Policies
The authority on degree requirements is the BU Bulletin. The GRS Master’s Degree Requirements page outlines the official requirements of master’s degrees granted by the institution.
Note: All courses must be completed with a minimum of a B- or better for the course to count toward graduation requirements; a C+ or below is considered failure by the Graduate School. Incomplete grades must be resolved within one year, at which time the grade will be converted to the final grade indicated on the I Grade Report form, or “F” if no grade is indicated; for those in one-year programs, incomplete grades must be resolved in time for graduation.
For full policies regarding grades and course credits, visit https://www.bu.edu/academics/grs/policies/grades-and-course-credits/.
All Master’s degrees in the Department of Earth & Environment require 32 credits (8 courses).
Up to 8 credits from previous graduate work may be applied to the degree provided the credits were not used to satisfy requirements from a previous degree.
Students must be registered for every semester or summer term during which a degree requirement is completed or University facilities are used unless on an official leave of absence. When finishing a degree, students must be registered in the semester in which the final degree requirements are completed. It is students’ responsibility to be aware of the costs associated with attendance, including tuition and fees.
Advising
James Baldwin, Director of Master’s Programs, serves as the primary advisor for students in the MS Energy & Environment and MS Remote Sensing & Geospatial Sciences. Students in the MA Earth & Environment program enter with their advisor assigned per conversations take took place during the application process. Throughout your matriculation, you will benefit from informal advising from professors and peers in the department.
Curricula
Registration
You may register for classes, add classes, and drop them on the MyBU site.
Pay attention each semester to the deadlines for adding and dropping courses.
Substitutions for core and elective courses may be made with prior approval from Program Advisor James Baldwin.
Some master’s students, particularly international students will extend their programs to one-and-one-half years (fall, spring, and fall). During the summer semester, students are not required to register, unless they will be taking summer classes or working as a research assistant on campus. If you are an international student and will be working on campus during the summer, please contact the ISSO for part-time certification. Students should register for summer classes, as they would any other semester.
PDP Courses
If you are registered as a full-time student, you may take up to 18 credits at no extra tuition charge. Many physical education courses offered through FitRec are one credit and a great addition to a strenuous academic course load. These do not count toward the Master’s degree.
Directed Studies
Students will conduct research or other independent work with a professor for credit in the form of a directed study. Students and faculty must come to a mutual decision about the scope of such a project in advance of the student enrolling in a directed study. A candidate for the master’s degree may register for not more than a total of 12 credits in directed study, research, or practicum for the entirety of their program.
Cross-Registration and MET Courses
The GRS Cross-Registration Policy allows for master’s students to take no more than one graduate-level course give by a school or college at BU other than CAS/GRS, unless the course is listed in the GRS Bulletin. All courses must be approved by the student’s major advisor and department chair, program director, or director of graduate studies. Fill out a course substitution form for these classes (see below).
Time Limit
Master’s students have a maximum of three years to complete their program from the first semester of registration. In extenuating circumstances, a student may petition for more time in which to complete the degree.
Auditing Courses
The GRS Auditing Courses policy allows auditing of courses on a space-available basis. Auditors are subject to full tuition and fees for the course. Courses at the 900-level may not be audited. Neither may language, physical education, studio courses, and courses with labs.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Graduate students in the Department of Earth & Environment are required to make “Satisfactory Academic Progress” as defined by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (https://www.bu.edu/academics/grs/policies/failing-grades/). Students who are at risk of failing to make Satisfactory Academic Progress will be placed on Academic Probation in accordance with this policy. The Department of Earth & Environment defines an “at-risk student” as one who has earned a non-credit grade (below at a B-) in two or more courses or has received incomplete grades in two or more courses over two consecutive semesters. An at-risk student will be notified of their probationary status by their academic adviser, Department Chair, or the Director of Graduate Studies. The Academic Probation notice will include a statement of the reason for the probationary status, criteria for the cessation of probationary status that provide an opportunity for improvement, and appropriate deadlines for meeting these criteria. Students on academic probation are required to meet with their faculty advisor and develop a written plan that specifies the necessary steps to ensure academic progress.
Graduation Application
Students in their final semester must submit the Intent to Graduate form.
Full-time/Part-time Status
United States domestic students may pursue any Master’s degree on full- or part-time basis. International students must pursue their degrees on a full-time basis only; however, international students may attain part-time status in their final semester once they file their Intent to Graduate.
Tuition
It is the responsibility of all students to be aware of all matters related to cost of attendance, including tuition and what it does and does not include. Students with questions about their bill or account should contact Student Accounting Services.