Graduate Program
Overview
The graduate program in Bioengineering provides a rigorous training in the life sciences, engineering, and biomedical technology. Most students are engaged in research projects that will lead toward expertise is some area of bioengineering, but all projects also require students to pull in expertise from other disciplines, including areas such as chemistry, physics, the life science, mathematics and others. Students graduating from our program have gone on to successful careers as researchers in academia, industry leaders, regulatory affairs, and healthcare policy. The following sections outlines the details of the degrees we offer. Specific information about research opportunities can be found by following this link.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree, Ph.D. in Bioengineering
The Ph.D. degree is awarded based upon completion of a doctoral dissertation and the sequence of candidacy, comprehensive and final oral examinations, as detailed in the Graduate School Bulletin. Each student is expected to pursue a level of study that builds a strong foundation in a traditional engineering discipline, and demonstrates accomplishment in an additional area of technical specialization, mathematics and the life sciences. To this end, the student is expected to demonstrate a level of academic achievement that includes material covered by courses required for the M.S. degree, and to take a minimum of five courses in bioengineering, five graduate level courses in engineering, mathematics and physics, and at least two advanced graduate level life science courses. Each doctoral student is expected to register at least twice as a participant in the Bioengineering Colloquium.
Master of Science Degree, MS in Bioengineering
A course of study for each student is tailored to build upon their undergraduate strengths in traditional engineering disciplines and their area of research specialization. Courses are selected from the life sciences, engineering, and bioengineering. Required courses include BIOE 402 plus two 500 level courses in bioengineering, six credits in the life sciences (usually including upper division or graduate level physiology) and six credits in technically oriented courses outside bioengineering. For students entering the program without a background in engineering or the physical sciences, such as biology or other life science disciplines, up to 24 credits of additional undergraduate engineering courses may be required. A thesis is required for the M.S. degree and the student must register for at least six credits of directed thesis research. Each student is required to register at least once, as a participant in the Bioengineering Colloquium (BIOE 590) and give a presentation on their research. Requirements for the M.S. degree may be completed within one to two years, depending on the individual.
MD-Ph.D. Program
In collaboration with the College of Medicine at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the Bioengineering Program offers the opportunity for medical students to pursue a program of study leading to the Ph.D. in Bioengineering. Students in the program take the medical school core curriculum during the first two years of study. Years 3 to 5 are devoted to completing graduate school requirements and thesis research leading to the Ph.D. in Bioengineering, and years 6 and 7 focus on clinical rotations. Application to the MD-Ph.D. program is made by expressing an interest in the dual degree program when applying for admission to the College of Medicine. Further information may be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033 or from the Bioengineering Program.