Biomedical Engineering (MS)
Overview
The Mechanical Engineering Department offers a graduate program leading to a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. The 30-hour program has a thesis option and a non-thesis option. Coursework is offered in areas of Biomechanics, Biomaterials, and Biomedical Manufacturing and Instrumentation. Potential research opportunities exist in orthopedic biomechanics, biomaterials, nanotechnology, polymers, biomedical microdevices, additive manufacturing and 3D printing. Students on the thesis option complete 12 hours of required courses, 12 hours of prescribed electives and 6 hours of thesis. Students on the non-thesis option complete 12 hours of required courses, 18 hours of electives and both an oral and written comprehensive exams.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program in biomedical engineering, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other program requirements listed below:
- An awarded baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, or from a health professions professional degree program from a US accredited institution or an international institution evaluated as equivalent by an institutionally approved recognized credentialing service.
- Two letters of recommendation. At least one of the letters must be an academic reference; the second letter of recommendation may be an academic or professional reference.
- Letter of intent detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree.
- Resume.
- GRE General Test with a minimum Quantitative score of 161 for clear admission. GRE test scores are valid for 5 years. A waiver of the GRE requirement will be granted to applicants who show proof of completing a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral).
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Program Requirements
Leveling Courses
Students whose undergraduate major is not engineering may be required to take leveling courses based on review of the student’s transcript by the Program Coordinator.
| BMEE 6420 | Engineering Mechanics I: Statics, Solids, and Dynamics | 4 |
| BMEE 6422 | Engineering Mechanics II: Statics, Solids, and Materials | 4 |
| BMEE 6424 | Engineering Mechanics III: Statics, Solids, and Manufacturing Processes | 4 |
Required Courses - 12 Hours
All students are required to take BMEE 6310, BMEE 6312, and BMEE 6314. Students with a bachelor’s degree in engineering are required to take BMEE 6316. Students without a bachelor’s degree in engineering are required to take MECE 6310.
Non-thesis Option
Prescribed Electives - 18 Hours
Students must complete 18 hours of prescribed electives. Six credit hours should be from one category from: biomechanics, biomaterials, and biomedical manufacturing. The other 12 hours may be from the same category, from the other two categories, and/or from the general prescribed electives.
Choose two from biomechanics, biomaterials, or biomedical manufacturing
Biomechanics Prescribed Electives
Biomaterials Prescribed Electives
Biomedical Manufacturing and Instrumentation Prescribed Electives
Choose two from the following General Electives:
In lieu of the electives identified above, students may complete up to six credit hours from any department in the CECS or COS. To apply additional courses, students must seek approval through the standard course substitution process.
Thesis Option
Prescribed Electives - 12 Hours
Students must complete 12 hours of prescribed electives. Six credit hours should be from one category from: biomechanics, biomaterials, and biomedical manufacturing. The other six credit hours may be from the same category, from the other two categories, or from the general electives.
Choose two from biomechanics, biomaterials, or biomedical manufacturing:
Biomechanics Prescribed Electives
Biomaterials Prescribed Electives
Biomedical Manufacturing and Instrumentation Prescribed Electives
Choose two from the following General Electives:
In lieu of the electives identified above, students may complete up to six credit hours from any department in the CECS or COS. To apply additional courses, students must seek approval through the standard course substitution process.
Thesis - 6 Hours
Total Credit Hours: 30