Program Overview
The MS in Bioengineering at George Mason University prepares students for careers in research and professional practice. The program emphasizes the translation of biomedical technology from research to clinical practice, with a core curriculum in biomedical data analytics, cell and tissue engineering, neural engineering, and medical image processing. Students can choose a thesis, practicum, or coursework option, all of which include technical specialization courses in bioengineering and related fields. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in universities, industry, and government.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MS in Bioengineering program at George Mason University is designed to prepare students for research and professional practice in bioengineering and related fields. The program emphasizes both fundamental and advanced applications of engineering techniques to solve problems in biology and medicine. A key feature of the curriculum is its focus on educating leaders who understand the translation of biomedical technology from research to clinical practice. Graduates from this program are well-prepared for a variety of roles in universities, industry, and government due to the program's breadth and its emphasis on clinical translation of new technologies.
Outline:
The MS in Bioengineering program requires 30-33 total credits and offers three options for completion: thesis, practicum, or coursework.
Core Bioengineering Requirements (18 credits):
- BENG 520 Biomedical Data Analytics (3 credits): This course covers the analysis of biomedical data, including data collection, processing, and interpretation.
- BENG 521 Cell and Tissue Engineering (3 credits) OR BENG 540 Advanced Biomaterials and Biomimetic Devices for Nanomedicine (3 credits): These courses explore the principles and applications of cell and tissue engineering or advanced biomaterials and their use in nanomedicine.
- BENG 537 Medical Image Processing (3 credits) OR BENG 538 Medical Imaging (3 credits): These courses cover the processing and analysis of medical images.
- Choose two courses from the following (6 credits):
- BENG 501 Bioengineering Research Methods: This course introduces students to research methodologies in bioengineering.
- BENG 514 Pathophysiology and the Role of New Technologies in Human Diseases: This course explores the mechanisms of disease and the role of new technologies in diagnosis and treatment.
- BENG 575 Intellectual Property, Regulatory Concepts and Product Development: This course covers the legal and regulatory aspects of bioengineering product development.
- BENG 601 Collaborative Bioengineering Basic Science Research: This course provides hands-on experience in basic science research.
- BENG 602 Collaborative Bioengineering Clinical Science Research: This course provides hands-on experience in clinical science research.
- STAT 535 Analysis of Experimental Data: This course covers statistical methods for analyzing experimental data.
- STAT 560 Biostatistical Methods: This course covers statistical methods specifically relevant to biological and medical research.
Thesis Option (6 credits):
- BENG 799 Master's Thesis (6 credits): Students complete a research thesis under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
Technical Specialization Courses (6 credits):
Students choose six credits from a restricted list of technical specialization courses, including options in bioengineering, electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering, bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, and neurotechnology
euroscience. At least half of the selected courses must be at the 600 or 700 level.
Practicum Option (6 credits):
- BENG 797 Graduate Practicum (6 credits): Students complete an internship or co-op experience under the guidance of a faculty advisor and a representative from the internship program.
Technical Specialization Courses (6 credits):
Students choose six credits from a restricted list of technical specialization courses, including options in bioengineering, electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering, bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, and neurotechnology
euroscience. At least half of the selected classes must be at the 600 or 700 level.
Coursework Option (15 credits):
Students choose 15 credits from a restricted list of technical specialization courses, including options in bioengineering, electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering, bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, and neurotechnology
euroscience.
Careers:
Graduates from the MS in Bioengineering program are prepared for a variety of roles in universities, industry, and government. The program's emphasis on clinical translation of new technologies makes graduates well-suited for positions in research, development, and commercialization of biomedical technologies.
Other:
- Bioengineering Seminar: All MS students are required to attend a minimum of two departmental seminars per semester.
