Program Overview

Biological Systems Engineering, MS

The University of WisconsinMadison offers a Master of Science degree in Biological Systems Engineering. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biological systems and their applications in engineering.

Program Overview

Graduate work in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering leads to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The program aims to fill the need for highly educated engineers in industry, consulting firms, government agencies, and educational institutions. Students who undertake graduate studies in Biological Systems Engineering normally have as their goal a better understanding of the current theories, principles, issues, and problems in biological systems.

Admissions

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program. The admission process is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School.

• Fall Deadline: February 1
• Spring Deadline: September 1
• Summer Deadline: November 1
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required but may be considered if available
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Funding

Graduate research assistantships, project assistantships, and fellowships are available on a highly competitive basis. Funding decisions are made by faculty supervisors of admitted students based on funding availability and project need.

Requirements

The program requires a minimum of 30 credits, with at least 16 credits of residence coursework and 15 credits of graduate-level coursework. Students must maintain a minimum overall B average (3.0 GPA) during their graduate studies.

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 30 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 16 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 15 credits
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA
• Other Grade Requirements: No grade below a C will be accepted for fulfilling course work requirements for the degree

Curriculum

The program offers two pathways: Thesis and Non-Thesis.

Thesis Pathway

• Biological Systems Engineering Graduate Instruction and Research Committee approved Science and Engineering Credits: 18
• Thesis Research Credits: 6
• Graduate Seminar Credits: 2
• Additional BSE Graduate Instruction and Research Committee approved Science and Engineering Credits or BSE 990 to reach 30 credits: 4

Non-Thesis Pathway

• Biological Systems Engineering Graduate Instruction and Research Committee approved Science and Engineering Credits: 21
• Independent Study Credits: 3
• Graduate Seminar Credits: 2
• Additional BSE Graduate Instruction and Research Committee approved Science and Engineering Credits or BSE 999 to reach 30 credits: 4

Policies

The Graduate School's Academic Policies and Procedures serve as the official document of record for Graduate School academic and administrative policies and procedures. Programs may set more stringent policies than the Graduate School.

• Probation: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Advisor / Committee: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Credits Per Term Allowed: 15 credit maximum
• Time Limits: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Grievances and Appeals: Follow the Graduate School's and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences' grievance policies

Professional Development

The Graduate School offers professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch careers.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the program, students will be able to:

1. Articulate, critique, or elaborate the theories, research methods, and approaches to inquiry or schools of practice in the field of study.
2. Identify sources and assemble evidence pertaining to questions or challenges in the field of study.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the primary field of study in a historical, social, or global context.
4. Select and/or utilize the most appropriate methodologies and practices.
5. Evaluate or synthesize information pertaining to questions or challenges in the field of study.
6. Recognize and apply principles of ethical and professional conduct.