Boston University LEAP Program

[calvin8]

Hi Stang,

 

I am interested in pursuing mechanical engineering, and have considered doing another B.S. degree in mech e. I just finished my B.S. degree in neuroscience a few months ago. I live in Arizona, so I am strongly considering going to Arizona State University (where I will be paying in-state tuition) and doing a B.S.E in Mech E there. 

 

I like that I can pursue an M. Eng at Boston University, as opposed to a BSE at ASU. The biggest drawbacks are distance from home and higher tuition/living expenses. 

Could you describe some of the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing an M Eng at BU versus completing an ABET accredited BSE degree? Do you know if ABET accreditation actually matter to companies  that might here me (biotech and aerospace are my top two career options). 

 

 

Separately, what advantages and disadvantages does the study of mechanical enginering have, compared to studying chemical or biomedical engineering? 

 

I've read a lot of your previous responses to questions on this thread, so I'll be really happy to hear your response. Thanks. 

[StaNg72]

Hey Calvin,

 

Unfortunately, I'm not very versed in the pros and cons of MEng versus a BSE. However, at a recent LEAP info session, I do recall one of our administrators giving an example that described an employer looking to hire. She said that the employer asked for recent graduates, and that if the person holds only a B.S.E., then the employer also required that they had a certain amount of experience (probably a certain number of years) in the field. If the person holds a Masters, no experience is required. That's one story. If I were to thoroughly answer your question, I would need to do a bit of research before providing you with one. I feel that this type of thing is dependent of many factors, factors that I haven't adequately researched. If you'd like, I can see if I can do some digging and get back to you.

 

As for the second part of your question, from the bit of research I have done, it seems that ABET accreditation is very important for those seeking to work in Civil or Environmental engineering. This topic isn't so black and white and depends upon the requirements of each state. I've also read that holding a degree from an ABET accredited institution is not so crucial for aerospace engineers, although I think all states require you to hold a license if you offer services directly to the public. I can definitely find out by talking to some of our faculty and get back to you. Or, if anyone here has a more definitive answer, we're all eyes!

 

As for your third question, I don't see the different fields as having advantages and disadvantages against each other. It all depends on what you're interested in and intrigued by, what engineering problems you'd like to solve, where your passion lies and where you want to contribute your skills, among many other things. One can make great strides in all of those fields if you're willing to put in the work. Personally, I would not devote myself to a field that I'm not passionate about just because I view an aspect of it as slightly better than that belonging to another field. Once you pinpoint your passion for an area of study, there will be nothing but advantages. A degree in chemical engineering will lead you on an entirely different path than, say, in mechanical engineering. There really is no comparing the two unless you're talking about the types of jobs that'll be open to you. At that point, it's not even about advantages and disadvantages...it's about what you want to do with your life. Also keep in mind that you will probably be working with a team of engineers, each with a different degree. A project may require that all types of engineers contribute, but each person is focusing on something different, but equally as exciting and challenging.

 

Sorry I couldn't provide any concrete answers. Let me know if you'd like me to do any digging about BSE/ABET!

 

Stan

[calvin8]

Hey Calvin,

 

Unfortunately, I'm not very versed in the pros and cons of MEng versus a BSE. However, at a recent LEAP info session, I do recall one of our administrators giving an example that described an employer looking to hire. She said that the employer asked for recent graduates, and that if the person holds only a B.S.E., then the employer also required that they had a certain amount of experience (probably a certain number of years) in the field. If the person holds a Masters, no experience is required. That's one story. If I were to thoroughly answer your question, I would need to do a bit of research before providing you with one. I feel that this type of thing is dependent of many factors, factors that I haven't adequately researched. If you'd like, I can see if I can do some digging and get back to you.

 

As for the second part of your question, from the bit of research I have done, it seems that ABET accreditation is very important for those seeking to work in Civil or Environmental engineering. This topic isn't so black and white and depends upon the requirements of each state. I've also read that holding a degree from an ABET accredited institution is not so crucial for aerospace engineers, although I think all states require you to hold a license if you offer services directly to the public. I can definitely find out by talking to some of our faculty and get back to you. Or, if anyone here has a more definitive answer, we're all eyes!

 

As for your third question, I don't see the different fields as having advantages and disadvantages against each other. It all depends on what you're interested in and intrigued by, what engineering problems you'd like to solve, where your passion lies and where you want to contribute your skills, among many other things. One can make great strides in all of those fields if you're willing to put in the work. Personally, I would not devote myself to a field that I'm not passionate about just because I view an aspect of it as slightly better than that belonging to another field. Once you pinpoint your passion for an area of study, there will be nothing but advantages. A degree in chemical engineering will lead you on an entirely different path than, say, in mechanical engineering. There really is no comparing the two unless you're talking about the types of jobs that'll be open to you. At that point, it's not even about advantages and disadvantages...it's about what you want to do with your life. Also keep in mind that you will probably be working with a team of engineers, each with a different degree. A project may require that all types of engineers contribute, but each person is focusing on something different, but equally as exciting and challenging.

 

Sorry I couldn't provide any concrete answers. Let me know if you'd like me to do any digging about BSE/ABET!

 

Stan

 

 

Thanks for your really thorough response Stan. I'm going to meet with an adviser tomorrow at ASU; I'll ask her the question about the importance of ABET accreditation. I know that concrete answers aren't easy to come by for these types of questions, so don't worry about doing more research. I just want to hear a multitude of opinions from many different people and then make a decision from there. 

I think you mentioned that you're pursuing mech e (if i'm wrong, replace mech e in the following question with the degree you are actually pursuing).

 

What is your feel for the job market in mech E for someone with your credentials? BLS indicates that mech E is seeing 9% job growth for this decade. Growth is good, but the national average is listed at 14%, which concerns me. Has it been easy for you to find jobs and internships in fields that you are interested in, that also pay a starting salary that you want? What kind of competition do you face? 

Edited August 22, 2013 by calvin8

[hek2d2]

Hello everyone, 

 

I too have had interest in the LEAP program at BU. To describe my background, I went to a vocational-technical school during high school where I studied Electronics Manufacturing & Engineering and earned my certification back in 2006. After high school I went to community college to pursue the same field but had to switch majors after falling short in a course that was a pre-req to many other courses. So I changed it to radio & television and earned my associate's degree in 2009, then moved on to a 4-year university to study television & film of which I received my BA just this past spring 2013. With that said, I am in the television/film industry. However, I wish to pursue a master's of engineering in electrical engineering as I feel this will be a much more worthy degree than having a master's of fine arts in film. I wish to combine both professions together as I find a passion in engineering & repairing cinema cameras as well as being a filmmaker. I live in Pennsylvania and I'm looking around to see if there are any programs out there that are similar to LEAP so I can have other options and choices. Living in Boston wouldn't be as convenient to me at the moment so I'm doing careful planning and research before I make any decisions. In the meantime, I was wondering if courses can be taken at a community college to knock out some of the courses that must be taken during phase 1 by transferring them over or must all those courses in phase 1 be taken only at BU? 

[StaNg72]

Thanks for your really thorough response Stan. I'm going to meet with an adviser tomorrow at ASU; I'll ask her the question about the importance of ABET accreditation. I know that concrete answers aren't easy to come by for these types of questions, so don't worry about doing more research. I just want to hear a multitude of opinions from many different people and then make a decision from there. 

I think you mentioned that you're pursuing mech e (if i'm wrong, replace mech e in the following question with the degree you are actually pursuing).

 

What is your feel for the job market in mech E for someone with your credentials? BLS indicates that mech E is seeing 9% job growth for this decade. Growth is good, but the national average is listed at 14%, which concerns me. Has it been easy for you to find jobs and internships in fields that you are interested in, that also pay a starting salary that you want? What kind of competition do you face? 

 

You are correct, I am in mechanical.

 

In truth, I don't have any feels of the sort. I try not to let those numbers drive my ambitions. If we all did that, would there even be any growth? Call me an idealist, but I don't think any of us should choose a path based on something that will always be changing. As for salaries...can't say I'm there yet. I'm still a Phase I student through December, and I'm only just beginning my internship search. Our Career Resource Center and advisors are brilliant at helping students find such opportunities.

 

Can we safely argue that scientists, physicists, engineers, and technologists are and will continue to be the driving forces of this nation's economy? I think so. A big saying among LEAP students is that this program is what you make of it. And as Neil deGrasse Tyson once said,

 

"In whatever you choose to do, do it because it's hard, not because it's easy. Math and physics and astrophysics are hard. For every hard thing you accomplish, fewer other people are out there doing the same thing as you. That's what doing something hard means. And in the limit of this, everyone beats a path to your door because you're the only one around who understands the impossible concept or who solves the unsolvable problem."

 

And therein lies the competition.

 

How did the meeting with the advisor go?

[StaNg72]

Hello everyone, 

 

I too have had interest in the LEAP program at BU. To describe my background, I went to a vocational-technical school during high school where I studied Electronics Manufacturing & Engineering and earned my certification back in 2006. After high school I went to community college to pursue the same field but had to switch majors after falling short in a course that was a pre-req to many other courses. So I changed it to radio & television and earned my associate's degree in 2009, then moved on to a 4-year university to study television & film of which I received my BA just this past spring 2013. With that said, I am in the television/film industry. However, I wish to pursue a master's of engineering in electrical engineering as I feel this will be a much more worthy degree than having a master's of fine arts in film. I wish to combine both professions together as I find a passion in engineering & repairing cinema cameras as well as being a filmmaker. I live in Pennsylvania and I'm looking around to see if there are any programs out there that are similar to LEAP so I can have other options and choices. Living in Boston wouldn't be as convenient to me at the moment so I'm doing careful planning and research before I make any decisions. In the meantime, I was wondering if courses can be taken at a community college to knock out some of the courses that must be taken during phase 1 by transferring them over or must all those courses in phase 1 be taken only at BU? 

 

You can certainly, and it is advisable, that you take as many pre-req courses as possible prior to coming to LEAP. Just make sure that you consult the LEAP website (http://www.bu.edu/eng/academics/special-programs/leap/faq/) for the syllabi (you may need to do some digging) and make sure those courses cover everything on that particular syllabus. Here's an example of the one for Calc I: http://www.bu.edu/eng/academics/special-programs/leap/documents/MA123_Sp12_Panth.pdf

 

The courses most students take before coming are all of the calc courses, physics 1 and 2, and differential equations. But again, check the website under your chosen field, see what is required, and look for the course's syllabus. If you need more information, I have several friends currently in LEAP who took a handful of courses prior to entry.

[amouse]

Do you guys know the average GRE of the leap program? I took the GRE recently and got a 164 V 158 Q and I'm not sure if I should retake. Any help would be appreciated.

[szman]

I think Q is 160 not sure about V. Can someone who is already in the program tell me how long are your SOPs? 

[amouse]

Thanks Szman! Have you applied to LEAP?  Anybody get a score lower than 160Q and got in?

[musiccity32]

Do you guys know the average GRE of the leap program? I took the GRE recently and got a 164 V 158 Q and I'm not sure if I should retake. Any help would be appreciated.

Amouse,

I am a current LEAP student just finishing up Phase 1 this semester like Stan. You're GRE scores are good. GRE scores are not the be all end all of getting admitted. I scored a 161 V and 159 Q. It seems most people I've spoken to in LEAP have scores that range from the high 150s to the low 160s for both quant and verbal.

[StaNg72]

Amouse,

I am a current LEAP student just finishing up Phase 1 this semester like Stan. You're GRE scores are good. GRE scores are not the be all end all of getting admitted. I scored a 161 V and 159 Q. It seems most people I've spoken to in LEAP have scores that range from the high 150s to the low 160s for both quant and verbal.

 

Agreed.

[amouse]

Thanks guys! you guys made my heart feel a lot less heavier. 

[szman]

How long does it take to know if you are accept into Leap?

[StaNg72]

How long does it take to know if you are accept into Leap?

 

I remember finding out around mid-March for Fall admission.

Edited September 21, 2013 by StaNg72

[szman]

Do you guys know how many people get the leap scholarship and what it is based on?  Thanks!

[vincent.barilla]

I remember finding out around mid-March for Fall admission.

 

Hi Stan! We met at the LEAP informational session/ice cream social, how've you been? I was wondering if you were familiar with when applicants for Spring 2014 should hear back from BU. I've got my fingers crossed, and am hoping to hear good news soon! 

 

Take care, hope you're well, 

 

Vincent

[szman]

Hi Stan! We met at the LEAP informational session/ice cream social, how've you been? I was wondering if you were familiar with when applicants for Spring 2014 should hear back from BU. I've got my fingers crossed, and am hoping to hear good news soon! 

 

Take care, hope you're well, 

 

Vincent

HI vicent, I am applying for Spring also. I think we will hear back early December... since they don't start looking at apps until early November.

[StaNg72]

Hi Stan! We met at the LEAP informational session/ice cream social, how've you been? I was wondering if you were familiar with when applicants for Spring 2014 should hear back from BU. I've got my fingers crossed, and am hoping to hear good news soon! 

 

Take care, hope you're well, 

 

Vincent

 

Hey Vince! I was wondering when I'd get an update from you, haha. I've been well. This semester's been keeping me pretty busy, but I'm enjoying everything. 

 

I think szman is right. I've also just asked a fellow LEAPer who started in Spring, and he said he didn't get an official notice until around December 20th. You can probably call before then, maybe early December, to find out. 

 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you (and everyone else)! 

[vincent.barilla]

Thanks to you both for the info, and great to hear from you, Stan! Hopefully I'll get some good news come mid-December and will be joining up with the LEAP crew.

 

Take care, good luck with your semester!

 

Vincent

[szman]

Hey Vincent what engineering are u applying to?

[vincent.barilla]

Well I'm planning to take advantage of LEAP's flexibility through the Phase I courses, and not decide till I've checked out some of the labs/research projects in-person. That being said, I'm leaning strongly towards biomedical or mechanical. How about yourself?

[pygartheangel]

Hi everybody -- 

So glad this forum exists, it's extremely useful.

 

I just applied for Spring admission, but I was just wondering -- has anyone seen any statistics on job placement? 

Or even any anecdotal type knowledge about how easy it is to get a job after completing this program?

Now that scholarships are more difficult to get, it seems more important to really consider what you get out of the program, you know?

[szman]

just got my acceptance letter

[vincent.barilla]

Congrats!! Still waiting for word from BU. Out of curiosity, was it a physical letter or an email?

[szman]

It was an email!