Getting a Master's in science or engineering with a business degree

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of transitioning from a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration to a Master's program in science or engineering, particularly in the context of pursuing a PhD in nanotechnology. Participants explore university admissions criteria, necessary coursework, and potential pathways for individuals lacking a traditional science background.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a strong foundational background in science and engineering is essential for admission into graduate programs, indicating that coursework during undergraduate studies is critical.
  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue a Master's in chemistry, mechanical, or materials engineering as a stepping stone to a PhD in nanotechnology, acknowledging the challenges of their current academic background.
  • Concerns are raised about the adequacy of the participant's current qualifications, with suggestions that they may need to complete additional undergraduate courses before being eligible for graduate study.
  • Several participants mention the LEAP program at Boston University as a potential pathway for those needing to catch up on undergraduate coursework before entering graduate studies.
  • There is a discussion about the possibility of obtaining a Master's in physics or chemistry with a business degree, with some participants questioning the feasibility of such a transition.
  • One participant references the diverse academic backgrounds of some successful professionals in nanotechnology, suggesting that non-traditional paths may exist.
  • Another participant emphasizes the necessity of having an undergraduate degree or equivalent knowledge before pursuing graduate studies, reiterating the importance of foundational education.
  • There are suggestions to consider universities outside of the USA and Europe for potential study opportunities, with a focus on English-speaking programs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a solid foundation in science and engineering is crucial for graduate study, but there is no consensus on the specific pathways available for someone with a business degree. Multiple competing views remain regarding the adequacy of the participant's background and the feasibility of transitioning into a science or engineering program.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for additional coursework and the potential costs associated with catching up on prerequisites. There are unresolved questions about specific admissions requirements and the nature of programs that may accept candidates with non-science undergraduate degrees.

Abu-Adel
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Greetings all...I hope everyone is doing fine :)

I was wondering if there are any universities in the USA or Europe that accept people with a BS in business administration into a science, or an engineering, graduate program.
 
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The actual major doesn't matter as much as your coursework. To get into a graduate program in science or engineering, you need a background - the courses start at an advanced level and assume that you spent 4 years studying the basics. If you didn't, you'll have some catching up to do before you bother applying. Figure out which degree you're interested in and find a school that offers it - and look up their admissions requirements.
 
Thanks for the reply eri :)

Well I have kind of a high aim, I want get into nanotechnology :approve: I know it's hard but hey, it's worth a shot to see if it's possible.

I'm thinking that I should continue my Master's in chemistry, mechanical, or materials engineering to be good enough for a PhD program in nanotechnology.

As for coursework, that's out of the question now :D. I have 3 terms left and I have exhausted all my electives on history courses :redface: one of them is a history of science course :approve:

What would a university with a science or engineering graduate program do to someone in my situation if it accepts them? Would they require me to take certain tests? Would it require me to take some undergraduate courses before I go deep?
 
You're making the leap from a non-science degree into a science/engineering graduate program. Given that it is highly unlikely you have studied anything required for a science degree pre-reqs, you would most likely have to take all those 2-4th year science/engine classes before you can start.
 
One way or another, you're going to have to catch up before you can start taking graduate-level classes. You could take classes as a non-degree student somewhere and pay by the credit. You might be able to convince a grad program to take you in, but you'd have to spend at least the first year, if not more, taking undergraduate classes - and that will be expensive, since they are unlikely to offer you a teaching or research assistantship with no background in the field.
 
The one program I had heard about earlier here is Boston University's LEAP program: http://www.bu.edu/eng/leap/.

Again, not cheap, but...
 
Defennder

I guess I didn't give you all complete information. I have some engineering background. I won't go into detail. But in math, I have got up to Diff. Eq., and I have passed physics and chemistry.

eri

Thank you very much, you give a lot of important points :)

TMFKAN64

Thank you very much! I checked out the site and it was simply wonderful! Does anyone else know of any similar programs?
 
Abu-Adel said:
I guess I didn't give you all complete information. I have some engineering background. I won't go into detail. But in math, I have got up to Diff. Eq., and I have passed physics and chemistry.

That's not an adequate background for graduate study. You will have to catch up somehow.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
That's not an adequate background for graduate study. You will have to catch up somehow.

I think the LEAP program that TMFKAN64 suggested in his post will be very good...check out their program on the link..

http://www.bu.edu/eng/leap/
 
  • #10
Abu-Adel said:
I think the LEAP program that TMFKAN64 suggested in his post will be very good...check out their program on the link..

http://www.bu.edu/eng/leap/

If you want to study for a PhD in nanotechnology, then it will most likely benefit you to obtain a masters degree in either physics or chemistry (or some combination of the two). That course you link to appears to be mainly focused on engineering...
 
  • #11
Phase I of LEAP consists of a core set of about ten to twelve disclipline-related undergraduate courses. Credit is given for prior equivalent coursework. These courses do not lead to a BS degree , but will qualify you for entry into the graduate phase of LEAP.

http://www.bu.edu/eng/leap/


Phase 1 is pretty much the same as just getting your Bachelors in Engineering. If I were why not just go for your Bachelors in Engineering altogether first, after that you'll have a better chance getting into Graduate school in Engineering?
 
  • #12
To be honest, this sounds strange!

I mean it is even nearly impossible to get a Master degree in mechanical engineering with a Bachelor in physics.

And now you come up with business bachelor...
 
  • #13
cristo said:
If you want to study for a PhD in nanotechnology, then it will most likely benefit you to obtain a masters degree in either physics or chemistry (or some combination of the two). That course you link to appears to be mainly focused on engineering...

I have read some nanotechnology experts' CV's and found that many of them also come from engineering backgrounds.

Maybe you can shed some light on another alternative, can someone get a Master's in physics or chemistry with a BS in business?

Hippo said:
Phase 1 is pretty much the same as just getting your Bachelors in Engineering. If I were why not just go for your Bachelors in Engineering altogether first, after that you'll have a better chance getting into Graduate school in Engineering?

Actually it's shorter and doesn't include English and elective courses.

Future-boy said:
To be honest, this sounds strange!

I mean it is even nearly impossible to get a Master degree in mechanical engineering with a Bachelor in physics.

And now you come up with business bachelor...

I know it's strange. Have you ever heard of Dr. Klaus Schwab? He's the founder of the World Economic Forum. He has a Master's in Public Administration, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, and another PhD in Economics. So, I'm guessing it can be done.
 
  • #14
We keep trying to tell you the same thing, and I am not sure why you aren't buying it.

Graduate school builds on what they teach you in your undergraduate years. You either need an undergraduate degree, or you need to invest the time to catch up and learn what you would have getting an undergraduate degree.
 
  • #15
Vanadium 50 said:
We keep trying to tell you the same thing, and I am not sure why you aren't buying it.

Graduate school builds on what they teach you in your undergraduate years. You either need an undergraduate degree, or you need to invest the time to catch up and learn what you would have getting an undergraduate degree.

Bro, I think we already have that down. Do you care to add anything else? :rolleyes:
 
  • #16
Abu-Adel said:
Bro, I think we already have that down. Do you care to add anything else? :rolleyes:

Where do you plan to Apply and Study? And also, have you considered other places where you can find the knowledge besides Europe and America?

There is also Russia, Canada, Mexico, China, Taiwan, Singapore, maybe even Japan?
 
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  • #17
Hippo said:
Where do you plan to Apply and Study? And also, have you considered other places where you can find the knowledge besides Europe and America?

There is also Russia, Canada, Mexico, China, Taiwan, Singapore, maybe even Japan?

Well I would like to study in a university where the language of instruction is English. As far as I know, that's available in NORTH America, including Canada, and Europe. I guess Singapore would have that too...right? Don't know about the other countries you've mentioned..
 

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