering Program are innovative and adaptable, with a deep understanding of technical principles and the liberal arts to address society’s challenges. Smith’s program is uniquely aligned with Boston University’s mission of Creating the Societal Engineer®: driven to address societal challenges, including climate change, disease, resource limitations, and conflict, among many others.


Program Highlights

  • Students may apply as early as the spring semester of junior year.
  • Boston University will provide early decisions on these applications.
  • Smith College rising seniors may engage in a research experience at BU in the summer following their junior year and the summer prior to their master’s study. Students will receive a stipend and a housing supplement during their summer research experiences.
  • Students will have the option to pursue a Master’s thesis supervised by a Boston University faculty member.
  • All admitted Smith students will receive a partial tuition scholarship.
  • Participants will have the option to apply to the Ph.D. program of their choice at Boston University during the initial Masters year.

Research at Boston University

The interdisciplinary nature of our research—including research centers and institutes—encourages discovery and gives students valuable exposure to fields that enhance their primary area of study. Explore the cutting-edge research areas where College of Engineering faculty and students are actively engaged.


Application Process

Applications from Smith will be considered on an expedited basis and have unique deadlines and requirements.
To learn more about the partnership and to receive information about application requirements, interested juniors and seniors currently enrolled in Smith’s Picker Engineering Program should contact Christie Barone (cbarone@bu.edu) in the Graduate Programs Office at BU’s College of Engineering.

Juniors

  • Apply by March 15th
  • Applicants will receive admission decisions no later than April 1st
  • Program participants will be matched for summer research experiences.
  • Accepted students will be notified of Financial Aid packages by Oct 1st of senior year
  • Students should accept offers (via deposit) by Nov 15th

Seniors

  • Apply by Oct 1st for early action and receive admission and financial aid decision by Nov 1st
  • Students should accept offers (via deposit) by Nov 15th
  • Current seniors can apply during the regular cycle until March 15th

Explore graduate program options across the college in: