Boston University LEAP College of Engineering LEAP (Late Entry Accelerated Program) Information Session September 26, 2013 Hi, good afternoon everyone. Water Materials – brochures on masters programs, etc., folders Welcome to the College of Engineering at BU. We are very pleased to have you here today to talk about LEAP. LEAP has an over 30 year history here at the College and it is a program of which the college is very proud. Proud of the program, of the faculty, the students and our alumni. I’d like to start with some Introductions. My name is Leslie Tellalian and I am the Director of Graduate Programs for the College. I am fortunate to be joined today by a very dedicated and knowledgeable group of people from across the college - faculty, students and staff – all of who I know you’ll want to hear from today.

Today’s Agenda Introductions LEAP Overview Questions and Answers Tour What is LEAP? Structure Academics Admissions Financial Aid Contact Information Questions and Answers Tour First, I’d like to welcome two of our faculty members, that are part of the core group of faculty, who in addition to their roles as professors and researchers, also serve LEAP Advisors. (Intro) thank you. Next, I’d like to welcome this wonderful group of current LEAP students, each with as varied a background as you and in different places in the program. (Intro) Thank you. We’ll be hearing from them more a little later in the presentation. I’d also like to introduce our administrative staff – we operate centrally in the graduate programs office, but each department and division also has a dedicated Academic Program Manager, who is focused on your area of study. (Intro). Thanks. Questions throughout, but may stop to move on and we can revisit during q&a.

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. LEAP is Unique As I mentioned a moment ago, the program has existed for over 30 years, beginning as and it draws a strong varied, It is an intensive academic program that allows qualified students to take the core math, science and engineering undergraduate course necessary to prepare them to move into the masters of engineering or master’s of sciences degree programs here at Boston University. LEAP is for people with non-engineering backgrounds. provides a solid foundation that prepares students to move successfully into the master’s degree program. LEAP is described in Phases – Phase 1 is the core curriculum – the bridge and Phase 2 is once you enter your graduate degree program you do not receive a bachelor’s of engineering.

Program Structure Phase I: Phase II: Undergraduate Courses in: Math Basic Science Basic Engineering Phase I Electives * Same Courses as BU undergrads Phase II: Computer programming, electric circuit theory, signals and systems, electronics, logic design, probability and statistics, and other science or mathematics courses as individually necessary We have provided samples basic courses but also electives based on your area of study – our curriculum is continually assessed by our faculty to ensure you are working on the courses that will best prepare you for Phase II Each student has their own individual program planning a determined by you and your faculty advisor based on your background and what you would like to focus on in the master’s program LEAP is a knowledge-based - not a credit-based - program Students are encouraged to take the # of courses necessary to prepare them for the master’s program. Your academic progress is monitored as you go along Goal is that you will be indistinguishable in a positive way 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 A solid academic performance in Phase I, allows LEAP students to apply to either the Master of Engineering or the Master of Science program in any of these departments or divisions. 3.2 GPA in Phase I guarantees admission into the Master’s of engineering degree program. MEng is a professional degree program for those seeking a career in industry. Students who are more interested in research and a career in academia also have the option of applying to the Master of Science degree program.

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 Each department has it’s own web page within the COE site, so you can learn a lot more about the specific areas of study within each department and division. A good way to become more educated about this is to go to our website www.bu.edu/eng.

How long does it take? Depends on your background Phase l: Phase ll: 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) The answer to this one is simple – it depends. Since each student’s program is individualized, it could take anywhere from 1 to 4 semesters to complete Phase I. Typically most student’s complete their master’s degree in less time than it would take to complete a bachelor’s degree. Master’s program is usually 3 semesters – one calendar year. As I just mentioned the LEAP program itself is unique and so is the path for each individual – based on your background, education and area of interest. Within the structure of the program, it is individualized for you – you may take between 6-8, maybe 10 courses to complete phase I. If you are only in need of 1-3 classes to enter a master’s program, then LEAP is probably not for you. It is designed for those in need of a full body of coursework to enter a master’s program. Phase ll: One calendar year full-time for MEng degree

MEng & MS Overview • 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 An overview of MEng and MS

LEAP students’ undergraduate degrees Varied background and education, work experience makes for a very robust work force. As someone who comes from industry, 44% bachelors in the sciences – physics, chemistry biology 14% - math and computer science 28% social science and humanities 8% business 6% fine arts This means the majority of students are not -science Science 36% Math/Comp. Sci – 8% Social Science – 44% Music 10% Business 2 %

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) Technology degrees do not satisfy this prerequisite Calc IN COLLEGE – AP calc not sufficient -long ago far away Essential to be up-to-date in calc If you took calc as an undergrad, but you were a business major or studies social sciences, that coursework may have been different than that for math and science, so you’ll want to go back and check. And, this is a requirement on our side, but is also important for you as a student to ensure you have the right working knowledge coming in as you begin your LEAP coursework, so we want to see it, but it’s also you preparing yourself for LEAP. Sample syllabus on our website for you to check against. Each department may have additional expectations for their students coming in – check the website for any specific information. Again, we’re always looking at our curriculum and how we can best prepare our students for success in their chosen graduate degree program.

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 GMAT may not be substituted for GRE Statement of purpose. This is an important part of your application. As we said everyone has a different story – different education and work experience and reasons for wanting to enter into the world of engineering and make this commitment. The faculty reviewing your application are not looking for a specific type of response – they want to understand you, your reasons for wanting to study engineering and come to BU. Application fee $80 Letters of recommendation Go to website, LEAP FAQs, we’re always available as a resource though you will find many of your questions addressed on the website. Apply Online www.bu.edu/eng/grad/apply

Financial Aid Financial aid available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who… Demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA and Pursue at least half-time study Credit-based financial aid FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid www.fafsa.gov This is FREE LEAP students are grad students and considered to be independent Only your income and assets are factored in unless you’re married. Must be enrolled at least half-time /6 credits to qualify for federal 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 Must be eligible for the federal Stafford subsidized loan to be considered for LEAP scholarship. Determined first by financial eligibility and then merit.

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 Assistantships or fellowships include full tuition , a monthly stipend, health insurance and registration fee. LEAP students may also be eligible for other external scholarships International students are eligible for Fulbright scholarships.

LEAP Events Alumni event organized by a LEAP student and attended by more than 10 LEAP alumni working at companies including: Sr. Engineering Manager @ Kofax Sr. Electrical Engineer @ Tekscan Software Developer @ Mathworks VP of Operations @ Tripyramid Strcutures Mechanical Engineer @ Iwalk inc Among others. There was a panel discussion, followed by table breakout discussions for more specific program and career discussion. Annual fall event.

Resources for LEAP Students LEAP Faculty advisors in each department Career Development Office Networking Nights Social Activities Student Organizations Career development Office Opportunities Resume help Networking Nights - Fall & Spring Where did our interns go this summer – - Autodesk, Sylvania, Carbon design Systems - Visus Technology (start-up in Cambrige that builds apps for the blind and was founded by a BU alum) Social Activities: - Sage & Gwise – Pub nights, ski trips, yoga, SAGE Jam - Community Planning

Where do LEAP Graduates Work? Where our alumni are working

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 Some solicited yet honest feedback from LEAP alumni

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

Graduate Programs Office Why not make this year your LEAP year? Contact LEAP Graduate Programs Office (617) 353-9760 enggrad@bu.edu www.bu.edu/eng/leap