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The Ultimate Guide to Boston University (BU) Engineering

The Ultimate Guide to Boston University (BU) Engineering

Explore BU's renowned College of Engineering, from top majors and programs to hands-on experiences and career outcomes. Your guide to excelling as a BU engineering student.

Photo: Iñaki del Olmo
Academics
Updated 2026-01
12 min read

The Ultimate Guide to Boston University (BU) Engineering

Explore BU's renowned College of Engineering, from top majors and programs to hands-on experiences and career outcomes. Your guide to excelling as a BU engineering student.
DP
David Park

BU Class of 2025 | ENG

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1

The Quick Answer

The Ultimate Guide to Boston University (BU) Engineering is part of the academic landscape at Boston University (BU) in Boston, Massachusetts. This guide provides perspective from students and alumni who have navigated these programs firsthand.

2

Overview of BU Engineering

The College of Engineering at Boston University (BU) is one of the premier engineering schools in the country, consistently ranked among the top 50 engineering programs nationally. With over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, BU Engineering offers 12 bachelor's, 13 master's, and 10 doctoral degree programs across 7 academic departments.

From innovative robotics and biomedical engineering to cutting-edge computer science and electrical engineering, BU's engineering curricula are designed to push the boundaries of modern technology. With world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and countless opportunities for hands-on learning and research, the College of Engineering provides an unparalleled educational experience for aspiring engineers.

3

BU Engineering Departments & Majors

The College of Engineering at BU is organized into 7 academic departments, each offering multiple bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs:

  • Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering

- Mechanical Engineering

  • Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
  • Computer Science
- Computer Engineering

- Computer Science

  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering

- Photonics

  • Manufacturing Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
  • Materials Science and Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
  • Systems Engineering
- Systems Engineering

Each department has its own unique curriculum, lab facilities, and research focus areas, allowing students to tailor their engineering education to their specific interests and career goals.

4

State-of-the-Art Engineering Facilities

BU Engineering students have access to cutting-edge facilities and laboratories that enable hands-on learning and groundbreaking research:

  • Photonics Center: Houses advanced optics and photonics labs, including a 10,000 sq ft cleanroom for semiconductor and nanotechnology research.
  • Engineering Product Innovation Center (EPIC): A 20,000 sq ft makerspace with 3D printers, CNC machines, and other advanced manufacturing equipment.
  • Sensor Lab: Specializes in the design and development of sensor technologies for biomedical, energy, and environmental applications.
  • Robotics Lab: Features autonomous robots, drones, and other intelligent systems for research in areas like swarm robotics and human-robot interaction.
  • Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems: A collaborative research facility focused on renewable energy, smart grid, and energy efficiency technologies.

These state-of-the-art facilities, combined with small class sizes and accessible faculty, create an unparalleled learning environment for BU engineering students.

5

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Beyond the classroom, BU Engineering students have countless opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills through hands-on projects, internships, and research:

  • Capstone Design Projects: All engineering undergraduates complete a yearlong capstone design project, working in teams to solve real-world engineering challenges for industry partners.
  • Undergraduate Research: Students can participate in faculty-led research across departments, gaining valuable experience in areas like robotics, energy systems, and materials science.
  • Internships & Co-ops: BU's strong industry connections provide engineering students with access to internships and co-op placements at top companies like Amazon, Apple, and NASA.
  • Student Design Teams: Extracurricular teams like the Baja SAE, Formula SAE, and RoboBees give students hands-on experience in project management, design, and competition.

These immersive, project-based learning opportunities set BU Engineering graduates apart, preparing them for successful careers in industry, research, or entrepreneurship.

6

Exceptional Career Outcomes

Graduates of the College of Engineering at Boston University (BU) are highly sought after by leading employers in a wide range of industries. Recent data shows:

  • 98% of BU Engineering grads are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation
  • Average starting salary for BU engineering bachelor's graduates is over $75,000
  • Top employers include Amazon, Apple, Boeing, Google, Microsoft, and many others
  • Many alumni go on to launch successful startups or pursue advanced degrees at top graduate programs

BU's rigorous engineering curriculum, combined with extensive experiential learning and career development resources, equip students with the technical skills, critical thinking abilities, and professional experience to excel in any engineering field.

7

Engineering Student Life at BU

Pro Tip

Being a BU engineering student means being part of a vibrant, close-knit community. Outside the classroom, students can get involved in:

  • 30+ engineering-focused student organizations, from the Robotics Club to the National Society of Black Engineers
  • Intramural sports teams and the BU Engineering Olympics
  • Career-focused events like the Engineering Career Fair and alumni networking mixers
  • Social activities like the annual Engineering Ball and end-of-semester celebrations

Many engineering students also live together in designated housing, such as the Kilachand Honors College or Danielsen Hall, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration. With abundant academic and social opportunities, BU engineering students develop lifelong friendships and a shared passion for innovation.

8

Applying to BU Engineering

Pro Tip

The College of Engineering at Boston University (BU) receives thousands of applications each year, so the admissions process is highly competitive. To stand out, prospective students should:

  • Maintain a strong academic record, with a focus on math and science courses
  • Demonstrate leadership experience and extracurricular involvement, especially in STEM-related activities
  • Craft a compelling personal statement that highlights their passion for engineering and fit with BU's program
  • Submit competitive test scores (SAT or ACT) and strong letters of recommendation

BU also offers several specialized engineering-focused scholarships and programs, such as the prestigious Trustee Scholarship, which provides a full-tuition award. Applying early and highlighting unique qualifications can significantly improve one's chances of admission to this top-tier engineering school.

9

What Surprises BU Students About Academics

The Hub curriculum at BU is more flexible than it first appears. With strategic planning, you can satisfy multiple requirements with single courses—but this requires understanding the system early.

10

Key Considerations

When evaluating The Ultimate Guide to Boston University (BU) Engineering, BU students should weigh both the benefits and constraints. No option is perfect for everyone—the right choice depends on your specific priorities, circumstances, and what tradeoffs you're willing to accept.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular engineering majors at BU?
The most popular undergraduate engineering majors at Boston University (BU) are Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Engineering. These programs consistently attract the largest number of students and have excellent reputations within the industry.
Does BU Engineering offer any specialized programs or concentrations?
Yes, BU Engineering has several specialized programs and concentrations, including Biomedical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Photonics, and Systems Engineering. These allow students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.
What are the admission requirements for BU's engineering programs?
The admission requirements for BU Engineering include a strong academic record, with a focus on math and science courses, competitive test scores (SAT or ACT), demonstrated leadership and extracurricular involvement, and a compelling personal statement. The university also offers specialized engineering scholarships and programs for exceptional applicants.
What hands-on learning opportunities are available for BU engineering students?
BU engineering students have access to numerous hands-on learning opportunities, including capstone design projects, undergraduate research positions, industry internships and co-ops, and extracurricular design teams. These immersive, project-based experiences allow students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges.
What are the career outcomes for BU engineering graduates?
BU engineering graduates enjoy exceptional career outcomes, with 98% employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation and an average starting salary over $75,000. They go on to work at top companies like Amazon, Apple, Boeing, and Microsoft, or pursue advanced degrees at leading graduate programs. The combination of a rigorous curriculum and extensive hands-on learning prepares BU engineers for success in any field.
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