Frequently Asked Questions and How to Apply
The Application Process
How do I apply to the program?
The application process is done through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS). Applications must be sent to GRS, via either the postal mail or the online application. Do not send any application materials to the Center. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact GRS.
What is required for the application?
First, you will need to fill out an application (available at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences), as well as a personal statement. We also require official copies of your GRE scores (all students) and TOEFL scores (international students). You do not need to submit a TOEFL if you are an international student and you graduated from a college or university in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom or New Zealand. We require three letters of recommendation and all official transcripts from any universities or colleges you have previously attended. Letters of recommendation and transcripts should be in sealed and signed envelopes. All application materials must be sent to GRS. Do not submit any application materials directly to us.
When are applications due?
In order to be considered for financial aid, you must submit your application by Jan. 15 of the year you are applying for fall admission (i.e., Jan. 15, 2006, for Fall 2006 admission). If financial aid is not a consideration for you, or if you miss the Jan. 15 deadline, you are still welcome to apply until July 1 of the year you are applying.
We also offer spring admission. Applications are due by Oct. 15 of the previous year (i.e., Oct. 15, 2005 for Spring 2006 admission).
How long does it take to find out what the decision on my application is?
If you apply by Jan. 15, you should hear of your decision by late March to early April. We do get many applications in that time. Please contact us at +1-617-353-3083 or at wnorowsk@bu.edu with the subject line "Application Materials" two to three weeks after you have sent in your application to ensure that all materials have been received. We cannot consider an application until it is complete.
If you apply after Jan. 15, it usually takes around 6-8 weeks for a decision to be made.
Do you accept international students?
Yes, we have students from all over the world.
How many of your students receive financial aid?
Because departmental funds are limited, most of our students pay their way through student loans, personal savings and by working full or part-time. We give priority to U.S. citizens with excellent academic accomplishments. If you have any questions about financial aid, including student loans, please visit the GRS Financial Aid page.
I've been working and have been out of school for several years. Are letters of recommendation from employers OK?
Yes, absolutely. We recommend that as many of your letters come from people who are familiar with your academic work, but letters from employers are also fine.
Do you have any printed information that can be sent to me?
No, all of the information about our program is on our website. GRS prints a Bulletin, which is available online and can be sent to those who request it. If you do not see your question answered here or at GRS, please email Stephanie Lane at wnorowsk@bu.edu with the subject line "Admissions Inquiry."
The Program
How big is a typical class in your program?
The core classes typically have 10-15 students, up to 25. Most elective classes have 15-25 students, though many upper-level electives have fewer.
What is the student/faculty ratio?
About 5:1
What types of backgrounds do successful applicants have?
Our students have a wide range of undergraduate degrees ranging from linguistics to physics. Many students have backgrounds in environmental science, policy, or studies, biology, political science, public policy and international relations.
What criteria do you use to make admissions decisions?
We consider (i) GRE scores (and TOEFL for non-native English speakers), (ii) undergraduate institution and GPA, (iii) THREE letters of recommendation, (iv) work experience, and (v) personal statement.
What type of GPAs and GRE scores are expected?
Accepted students typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in their major field of study. The average GRE score for accepted students is 475 on the verbal section, 675 on the quantitative section and 4.5 on the writing section. International students who take the TOEFL average a slightly lower GRE verbal score, around 375.
Does work experience count?
Definitely. We have many students who worked in a wide range of fields after their undergraduate degree before pursing a graduate education. Such experience helped them in their application process.
What is the average age of students?
About 25 for incoming students.
What kind of job will I be qualified for with a degree from CEES?
In order of decreasing share, our students find employment with:
• Consulting firms
• State or federal agencies
• Think tanks
• Local, state, national, or international nongovernmental organizations
(NGOs)
• Ph D programs in a related field
See some profiles of recent alumni.
What is the success rate for employment?
About 90% of students find employment in a field related to the environment within one year of graduation.
See some profiles of recent alumni.
What kind of salary can I expect?
This varies by job type. Recent graduates who went on to consulting firms received starting salaries from $40-45,000. Federal government salaries are in the same range. Nonprofits and NGOs tend to pay slightly less than that.
Which program is best for me?
This depends on what skill sets you want to leave with. The MA in Energy and Environmental Analysis is an interdisciplinary social science program that focuses on the modeling, statistical, policy analysis tools that employers look for. The MA in International Relations & Environmental Policy focuses on policy analysis as applied to regional and global environmental issues. The MA in Environmental Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems is a more technical program that teaches students the conceptual ideas and the computing skills used in remote sensing and GIS fields.
Can I take classes at other colleges in the Boston area?
Yes. Boston University belongs to the Boston Consortium for Higher Education, a collaborative organization of 11 colleges and universities. Students can take classes at member institutions and have them count towards their degree requirements. Current members are Babson College, Bentley College, Berklee College of Music, Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, Olin College, Rhode Island School of Design, Tufts University, Wellesley College, and Wheaton College.
Do you offer a PhD program?
CEES does not offer a PhD program. However, the Department of Geography and Environment does offer a PhD in Geography.
Who can I contact to get more information or ask specific questions?
Please email Erin Wnorowski at wnorowsk@bu.edu and include "Admissions Inquiry" in your subject line.
