Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

The mission of the Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering program is to educate students to be significant contributors in health care and in research and development in biomedicine and bioengineering. The curriculum closely links technical fundamentals in science, engineering and the life sciences, together with the ability to function on multidisciplinary teams, to communicate effectively and to achieve the knowledge tools necessary for lifelong learning. Program goals Provide students with a graduate education that prepares them for current and future challenges in biomedical engineering Produce graduates who possess the necessary advanced analytical and technical skills in engineering and sciences – responds directly to the higher goals of fulfilling the needs of industry for effective, productive engineers and of providing economic development for the region, state and nation Produce graduates who possess a facility with both written and oral communications – emanates from the requirement that engineers must be able to interact and share ideas with others in the work environment, and at a higher level, be capable of creative self-expression and leadership Produce graduates who demonstrate creativity and innovation in solving technological problems – stems from the realization that new knowledge and new solutions to existing problems are necessary to meet the needs of our changing society and to advance the quality of human life

In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School, biomedical engineering has the following admission criteria for all entering graduate students:Statement of intent: Applicants must state their reasons for pursuing an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering at VCU.Letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from instructors or professional references in the applicant’s intended field of study are required for the thesis option. Letters should address the applicant’s academic and professional abilities and preparation for graduate study. One or more letters may be waived upon request to the graduate program director. Letters of recommendation are not required for the non-thesis option.Biomedical engineering will accept a maximum of six credit hours for transfer into the M.S. program if the original grades for such courses are B or higher (or equivalent).Acceptance of an applicant is based upon the recommendation of the admissions committee with approval of the department chair and the associate dean for graduate studies.