Electronics Engineering Technology (BSEET) to MSEE

[HassE]

Hey guys i attend Wentworth Institute of Technology in a electronics engineering technology program. I am in my junior year and have been interested in going to get my masters in electrical engineering. From what Ive been told it is not only possible to go from BSEET to MSEE, but is pretty common at my school. I have a 3.23 GPA, with plans on hoping to increase that by my senior year to a 3.3-3.4. Can any one shed any light as to what schools they know of have accepted a technology student? I understand I'm most likely going to have to take "Bridge Courses", how many is the question, and how many schools would actually accept me. Unfortunately i haven't taken my GRE scores so i am unable to report those, but can anyone give me any ideas if they have any as to how high i should bring my GPA up to, or which schools have they "easiest transition"? Thanks

[twocosmicfish]

I have some bad news for you - most engineering departments specifically bar BSEET holders from applying for graduate programs. The tech degree is specifically oriented towards application and lacks the strong theoretical base required for research - or at least that is the perception. I would approach this program from the other direction - if people are telling you that graduates are getting into grad programs, ask THEM which grad programs are taking them.

If you are interested in grad school, why are you in a BSEET program? Can you transfer to a different program or school to get the BSEE instead?

[zilch]

With a GPA of 3.3-3.4 it'll be difficult to get into top programs (my undergrad gpa was around that). You will need excellent rec letters and research experience would definitely help.

If you want to go to grad school, try to get some research experience and do some independent investigation regarding what schools will take the BSEET (ask alumni, email schools, etc).

[HassE]

i have already talked to many students, and professors regarding this. One of my professors graduated from the same program im in many years back, and he applied to Boston University, North Eastern University, Tufts University, and MIT. Granted he had a 3.8 GPA, MIT and Tufts accepted him (ya surprisingly) into their masters programs. However, BU and NEU rejected him. He chose tufts because they have him some type of scholarship, while MIT refused to pay any of it.

From what everyone has told me Tufts University has the best and easiest transition from my degree over to their masters program. Anyone have any experience with Tufts and their admissions? Any advice regarding their program? Obviously what Tufts makes us do is take some transition or bridge courses to "prove" we have what it takes to be entered into their program, but once we take those couple classes and get a B or higher, all is well. This is at least what ive heard.

I also heard NYU Poly has some success from a BSEET over to MSEE. Any one else have any success with this? Any other recommendations? I understand i wont be able to get into a top 10 or even top 50 school, but a top 100 school most definitely interests me. Any ideas where else?

To say that no school at all won't accept me, however is a little strong. I mean it's like telling an Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineer that he can't get a program for his masters in computer science. He might not be in that specific program, however it is all common to see that happening. In my case i already have the fundamentals of EE somewhat down. In undergrad school they go over a lot of material, but in a broad fashion. In your masters, its very indepth, but in a specific category.

[twocosmicfish]

First of all, if your professor turned down MIT for Tufts (in engineering), that was a big mistake.

If you have a lead on Tufts and NYU Poly as being BSEET-friendly I would go ahead and ask them directly what their policies are. I only know BSEET-Unfriendly schools. Tufts has a great reputation in liberal arts and especially international relations, but I am unfamiliar with their engineering reputation.

Good luck!

[HassE]

First of all, if your professor turned down MIT for Tufts (in engineering), that was a big mistake.

If you have a lead on Tufts and NYU Poly as being BSEET-friendly I would go ahead and ask them directly what their policies are. I only know BSEET-Unfriendly schools. Tufts has a great reputation in liberal arts and especially international relations, but I am unfamiliar with their engineering reputation.

Good luck!

well only reason he turned it down was because MIT 100% flat out rejected him for any type of financial aid, while Tufts made him take a class or two to prove he could handle the workload; they then gave him a full scholarship there. Tufts isnt really known for their engineering, however they are a ranked school, i believe around 60th in the nation for engineering. My professor then went onto WPI to receive his doctorate in Manufactoring, and then onto Harvard to receieve his masters in education/teaching. He ended up doing pretty good for himself, even though he started off with a technology degree.

You said you knew BSEET-Unfriendly schools, would you mind sharing your thoughts on what you believe they are so i don't waste my time applying their?

From what i understand, Boston University, Northeastern University, Umass Lowell, and WPI are all BSEET-Unfriendly schools. Anyone else want to add onto that list?