Instructions for Eligible Applicants

1. Two to three terms before completing their BS degree, eligible students receive a letter from the dean indicating their invitation.
2. Send an email to the undergraduate coordinator & graduate coordinator of your desired department to arrange a meeting to discuss the EAGr program. The list of coordinators is at the bottom of this page. Make sure you attach the letter from the dean with your email.
   
   This meeting is especially beneficial for students who are unsure how to fit all the courses and schedule properly also considering individual objectives. Your coordinator will assist in this process and ensure a strong plan of action.
3. Prior to your meeting with the coordinators - create your initial plan of study
• Use this template to create your plan
• Determine important dates:
• Desired BS graduation term/year
• Expected MS start term/year
• Application due date for the desired graduate engineering program (see here).
4. Create initial program plan
   • BS final 2 terms
     
     Include the classes needed to obtain a BS degree in your current engineering program. Of these courses, select 3 graduate classes. Recognize that 2 of these classes will count for both undergraduate requirements (i.e. 2 of these graduate classes will count as technical electives in the undergraduate program) and all 3 classes will count towards the MS program.
     
     Please note: if you cannot fit 3 graduate level classes into your senior schedule, you may still be able to participate in EAGr. If this is the case, you should reach out to your coordinators about creating a custom schedule plan.
   • Select 7 additional graduate classes that you plan to take as a graduate student in your desired MS engineering program. Go to the department website to determine coursework and when particular classes are offered (i.e. fall or spring term).
   • Email completed template to both coordinators for their review prior to meeting with them.
5. At the meeting with each coordinator, students review the initial program plan and revise where necessary. Coordinators sign off on the approved plan of study, which is submitted to administration and added to the student's record. Once your template is completed and signed off, you should email the signed copy to the Graduate Administrator of your MS program. Not sure who that is? Visit this website. 
6. Submit a graduate school application to the engineering program of interest. This ensures that the student is identified the PeopleSoft system as an EAGr student.
   • Please see here for application information
   • In completing the application, please note*:
     • No GRE is required
     • Include:
       • Resume/CV
       • Essay
       • Letter of eligibility to participate in EAGr as an "optional document"
     • Most EAGr applicants do NOT need to submit recommendation letters.
       • If you are an interdisciplinary student (ie. ChemE undergrad to Sustainable grad), please submit 1 reference from your undergraduate program.
       • If you request a letter of reference from your undergraduate program's faculty, that faculty member should email the letter directly to your desired program's graduate coordinator (see list below). You should not upload the reference letter yourself.
       • If you are unsure whether you need to submit references, please contact Stephanie Opalinski at stephanie.opalinski@pitt.edu
     • There is no application fee for EAGr students, but you must email SSOE Graduate Admission Administrator, Christy Kohser, for a link to the application and an invitation code to apply for free.

*As a result of COVID-19 we are allowing some flexibility with application requirements. Please continue to check this page for updates as they become available.

BPMI is working with Swanson to hire Electrical and Computer Engineering students who are pursuing the EAGr program and looking to work at the same time! This opportunity would include part-time employment while enrolled in classes, a tuition reimbursement to cover the cost of the MS year, and the possibility of a full-time position upon graduation (at the discretion of BPMI).

Interested students should apply directly for the position on BPMI’s career page.

Timeline and Deadlines

• 2nd year/Sophomore year – This is your time to ensure your GPA remains a 3.5, as well as evaluate if an MS is a personal or career goal of yours. Additionally, consider if the opportunity of completing both degrees in 5 years appeal to you.
• 3rd year/Junior year – This is typically when students are notified of their final 3.5 EAGr eligibility (but you may have received this as a sophomore based on your credits). This should be when you are further considering pursuit of the EAGr Program and how it may fit in with your existing degree pursuits. Meeting with your undergrad/graduate coordinators should occur now. The summer between your Junior and Senior year is when you would apply to BPMI should you decide this employment opportunity is for you. This allows BPMI the needed time for interviews, offers, and to begin the clearance process*.
• 4th year/Senior year – You’ve made a decision as to whether or not to pursue your MS, met with your UG/Grad Coordinators, and completed the Course Planning Document. You will begin your 3 graduate courses over your last 2 semesters. Also, you will need to submit an application to Swanson’s graduate programs thereby allowing us to identify who are our EAGr+ students. The critical item as per the application is that you select the correct term in which you will be starting your MS degree (ie. Spring 2021)
• 4th year/Senior year – You’ve made a decision as to whether or not to pursue your MS, met with your UG/Grad Coordinators, and completed the Course Planning Document. You will begin your 3 graduate courses over your last 2 semesters. Also, you will need to submit an application to Swanson’s graduate programs thereby allowing us to identify who are our EAGr+ students. The critical item as per the application is that you select the correct term in which you will be starting your MS degree (ie. Spring 2021).
• 5th year Fall – Begin your MS. Complete your 7 remaining classes by the Spring of your 5th year. Should you receive an offer from BPMI through the EAGr+ program, you will work part-time during your MS year*.
• Following your MS year & EAGr+ - You will begin full-time employment with BPMI.
  
  *If you have questions regarding this employment opportunity, salary, tuition reimbursement eligibility, hiring process, etc., you should contact the BPMI team directly via: BPMIRecruiting@unnpp.gov – Be sure to note that you are an EAGr Eligible student from Pitt.