Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master of Science in Bioengineering

The MSBioe program at Temple University offers students a graduate-level interdisciplinary education and research opportunities in bioengineering and engineering applications in related healthcare fields. The program provides concentrations in Bioelectronics, Biomaterials, and Biomechanics, preparing graduates for careers in industry or further study leading to a PhD degree.

About the Program

The MSBioe program encourages interdisciplinary research with other branches of engineering and various departments of the College of Science and Technology and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine. The program offers research opportunities in collaboration with faculty in these fields.

Time Limit for Degree Completion

The time limit for degree completion is 5 years.

Campus Location

The program is offered on the Main campus, with some courses available at the Health Sciences Center campus.

Full-Time/Part-Time Status

The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Interdisciplinary Study

The program encourages interdisciplinary research with other branches of engineering and various departments of the College of Science and Technology and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine.

Areas of Specialization

The program offers three areas of specialization:

• Bioelectronics: sensor development and image analysis
• Biomaterials: wear of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polymer chemistry, and interfacial chemistry
• Biomechanics: computer-aided design of composite biomaterials, mechanical properties of orthopedic implant materials, design of orthopedic implants, and modeling of biomaterial behavior

Program Tracks

The MSBioe program offers three tracks:

1. Thesis Track: intended for students pursuing advanced research, including 24 credits of didactic coursework, 3 credits of Project (BIOE 9995), and 3 credits of Thesis (BIOE 9996).
2. Project Track: introduces students to applied research, including 27 credits of didactic coursework and 3 credits of Project (BIOE 9995).
3. Coursework Track: provides students with an advanced engineering background, including 30 credits of didactic coursework.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines

• March 1 (International)
• June 1 (Domestic)
• November 1

Letters of Reference

Three letters of recommendation are required, obtained from college or research faculty familiar with the applicant's competency.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration

Students not adequately prepared for advanced courses may be required to take prerequisites, identified by the Bioengineering Department on a case-by-case basis.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline

A bachelor's degree in Bioengineering or a related discipline is preferred, but students with a related field are encouraged to apply, with possible remedial preparatory courses as a pre-condition of admission.

University Regulations

Applicants must have earned a 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale in their undergraduate studies, but admission exceptions are made for various circumstances.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended must be submitted.

Statement of Goals

A statement of goals is required, describing relevant technical experiences and career goals in one to two pages.

Standardized Test Scores

GRE scores are optional, but if reported, must be sent to test code 2945.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English must ensure official scores are reported for a standardized test of English, meeting minimum requirements.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements

The program requires 30 credits beyond the baccalaureate.

Required Courses

The required courses vary by track:

Thesis Track

• Core Courses: BIOE 5600, ENGR 5011
• Specialty Courses: select three from BIOL 5312, BIOE 5719, BIOE 5721, BIOE 5737
• Electives: 12 credits
• Research Courses: BIOE 9995, BIOE 9996

Project Track

• Core Courses: BIOE 5600, ENGR 5011
• Specialty Courses: select three from BIOL 5312, BIOE 5719, BIOE 5721, BIOE 5737
• Electives: 15 credits
• Research Course: BIOE 9995

Coursework Track

• Core Courses: BIOE 5600, ENGR 5011
• Specialty Courses: select three from BIOL 5312, BIOE 5719, BIOE 5721, BIOE 5737
• Electives: 18 credits

Culminating Events

The culminating events vary by track:

Thesis Track

• Thesis Proposal: BIOE 9995
• Thesis Defense: BIOE 9996

Project Track

• BioEngineering Project Research: BIOE 9995

Coursework Track

• Successful completion of coursework

Accelerated Programs

The accelerated +1 program enables undergraduate students to complete both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time than the traditional route.

Graduate Courses Approved to Count for Both Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

Four BIOE 5000+ courses, with advisor guidance, are approved to count for both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Suggested Academic Plan

A suggested academic plan is provided for students in the accelerated program.

Admissions Criteria

Candidates for the +1 program must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 by the end of the 5th semester and submit an application before the end of the 5th semester of study.