Bioengineering
Academics
Igniting Potential Through Local Outreach
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Bioengineering: A BSE is a traditional engineering degree for those who wish to pursue a career as a licensed professional engineer.
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Biomedical Science: A BAS degree is a more flexible options for students who desire a broad curriculum and have other career goals in mind, such as medicine, law, etc.
- Whether or not to pursue a BSE and or a BAS is dependent on your career goals. If a student plans to become a professional engineer, they should pursue a BSE, whereas students with other career interests should pursue a BAS.
I have questions about the Bioengineering program. Who should I speak to?
For advice, please contact someone in the Bioengineering Department, such as your faculty advisor or the Associate Director of Advising, Kacy (kacy@seas.upenn.edu). The departmental office is in Skrikanich 240. Additionally, please take a moment to review the BE Undergraduate Program website.
Where can I find the complete description of academic rules and regulations for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?
The complete Penn Engineering Undergraduate Student Handbook can be found online.
What should I do if I’m accepted to the Bioengineering program but want to transfer to another Engineering department?
First, you should consult with the Undergraduate Chair from the relevant department to ensure you’re on the right track. Next, you’ll need to complete the Declare/Update Field of Study Form, which can be found on the Path Forms page.
What is a dual major, dual degree, joint degree, or minor?
The BE department offers a variety of program options.
- Dual Major: This program allows you to meet the requirements for two departments within the Engineering School, resulting in two majors but only one degree.
- Dual Degree: This program enables you to earn a second degree from a different school within the University.
- Minor: This consists of six or more approved courses taken from another department.
- Joint Degree: This is a special dual-degree program that is managed separately.
For any questions regarding the bioengineering curricula, please contact Kacy Dadura, the Associate Director for Advising for Bioengineering at kacy@seas.upenn.edu.
TOEFL Score Recommendations: a minimum of 100 is recommended for all programs. There is not a required score.
IELTS Score Recommendations: a minimum of 7.5 is recommended for all programs. There is not a required score.Please send your IELTS score report electronically. Test results should be sent to: “University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science.”
To have this requirement waived, the applicant must meet the following criteria by the time of matriculation:
- Graduate from a program in the United States;
- Attend school in a country in which English is recognized as the official language; or,
- Graduate from an institution where the medium of instruction is English, and this is indicated on the unofficial transcript.
Master of Science in Engineering
The Bioengineering master’s program offers an interdisciplinary education in scientific and engineering fundamentals, focusing on the latest developments in the field. Its primary goal is to provide students with a tailored curriculum that prepares them to work creatively and independently in industry, research and development, government, or academia.
The MSE in Bioengineering is considered a “terminal degree,” meaning that students who wish to pursue a PhD must apply through the PhD graduate admissions process.
Doctoral Program
Penn Bioengineering offers students a flexible curriculum and a world-class research environment. They have the opportunity to thrive in a collaborative culture that includes multiple generations of leaders from academia, government, and industry. Our mission is to train students at the intersection of biomedicine and engineering, preparing them for careers in both academia and the biotechnology industry.
Is there an online graduate degree program for Bioengineering?
No, however, we do offer three Penn Engineering online programs. Learn more about them here.
What are the prerequisites for an MSE or Ph.D. in Bioengineering?
All applicants should have an undergraduate degree in an engineering subject or an undergraduate degree in physical science, natural science, and/or informational science.
For MSE questions, please email BE Master’s Coordinator, Erin Reavy-Fredericks at ereavy@seas.upenn.edu.
For Doctoral Program questions, please email Associate Director of Graduate Programs, Kathleen Venit at kvenit@seas.upenn.edu.
In Pursuit of Progress
Whether our students are pursuing their bachelors or their doctorate, they are all on a mission to make a difference within various fields of bioengineering.
Zameer Merchant, BSE
“A phrase you hear often about BE,” writes Zameer, “is that we’re a jack of all trades. Only in BE will you take classes in biology, chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, and materials science.”
Eric Rosenberg, MSE
“Once I set foot on campus, I felt as if I were home. I found a strong graduate community with a passion for higher-level learning. While walking to class, you know you are walking with only a handful of others who are pioneering, working in, and sculpting the field of bioengineering alongside faculty.”
Spencer Szczesny, Orthopaedics
“I decided to join Penn because it simply ‘felt’ right. Of course, the research here is excellent with plentiful resources, financial support, and renowned faculty. Still, what made Penn unique for me – at least the bioengineering department – was its focus on the students.
Undergraduate Students
Master’s Students
PhD Students