Degrees

The educational approach of the Ph.D. program is to combine the principles and applications embedded in engineering with the sciences of biology, medicine, and health. The motivation for many of the research projects stems from the belief that developments at the interface of biology and engineering will advance the efficacy of health care by developing new paradigms for the diagnosis of disease, and the development and delivery of new therapeutics. Our bioengineering students will gain the knowledge base and skill sets to quantitatively measure, and rationally manipulate cells, tissues, and integrated systems.  Bioengineers must bring problem solving skills and design methodologies to the study of biology in an effort to translate the biological sciences into medical practice in an analogous manner to the transformation of chemistry into industrial practice that occurred in the 20th century.

The terminal M.S. degree is intended for students who are interested in expanding their knowledge of bioengineering through research, beyond what is available at the B.S. level. Therefore, the M.S. program involves both coursework and a well-defined research project culminating in a M.S. thesis. The M.S. program may be suitable for top UMD undergraduates engaged in research via an individualized, combined B.S. / M.S. program.  A combined M.D. / M.S. program is also available (see below). It should be noted, however, that due to limited resources, the department does not actively recruit students to its M.S. program. Students interested in the M.S. program should contact the Bioengineering Graduate Office prior to submitting an application.

The Professional Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) and Graduate Certificate in Bioengineering, administered by Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering, are world-class, flexible educational programs designed to advance technical knowledge and career opportunities for working professionals. The requirements are entirely course-based, and courses are available on-campus and online for full-time or part-time study. 

The Doctor of Medicine / Master of Science (M.D. / M.S.) Program is a dual degree program offered with the University of Maryland School of Medicine.  Students applying to the M.D./M.S. Program must first apply to and be admitted to the M.D. program at the School of Medicine, and should indicate their interest in the dual-degree program when applying to the Medical School. The program is organized in the following fashion: 2 years M.D. studies + 1 year M.S. studies + 2 years M.D. studies. The objective of this program is to broaden the educational and research scope of medical doctors in bioengineering. The program should be attractive to those interested in areas including clinical research, biomaterials, biomedical imaging, medical device innovation, medical device development, and drug development. Graduates of the combined program will receive a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine as well as a Master of Science degree from the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park.

The Doctor of Medicine / Master of Science (M.D. / Ph.D.) Program is a dual degree program offered with the University of Maryland School of Medicine.  Students applying to the M.D./ Ph.D. Program must first apply to and be admitted to the M.D. program at the School of Medicine, and should indicate their interest in the dual-degree program when applying to the Medical School.  The program is organized in the following fashion: 2 years M.D. studies + 4 years Ph.D. studies + 2 years M.D. studies. The objective of this program is to develop clinicians who are deeply involved in biomedical research. Graduates of the program are typically interested in pursuing both clinical work and bioengineering research in their future careers. Graduates of the combined program will receive a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine as well as a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park.