Bioengineering

What is Bioengineering?

Bioengineering involves the application of engineering to solve problems in biological contexts
Bioengineers look to engineer devices capable of mimicking biological equivalents
- Ex: tissue engineering and development of artificial heart valves and stents
Bioengineers develop and improve biomedical technology
- Ex: researching advanced medical imaging technology
Unlike mechanical and civil engineering, bioengineering is more of a research-oriented engineering field

Owing largely to the rigor associated with an undergraduate degree in bioengineering, it is not always necessary for bioengineers to attain advanced degrees
- B.S. in bioengineering offers career paths in medicine, biomechanics, biofluidics, tissue engineering, and more.
M.S. in Bioengineering
- Masters programs are completed in two years and usually offer very specific focus areas
- Ex: Biomedical computation
- Masters programs allow bioengineers to specialize their knowledge and develop advanced technical skills
- In some cases, M.S. candidates will complete a research thesis
PhD in bioengineering
- PhD programs are completed in about five years and are research-oriented
- PhD candidates will research alongside a faculty advisors to develop and work on a rigorous thesis

While an undergraduate degree in bioengineering would be the best preparation for M.S./PhD work, it is still possible to attain an advanced degree in bioengineering if you have an undergraduate degree in a related field (biology, biochemistry, physics)
Biology/biochemistry majors should demonstrate a strong background in mathematics and physics
- Take Calculus I,II,III and Differential Equations
Physics majors should demonstrate a strong background in the biological sciences
- Take fundamental biology courses
- Perform research in a field of biological application, such as biophysics
For more information on which courses rising bioengineering students are expected to have completed, visit the Fischell Department of Bioengineering’s web page on graduate school admissions.

Career opportunities in bioengineering are expected to grow over the next decade
- Advances in 3-D printing technology could bring new possibilities for progress in biomedicine
Most bioengineers work in medical device development and supplies manufacturing
- Ex: tissue engineering
Many bioengineers work in research settings, either at universities or research institutes such as NIH/HHMI
Many bioengineers work in hospitals as biomedical research scientists
Owing to their problem-solving and technical skills, bioengineers are well paid
- Mid-career, bioengineers make ~$95,000 per year

M.S. in bioengineering
- $60-70,000 per year
- For more information on financing your graduate school education, visit the U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid program website.
PhD in bioengineering
- PhDs in bioengineering are usually tuition free and covered by grants/stipends from NSF/NIH

Admission to graduate level engineering programs is highly competitive
Many programs will seek GPA > 3.2 or even GPA > 3.5
Graduate engineering schools seek applicants with a strong background in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics
Most applicants have internship and engineering project experience
Since bioengineering is research oriented, many applicants have rigorous previous research experience

Demonstrate academic success in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics courses
- For more information about which courses you should take as an undergrad in order to meet engineering school admission requirements, visit the Fischell Department of Bioengineering’s web page on graduate school admissions.
Score competitively on the GRE (90-95th percentile)
- Costs about $205
- More information about the Educational Testing Service’s Fee Assistance Program.
Demonstrate a passionate commitment to research
- Multiple summer projects
- Consider a senior thesis project
Look for internship/engineering project experience
- For more information on engineering projects and student competition teams, visit the A. James Clark School of Engineering’s web page on student competition teams.

Internship opportunities
- The A. James Clark School of Engineering’s Internships & Co-ops database.
- The University of Maryland’s Engineering Career Services, which provides information about interview tips, salary negotiations, and networking strategies
Research opportunities
- Find a research opportunity at the A. James Clark School of Engineering.
Advising
- Schedule an appointment with an advisor at the A. James Clark School of Engineering.
The Fischell Department of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland offers a rigorous 5 year M.S./B.S. program. Find more information here.

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