Graduate Program in Bioengineering: Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in the Graduate Program in Bioengineering. Please contact bioe-grad@umd.edu if you have additional questions about admissions, financial aid, or our academic program.
For an overview of the application and admissions process, including how to apply, what must be sent, and application deadlines, please visit our Graduate Admissions page.
Frequently asked questions:
Academic
- Can I apply for a Masters degree (M.S.) in Bioengineering?
- Does the Graduate Program in Bioengineering offer a part-time option?
- Are there graduate level non-degree options at the University of Maryland? If so, how can I apply?
- Can I transfer credits from previous academic work into the Graduate Program in Bioengineering?
- How many credits does the Ph.D. program require?
- How long does the Ph.D. program take to complete?
Applying for Admission and Related Requirements
- Does the Graduate School maintain minimum GRE and/or TOEFL score requirements?
- What institutional code should I use to send official GRE and TOEFL score reports to the Graduate Program in Bioengineering?
- What is the minimum GPA requirement for applicants?
- I am an international applicant. What other forms do I need to complete?
- How can I check the status of my application?
- I have completed my application, but I am having trouble logging in to my Application Supplemental Form (ASF).
- Does the Graduate Program in Bioengineering admit students for fall, spring and/or summer?
- May I defer my admission?
Funding, Assistantships, and Financial Aid
- How will I fund my graduate education?
- I was recently awarded a University-funded assistantship. How do I get my money and tuition remission?
More Information
Academic
Can I apply for a Masters degree (M.S.) in Bioengineering?
Students may not apply for direct admission into the M.S. program. Students unable to satisfy the Ph.D. requirements may complete a M.S. degree. Students must apply for the Ph.D.
Prospective students interested in a master's degree in bioengineering may wish to consider the Master of Science/Doctor of Medicine (M.S./M.D.) dual degree program we offer with the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
TopDoes the Graduate Program in Bioengineering offer a part-time option?
Students can pursue a Ph.D. on a part time basis, but please note that classes are held on weekday mornings and afternoons. Courses are offered during the academic year and are those regularly taught in the Graduate Program in Bioengineering.
Are there graduate level non-degree options at the University of Maryland? If so, how can I apply?
Non-degree seeking students wishing to take graduate classes at the University should apply as Advanced Special Students. Advanced Special Students must hold a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and fulfill other admissions criteria. Advanced Special Students must apply online and must supply official undergraduate or graduate transcripts. Advanced Special Students are not eligible for any form of financial aid, including fellowships, assistantships, and work study.
Can I transfer credits from previous academic work into the Graduate Program in Bioengineering?
Ph.D. students can earn academic credit for up to 12 credits. To count toward the degree, all "transfer" coursework must be approved by the student's faculty advisor and the Graduate Program in Bioengineering Faculty Director.
How many credits does the Ph.D. program require?
The Ph.D. Program requires 45 credits: 14 credits of the BIOE core courses, 12 credits of elective courses, 18 credits of dissertation research, and 1 miscellaneous credit (which is typically research-oriented).
For more information, see:
How long does the Ph.D. program take to complete?
Students typically finish the Ph.D. program in 4-5 years.
Applying for Admission and Related Requirements
Does the Graduate School maintain minimum GRE and/or TOEFL score requirements?
The Graduate School does not set minimum GRE requirements; each graduate program sets their own standards for GRE scores. There are, however, minimum Graduate School requirements for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Applicants with a score of 575 on the paper-based test or 233 on the computer-based test (CBT) and above (with no sectional score below 50) may qualify an applicant for full admission. Applicants who score between 475 and 574 on the paper based test or 153-232 on the CBT may be considered for provisional admission, and will be required to take an English language proficiency examination upon arrival at the University of Maryland.
What institutional code should I use to send official GRE and TOEFL score reports to the Graduate Program in Bioengineering?
The University of Maryland's institutional code is 5814. Official score reports sent to that institutional code will be forwarded to the Graduate Program in Bioengineering.
I am an international applicant. What other forms do I need to complete?
Please visit the Office of International Education Services web site at: http://www.ies.umd.edu.
What is the minimum GPA requirement for applicants?
We require a minimum GPA of 3.0 for those applying to our doctoral program.
How can I check the status of my application?
Once applicants have submitted their electronic application, they may check the status of the application by visiting www.testudo.umd.edu or apra.umd.edu.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, we strongly encourage applicants to check the status of their application online. Please allow a minimum of 2-3 weeks for the processing of your application materials.
I have completed my application, but I am having trouble logging in to my Application Supplemental Form (ASF).
For issues related to the Application Supplemental Form (ASF), online letters of recommendation, or logging into your MEGS record, please contact the MEGS Support team at gradschool@umd.edu.
Does the Graduate Program in Bioengineering admit students for fall, spring and/or summer?
Due to the structure of the first year of our program, students are admitted for the fall semester only. We do not offer spring or summer admission.
May I defer my admission?
Decisions on deferral are made on a case-by-case basis, and we cannot guarantee that a request to defer admission will be approved.
Funding, Assistantships, and Financial Aid
How will I fund my graduate education?
The Fischell Department of Bioengineering has the goal of providing funding for all full-time graduate students are making good progress towards their degree.
I was recently awarded a University-funded assistantship. How do I get my money and tuition remission?
The Fischell Department of Bioengineering will manage the disbursement of assistantship through the Financial Aid system. Please contact our payroll coordinators, Ms. Catherine Carroll at ccarroll@umd.edu or Ms. Ann Anonsen at aanonsen@umd.edu for additional questions or concerns.
More Information
Can I get a brochure?
You may request a brochure by e-mailing your name and mailing address to: bioe-grad@umd.edu.
