Master’s Programs FAQ

Students who wish to apply to any of our master’s degree 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 for more information.

MS and the 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.

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.

Students 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.

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.

The College of Engineering has an active Career Development Office 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.
We also offer professional development workshops called The Engineering Master’s Series designed specifically for graduate students.

BU 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.

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

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 for more information about our housing options.

All 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.

In addition to our master’s degree programs, we offer a variety of programs to fit working professionals’ unique schedules, including graduate certificates and single non-degree courses that can be taken without enrolling in a degree or certificate program. Graduate certificates and our Master of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering can be taken through our Distance Learning Program.

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.

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.