Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering
Program Overview
Introduction to the Master of Engineering Degree Program in Biomedical Engineering
The Master of Engineering (ME) degree in Biomedical Engineering (BME) is a non-thesis degree program that combines coursework in existing BME graduate programs of study, upper division undergraduate courses that carry graduate credit, and graduate coursework taken outside of the Department offerings.
Program Description
Biomedical Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies engineering principles and experimental and analytical techniques to the development of biologics, materials, devices, implants, processes, and systems that advance biology and medicine and improve medical practice and healthcare.
Admission Requirements
Educational Background
The intent of the BME ME degree program is to empower current engineers to increase their depth of professional knowledge within a specific specialization area of BME. Students without an undergraduate engineering degree or equivalent are not normally admitted to this degree program. Ideally, a 3.0 grade point average or better on a 4.0 scale is required. Graduate admission is based on several criteria, and applicants may be admitted with a slightly lower GPA if other criteria indicate future success in the program.
Application for Admission
All applicants must submit the following documents:
- Completed graduate school "Application for Admission"
- Three letters of recommendation - at least one from the current employer
- Official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate records, sent directly to the MU Graduate School by the issued institution
- A one-page statement of purpose (Why do you want to earn this degree?)
- Results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), sent directly to the MU Graduate School by the Educational Testing Service (Optional for fall 2023 and spring 2024)
- International students must submit results of the TOEFL examination, sent directly to the MU Graduate School by the Educational Testing Service
- Application fee (non-refundable)
Areas of Specialization
Upon enrolling in the joint MU-MCW ME degree program in BME, a student should select one of the following specializations/tracks:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Cellular and Molecular Engineering
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Transfer of Graduate Credit
A maximum of 6 semester hours of approved graduate coursework in a Graduate Program from other institutions may be transferred into a student's ME degree program in BME with the consent of the MU Graduate School Dean and the BME Department Chairperson.
Course Work
Program Requirements
The ME degree program requires 30 credit hours of didactic graduate-level courses, which include:
- A minimum of 15 credit hours must be engineering courses, including a minimum of 12 credits of BIEN (Biomedical Engineering) courses
- A Biomedical Science course (3 credits)
- One readings course: A faculty member will determine the title and topic, which should link various areas of BME
Academic Load
The maximum load for a semester is 13 credits of coursework. For summer session and inter-session courses, the maximum load is the number of credit hours equal to the number of weeks in the session.
Academic Progress
Application for Degree
Prior to the deadline posted in the MU Graduate Bulletin, each student planning to graduate must file an "Application for Degree" with the MU Graduate School Office.
Time Limitations
A student must complete all of the requirements for a ME degree within 6 years.
Student Classification
- Full-Time: A student who takes seven or more credits in a regular semester or is otherwise pursuing graduate work on a full-time basis.
- Part-Time: A student who takes six or fewer credits in a regular semester.
- Degree Student: A student is a degree student if enrolled in a program leading to a degree.
Advising System
The advising system is designed to assist and guide the graduate student from the first day of admission into graduate school. The process includes an orientation meeting, distribution of the Graduate Student Handbook, and assignment of an academic advisor.
Program Objectives and Requirements
The Learning Objectives of the BME ME training program, and their assessment, provide tools that ensure continuous quality improvement. Graduates earning the ME degree will be able to:
- Synthesize information in the two fields of engineering and life science
- Write an article-length paper on interdisciplinary BME topics
- Appropriately communicate technical information to specific audiences
- Describe the economic, legal, ethical, and regulatory aspects of healthcare delivery and medical device development
Grading, Evaluation of Performance, and Financial Aid
Grading System
The letter grades A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F, W, SC/SNC, UC/UNC, I, and X will be assigned for graduate course work at the end of each semester.
Appeal of Grades
Any student may consult their instructor about the grades received for work done. The exercise of this right neither requires a fixed procedure nor is subject to procedural conditions.
Evaluation of Performance
The Academic Advisor will submit annual academic progress reports to the BME Department regarding each graduate student. The BME Chairperson evaluates the academic progress of all graduate students at the end of the semester.
Academic Dishonesty and Research Misconduct
Upon detection of academic dishonesty, the student involved will automatically receive an "F" grade in the course. Beyond this, additional credit for graduation may be required or expulsion from the school may result depending on the nature of the offense and the MU Graduate School Dean's decision according to the University policy.
Financial Aid
Loan assistance is available to assist qualified students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend the University. Students are eligible for student loans if they are attending the University on at least a half-time basis and are in good academic standing.