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Achieve a combined degree in medicine and biomedical engineering

Students enrolling in the Heritage College are eligible for a dual degree option leading to a master of science in biomedical engineering. This option enables students to combine their clinical knowledge and practice with expertise gained in the master's degree program, helping their patients and enhancing their professional options and career.

Students combining degrees in medicine and biomedical engineering are uniquely qualified to speed the movement of developing technology and information from their laboratory bench to a clinical setting. They can also bring new insights learned at the patient鈥檚 bedside back to the lab bench.

A master of science in biomedical engineering

Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology. This field seeks to close the gap between engineering and medicine. It combines the design and problem-solving skills of engineering with medical and biological sciences to advance health care treatment, including diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and therapy. Much of the work in biomedical engineering consists of research and development. Prominent biomedical engineering applications include the development of biocompatible prostheses, various diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices ranging from clinical equipment to micro-implants, common imaging equipment such as MRIs and EEGs, regenerative tissue growth, pharmaceutical drugs and therapeutic biologicals.

The M.S. in biomedical engineering is designed to enable students to further develop their careers in medical and scientific research, with the goal of improving human health. Medical students will be required to take a one-year leave of absence from their medical program following completion of Part 1 of their boards exam, which results in a five-year total commitment for the completion of the dual degree.

D.O./M.S.B.M.E. program curriculum

A total of 33 credit hours are required for graduation, including course work and thesis. The course portion of the curriculum is divided into four groups: (1) two life science core courses, (2) two biomedical engineering focus courses, (3) a set of common experience courses that will enhance your professional development and broaden your background in B.M.E., and (4) a set of technical electives in your focus area.

1. Life Science Core Courses. Students must complete two courses selected from the list. Click here for the Life Science Core Courses. This requirement is waived for D.O./M.S.B.M.E. students upon verification of satisfactory completion of the Pre-Clinical Curriculum published by the Office of Academic Affairs.
2. Biomedical Engineering Focus Courses. Students must complete two biomedical engineering focus courses. The current focus areas are: Biomechanics, Cellular and Biomolecular Engineering and Biomedical Information Processing.  Click here for the Biomedical Engineering Focus Courses.  
3. Common Experience Courses. Students will receive four credits total toward graduation for BME 5000, BME 5010, and ET 6020. Although students will receive credit for seminar (BME 6000), these credits will not count toward graduation. This course will be taken by all students at every offering. All students are required to make at least one seminar presentation. Each student's research advisor must give approval prior to the presentation. For D.O./M.S.B.M.E. students, BME 5010 is waived upon verification of satisfactory completion of the professionalism curriculum determined by the Office of Advanced Studies.
4. Electives. Students will complete an additional four hours of electives. For D.O./M.S.B.M.E. students some or all of these electives can be waived with research advisor's approval. In consultation with your thesis committee, you will choose elective courses from any approved graduate-level engineering or life sciences elective. BME Focus courses not used to meet the Focus Area requirement can be used to fulfill the electives requirement.
5. Research and Thesis: Research will be an integral component of your graduate program, including at least 14 credit hours of thesis (BME 6950). Your research work will culminate in a master's thesis that will be a required formal written document, which you鈥檒l be required to successfully defend.

Application Process

Students wishing to participate in the dual degree D.O./M.S.B.M.E. must submit their applications by January 15 of their first year in medical school. 

Applications are reviewed by faculty from both colleges. Candidates seeking admission are evaluated based on academic, research and personal accomplishments. Accepted students will meet with the director of the Office of Advanced Studies to create an individualized development plan for their dual degree program.

Disclaimer

The D.O./M.S.B.M.E. program guidelines are continuously updated and are subject to change based on university or program recommendations and policy requirements.