Any Bioengineering major interested in industry, academia or professional school should consider a Masters degree. The accelerated BS/MS track is essentially a "planning path" in that it does not create any new rules or requirements. It is merely a way to make the most of existing opportunities, as outlined below.

1. The MS in BioE requires 28 hours of coursework, of which 12 hrs must be at the 500-level. BS/MS students are encouraged to take up to 8 hours of graduate-level courses (400- and 500-level) while pursuing the BS (over and above the 128 required for the BS).
2. The normal admissions process for the MS program is followed (requires full application, letters of recommendation and GRE scores*).
3. Upon entering the MS program, 20 hours of coursework remain (5 courses), which can be completed in one year.
4. The most critical step is to begin the MS thesis research while completing the BS. This can take place in the context of BioE 398 (Undergraduate Research), BioE 396/397 (Senior Design), or internship activities. **
5. It is anticipated that the thesis research will progress rapidly, and be completed within one year. If all goes well, writing the thesis begins at the end of the second semester and the defense takes place in the third semester. Of course, there can be no guaranteed timeline with a research-based thesis.
6. This is a general timeline; individual students and projects may progress at a faster or slower pace.

* In cases of exceptionally qualified students, the requirement for GRE scores may be waived.
** It is the responsibility of the student to discuss the potential for MS thesis research with the faculty advisor of the undergraduate project. Participation in MS thesis research is dependent upon satisfactory performance during the undergraduate activity. Students and faculty project advisors are encouraged to develop a formal list of expectations (deliverables, reporting, background knowledge, etc.) which can be used to evaluate student performance.

This accelerated track benefits the student because the time to the MS degree can be significantly shortened and because the MS research and mentoring experience is effectively extended and broadened. This program benefits the faculty advisor in that the undergraduate project serves as an extended interview with a prospective graduate student, and in the case of Senior Design projects, provides a team-based initial approach to a problem, with subsequent follow-up by a motivated graduate student already grounded in the project area.

If you have any questions, please contact John Hetling (DUGS) or Michael Cho (DGS).