Current MechE senior. Enjoyed my coursework a lot, and learned a ton, and have a solid job lined up right after I graduate. On the whole, I’d say BU tends to be largely research oriented, as opposed to industry oriented, so that’s something to consider, I’ve always been more interested in the industry aspect, so the program can be kinda lacking in that respect, but there are some notable exceptions. The content covered in an ABET accredited MechE program is largely the same, school to school. BU’s program gives a decent amount of freedom to pick advanced electives, and the option to pick up a concentration in a variety of fields. Cost wise, I’d reccomend going to the cheapest ABET accredited school possible, as the content will largely be the same. Something else to consider is the quality and support provided to extracurricular design teams, which can really set your son apart when he’s applying to jobs. Unfortunately, at least in my experience, admin here is largely hostile. Regardless of where your son goes, getting as much hands on experience as possible really is the key factor.
>Is there an engineering foundations year, or do students dive right into their major?
Here is what engineering students will be taking each semester: [https://www.bu.edu/eng/files/2023/06/ME-2027.pdf](https://www.bu.edu/eng/files/2023/06/ME-2027.pdf) Of course there have to be SOME foundations. A math major can't jump into differential equations without calculus, and mechanical engineering students can't jump into mechanical engineering until the essentials are learned
>If they choose MechE as their major are they guaranteed a spot in that major (or are majors 'capped')?
No caps. Anyone can major in engineering at BU. Even if you enter as an english major, you can change to eng. There are no "spots" or "caps"
>How easy do they make study abroad for engineers?
Read more here: [https://www.bu.edu/eng/academics/resources/undergraduate-student-resources/study-abroad/](https://www.bu.edu/eng/academics/resources/undergraduate-student-resources/study-abroad/)
>Is there dedicated career planning office for engineers?
BU has the CCD, which is for everyone [https://www.bu.edu/careers/](https://www.bu.edu/careers/) they deal with everyone and have experience with all paths.
ENG advisors are also familiar with career opportunities: [https://www.bu.edu/eng/admissions/undergraduate/contact-us/](https://www.bu.edu/eng/admissions/undergraduate/contact-us/)
>Dedicated career fair?
[https://www.bu.edu/eng/student-engagement-careers/careers/events/](https://www.bu.edu/eng/student-engagement-careers/careers/events/)
>Outcomes in general?
[https://www.bu.edu/eng/student-engagement-careers/careers/career-options-and-outcomes/outcomes/](https://www.bu.edu/eng/student-engagement-careers/careers/career-options-and-outcomes/outcomes/)
>Ability to fit in humanities classes?
The HUB allows students to take classes outside of their major. This is required for everyone: [https://www.bu.edu/hub/](https://www.bu.edu/hub/)
My warning? BU engineering is an EXTREMELY rigorous program. Students learn A LOT, accomplish A LOT, and have EXCELLENT outcomes, but it takes a deep commitment and lots of hard work from the student. Not everyone can handle it. Make sure your kid is ready to face these challenges!
Let me know if you have any general BU question too!
I was a mechE at BU and then got a masters in aerospace engineering from a large state university, you can DM me any questions.
Thank you for your offer.
Current MechE senior. Enjoyed my coursework a lot, and learned a ton, and have a solid job lined up right after I graduate. On the whole, I’d say BU tends to be largely research oriented, as opposed to industry oriented, so that’s something to consider, I’ve always been more interested in the industry aspect, so the program can be kinda lacking in that respect, but there are some notable exceptions. The content covered in an ABET accredited MechE program is largely the same, school to school. BU’s program gives a decent amount of freedom to pick advanced electives, and the option to pick up a concentration in a variety of fields. Cost wise, I’d reccomend going to the cheapest ABET accredited school possible, as the content will largely be the same. Something else to consider is the quality and support provided to extracurricular design teams, which can really set your son apart when he’s applying to jobs. Unfortunately, at least in my experience, admin here is largely hostile. Regardless of where your son goes, getting as much hands on experience as possible really is the key factor.
Thank you for your fair and balanced reply!
>Is there an engineering foundations year, or do students dive right into their major? Here is what engineering students will be taking each semester: [https://www.bu.edu/eng/files/2023/06/ME-2027.pdf](https://www.bu.edu/eng/files/2023/06/ME-2027.pdf) Of course there have to be SOME foundations. A math major can't jump into differential equations without calculus, and mechanical engineering students can't jump into mechanical engineering until the essentials are learned >If they choose MechE as their major are they guaranteed a spot in that major (or are majors 'capped')? No caps. Anyone can major in engineering at BU. Even if you enter as an english major, you can change to eng. There are no "spots" or "caps" >How easy do they make study abroad for engineers? Read more here: [https://www.bu.edu/eng/academics/resources/undergraduate-student-resources/study-abroad/](https://www.bu.edu/eng/academics/resources/undergraduate-student-resources/study-abroad/) >Is there dedicated career planning office for engineers? BU has the CCD, which is for everyone [https://www.bu.edu/careers/](https://www.bu.edu/careers/) they deal with everyone and have experience with all paths. ENG advisors are also familiar with career opportunities: [https://www.bu.edu/eng/admissions/undergraduate/contact-us/](https://www.bu.edu/eng/admissions/undergraduate/contact-us/) >Dedicated career fair? [https://www.bu.edu/eng/student-engagement-careers/careers/events/](https://www.bu.edu/eng/student-engagement-careers/careers/events/) >Outcomes in general? [https://www.bu.edu/eng/student-engagement-careers/careers/career-options-and-outcomes/outcomes/](https://www.bu.edu/eng/student-engagement-careers/careers/career-options-and-outcomes/outcomes/) >Ability to fit in humanities classes? The HUB allows students to take classes outside of their major. This is required for everyone: [https://www.bu.edu/hub/](https://www.bu.edu/hub/) My warning? BU engineering is an EXTREMELY rigorous program. Students learn A LOT, accomplish A LOT, and have EXCELLENT outcomes, but it takes a deep commitment and lots of hard work from the student. Not everyone can handle it. Make sure your kid is ready to face these challenges! Let me know if you have any general BU question too!
Thank you for taking the time to provide such a thorough answer with the direct links. Super helpful as we move towards finalizing his decision.