{"id":119906,"date":"2022-07-19T16:21:57","date_gmt":"2022-07-19T20:21:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eng\/?page_id=119906"},"modified":"2025-11-05T23:43:27","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T04:43:27","slug":"masters-programs-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eng\/admissions\/graduate\/masters-degrees\/masters-programs-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Master\u2019s Programs FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"

What are the application requirements for the master\u2019s programs?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

Students who wish to apply to any of our master’s programs should complete an online application. In addition, you must submit a statement of purpose, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a resume\/CV. International applicants must also submit a TOEFL or IELTS test score report. GRE scores vary by program. Please refer to Graduate Admissions<\/a> for more information.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

What are the requirements for the Master of Engineering (MEng) and Master of Science (MS) degrees?<\/h3>

\nMS and MEng degrees in most of our programs require students to complete 32 credit hours. The MS in Biomedical Engineering requires the completion of 36 credits.
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

What is the difference between the MS and the MEng?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

Both degree programs emphasize advanced technical coursework and include an individual or team-based practicum design project associated with a set of courses. The MEng offers the opportunity to take graduate electives that can be flexibly chosen from across the College of Engineering, the science and math departments from the College of Arts & Sciences, as well as technical leadership courses from the Questrom School of Business. Students in the MS must complete coursework and a practicum. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

How long does it take to complete a Master\u2019s Degree?<\/h3>

\nStudents interested in a coursework-only program can complete the degree in as little as two semesters of full-time study. Students who do a thesis as part of their Master of Science program may take up to two years to complete.
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

I\u2019ve been admitted to the Master of Science program. Can I do a thesis?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

Completing a master’s thesis is entirely optional. Students interested in pursuing a thesis as part of their Master of Science program must identify a faculty thesis advisor and a suitable thesis project, and then defend the thesis before a committee of faculty upon completion of the thesis, prior to completing the program.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

How does the College of Engineering support students looking to secure a job in their field following completion of their degree program?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

The College of Engineering has an active Career Development Office<\/a> which works with students to source employment opportunities, prepare for the interview process and provide guidance during offer negotiation. The college hosts multiple networking events, including two annual engineering career fairs offering opportunities to connect with a wide range of prospective employers in a multitude of industries and companies. In addition, master’s students can take advantage of a 1-credit Career course specifically for them.
\nWe also offer professional development workshops called The Engineering Master’s Series<\/a> designed specifically for graduate students.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Where are BU College of Engineering master\u2019s graduates employed?<\/h3>

\nBU College of Engineering graduates are highly sought after by the leading science and technology companies, including GE, Raytheon, BAE, Boeing, EMC, Microsoft, Medtronic and VMware, to name just a few. Our Career Development Office works closely with students as soon as they arrive on campus to understand their career aspirations and provide them with the tools they need to land their dream job.
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

What kind of financial aid is available?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

We offer a limited number of merit-based tuition scholarships, and need-based Federal student loans are also available and can be applied for using the FAFSA<\/a>. You should list Boston University Code 002130. More information about financing options<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Is housing provided for graduate students?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

BU maintains a residential building for graduate students, as well as a number of rental properties. Our centrally located urban campus provides easy access to a wealth of housing options. Please visit Graduate Housing<\/a> for more information about our housing options. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

What kind of advising is available to graduate students?<\/h3>

\nAll of our students are assigned a faculty advisor. In addition, the Grad Chair, Graduate Programs Office, and Associate Dean for Grad Programs are all available to assist and provide advice.
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

What is the difference between the Practicum and the Engineering Practice degree?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

The practicum is a degree requirement which can be fulfilled through a thesis, independent project, or by taking an eligible project-intensive course. The ‘with Engineering Practice’ is a degree option requiring students to complete an industry internship. International students can use their CPT to complete the internship requirement.<\/p>\n

Engineering Practice is open to any student enrolled in one of the College of Engineering’s master’s programs and provides recognition for completion of an approved internship.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":21086,"featured_media":0,"parent":118947,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/119906"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21086"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119906"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/119906\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":168920,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/119906\/revisions\/168920"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/118947"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119906"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}