Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Degree Requirements
Students pursuing an M.S. degree in biomedical engineering must complete a minimum of 30 total credits of graduate work:
- 21-24 course credits
- 6-9 thesis research credits
All M.S. degrees require writing and defending a thesis.
Direct-to-Ph.D. Path
An M.S. can be earned "along-the-way" to the Ph.D. by students accepted into the direct-to-Ph.D. degree path.
Program of Study
The program of study outlines the specific courses to be taken by the student in fulfillment of the degree following the requirements shown in the table below.
Course Category |
Course # |
Course Title / Information |
No. Credits Required |
Biomedical Engineering |
BMES 5054 / 605 |
Quantitative Cell Physiology (required) |
3 |
BMES 5064 / 606 |
Quantitative Organ Systems Physiology (required) |
3 |
|
5000 or 6000 level (600/700 at WFU) |
3 credit hours of engineering courses approved by committee |
3 |
|
Life Sciences |
5000 - 6000 level |
Min. 3 credit hours approved by committee – (see approved list) |
3 |
Math Requirement |
5000 - 6000 level |
Min. 3 credit hours approved by committee – can be MATH or STAT |
3 |
Electives |
5000 - 6000 level |
Approved by advisory and graduate committees (technical elective in science, math, or engineering) |
6-9 |
Seminar Credits |
BMES 5944/708 |
UG/GR 2-4 semesters, MS 4 semesters |
# semesters enrolled |
Ethics/Diversity |
Required by graduate schools |
At VT: Included in Seminar course, orientation, and ENGE 5984 |
0 |
|
|
TOTAL COURSE CREDITS: |
21-24 |
Research Credits |
BMES 5994 |
Research & Thesis |
6-9 |
|
|
MINIMUM TOTAL CREDITS: |
30 |
Student Advisory Committee
Prior to submitting a program of study, and no later than the end of the second academic semester, each student must form an advisory committee.
Final Examination
Upon completing all other degree requirements, M.S. students must pass an oral comprehensive examination given by the advisory committee covering the student's coursework and thesis research.
To complete the program, students must pass the final examination, including approval of the thesis.
Additional Requirements
All students are expected to participate in the annual SBES Research Symposium held each spring and are required to do an oral research presentation at least once before they graduate.
More Information
For more detailed information on degree requirements, advisory committees and examinations, see the Virginia Tech graduate catalog and the SBES graduate manual.