Boston University

College of Engineering

LEAP(Late Entry Accelerated

Program)Information Session

September 26, 2013

Today’s Agenda

• Introductions

• LEAP Overview– What is LEAP?

– Structure

– Academics

– Admissions

– Financial Aid

– Contact Information

• Questions and Answers

• Tour

What is LEAP?(Late Entry Accelerated Program)

• A transitional program allowing qualified students with bachelor’s degrees in non-engineering fields to complete core undergraduate math, science and engineering courses.

• Upon successful completion of Phase I*, students apply to a Master’s degree program in their area of concentration.

*You do not receive a certificate or Bachelor’s

Degree.

Program Structure

Phase I:Undergraduate Courses in:• Math• Basic Science• Basic Engineering• Phase I Electives

* Same Courses as BU undergrads

Phase II:• Enter Master’s program in chosen

department

• Phase I GPA of 3.2 and above guarantees admission into MEng degree program

• Eligible for later entry to PhD Program

Master’s Degree Programs

• Biomedical

• Computer

• Electrical

• Materials Science and Engineering

• Mechanical

• Manufacturing

• Photonics

• Systems

Departments/Areas of Study• Biomedical - biotechnology, biomolecular engineering, sensory systems,

cardiopulmonary engineering, neuroscience, micro- and nano-systems, and biomechanics and biomaterials.

• Electrical and Computer – electrophysics, electronic and computer circuits, lasers, photonics, image processing, bioelectric applications, information systems, computer software and hardware, nano-devices, power systems, green energy systems and devices.

• Mechanical (includes Manufacturing) – acoustics and vibrations; biomechanics; computational science and engineering; dynamics, robotics systems and controls; thermofluid sciences, energy and sustainability; supply chain; yield; product design; queuing theory.

• Materials Science and Engineering – biomaterials; electronic and photonic materials; materials for energy and environment; nanomaterials.

• Systems – modeling and control; network systems; manufacturing, service and energy systems; operations research and financial engineering; computational and systems biology.

For more information go to www.bu.edu/eng

How long does it take?

Depends on your background

• Full-time (3 - 4 courses per semester) Usually one calendar year

• Part-time (1 - 2 courses per semester) Flexible work schedule required (most classes meet in the daytime)

• One calendar year full-time for MEng degree

Phase l:

Phase ll:

Program Features MEng MS

Advanced technical coursework in a specific discipline • •Engineering management and technical leadership courses •A research-based degree program in a specific discipline •Thesis required •Can be completed in two to three academic semesters •Recommended for early career professionals with less than five years of work experience • •Recommended for students coming directly from undergraduate programs • •Ideal for students interested in technical project management, product development and design careers •For students interested in research positions in academia, government or industry •

MEng & MS Overview

LEAP students’ undergraduate degrees

44%

16%

14%

12%

8%

6%

Natural Sciences Humanities Math/Computer Science Social Sciences Business/Communications Fine Arts

Application Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree(not an Associate’s degree or 4-year BET degree)

• Grade of “B” or better in at least one semester of Calculus for math and science majors taken in college (AP Calculus does not meet the requirement)

Application Requirements

• Application form

• Statement of purpose

• Resume

• Transcripts from prior schools

• Two letters of recommendation (minimum)

• GRE scores (sent by ETS)

• TOEFL (international applicants)

• Application fee

• Deadlines to be considered for financial aid: − October 1st – Spring − January 15th – Summer & Fall

Apply Onlinewww.bu.edu/eng/grad/apply

Financial Aid

• Financial aid available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who…

1. Demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA and

3. Pursue at least half-time study

•Credit-based financial aid

Financial Aid (cont’d.)

Phase I

Possible LEAP scholarship for up to three semesters of study based on FAFSA eligibility and merit Federal, need-based loans available for U.S. citizens and

permanent residents who…

–Demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA and

–Pursue at least half-time study

Private, credit-based federal aid

Submit FAFSA application at www.fafsa.gov BU school code is 002130

Financial Aid (cont’d.)

Phase II

Possible Aid Available for:

• Research Assistantships*

• Merit-based partial tuition scholarships

All ENG Graduate students are eligible for these merit-based types of funding.

*MS & PhD programs only

LEAP Events

Resources for LEAP Students

• LEAP Faculty advisors in each department

• Career Development Office

• Networking Nights

• Social Activities

• Student Organizations

Where do LEAP Graduates Work?

LEAP Feedback“LEAP is a great way for anyone interested in engineering to make the transition into a technical field. It takes a lot of hard work in the beginning, but... you really get to know the subject matter well.”

– Joe Suntharaphat

MS, Manufacturing Engineering

"Best career move I've ever made.”

– Jayson Kurrle

MS, Mechanical Engineering

“LEAP has given me great career opportunities. The curriculum is well designed and streamlined for non-traditional students wishing to gain a technical background.”

– Tony Dean

MS Computer Systems Engineering

LEAP Feedback

"I was very excited to discover this unique program at BU. My experience with the faculty and staff associated with LEAP has been wonderful. ”

– Cassandra Browning, MA, Psychology; MS, Computer Systems; PhD in Electrical Engineering

"LEAP provides an excellent pathway for non-engineering majors to pursue their technical aspirations, even a decade after college. I plan to get a Doctoral Degree in Biomedical Engineering, and hope to help develop medical devices for a small company in the Boston area.”

– Jesse Lock, BA English, M.D. Pediatrics; PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering

Contact LEAP

Graduate Programs Office

(617) 353-9760

enggrad@bu.edu

www.bu.edu/eng/leap

Why not make this year your LEAP year?