Frequently Asked Questions: Prospective and Current Undergraduate Students (Including Transfers)
For more information, we also recommend visiting our undergraduate program in bioengineering homepage »
FAQs from Prospective Bioengineering Students
- Is the undergraduate program in bioengineering at the University of Maryland accredited?
- What is the difference between bioengineering and biomedical engineering?
- What courses are required for admission?
- What makes a competitive applicant for your program?
- What additional courses will I have to take if I'm interested in med school?
- How long does it take to graduate?
- What do students do after graduation?
- How do I transfer to into bioengineering?
- I'm registered for BIOE 120 in the fall. Can I take BIOE 121 too?
FAQs from Current Bioengineering Students
- Who is my faculty advisor?
- Why can't I register for courses?
- Why can't I register for more than 18 credits?
- Can I repeat a course more than once?
- Why doesn't my Degree Navigator reflect all my courses?
- How do I request a stamp or get a block removed?
- What do I need to do if I want to take a course somewhere else over the summer?
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FAQs from Prospective Bioengineering Students:
Is the undergraduate program in bioengineering at the University of Maryland accredited?
Yes! We earned our ABET accreditation in July 2009. The accreditation is retroactive to October 2007, so everyone who graduates (or who has graduated) will graduate from an accredited program.
Learn more about accreditation at the ABET web site »
What is the difference between bioengineering and biomedical engineering?
Bioengineering is a broader field that includes, but is not limited to, biomedical engineering topics. If a student is interested in biomedical and/or biological engineering, this is still an appropriate degree program for them.
For more information, visit our "What is Bioengineering?" page »
What courses are required for admission?
For high school students, there are no specific courses required for admission as an incoming freshmen, but it is recommended that students take advanced level mathematics and science courses. If taken for AP credit, these courses may lighten the load of credits necessary each semester. These classes may also help students identify interests, strengths, and weaknesses.
Transfer students, whether internal (meaning current UMCP students whose major is no engineering) or external (meaning non-UMCP students) do have required courses for admission. For detailed information:
- Visit the transfer student overview page (A. James Clark School of Engineering web site) »
- Visit the transfer student admissions page (A. James Clark School of Engineering Undergraduate Advising web site) »
What makes a competitive applicant for your program?
Candidates are very competitive when it comes to GPAs and SAT/ACT scores, and typically above average. Incoming freshmen of Fall 2009 had an average GPA of 4.13 (this includes both weighted and unweighted GPAs) and an average SAT score of 1375. Though not required, students are also strongly encouraged to take advanced Science and Mathematics courses in high school, specifically Physics, Biology, Calculus, and Chemistry. Acceptable AP credits will be applied toward the degree and will not only prepare students for college level courses, but will decrease the overall course load required to graduate.
Please be aware that students do not apply directly to the undergraduate program in bioengineering for admission. Students who wish to study any major at the A. James Clark School of Engineering apply for admission to the University of Maryland. When filling out the university application, a student may choose bioengineering as his or her desired major, or choose "Undecided Engineering" and select a major later (usually after your first two semesters).
What additional courses will I have to take if I'm interested in med school?
Most of the courses required for medical school are built into the BIOE curriculum, with the exception of PHYS 174 (Physics Laboratory Introduction) and BSCI 105 (General Biology I). Other strongly recommended courses BSCI 222 (Genetics), BSCI 223 (Microbiology), and BSCH 461/463 (Biochemistry) may be used to fulfill the required biological science electives. BSCI 440/441 (Mammalian Physiology and Lab) may not be used as a biological science elective as it is too similar to the required BIOE 340 course. For additional pre-med information, visit www.prehealth.umd.edu.
How long does it take to graduate?
The program is designed to be completed in 4 years. It is very important the students stick as close to the sample program as possible, as most of the nearly all BIOE classes are only offered once a year.
What do students do after graduation?
Many students work at biotechnology companies or Federal agencies, particularly the NIH (National Institutes of Health), FDA (Food and Drug Administration), National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture). Other students go on to medical school or other graduate programs.
How do I transfer into Bioengineering?
Both internal (meaning current Clark School of Engineering students) and external (meaning UMCP students outside of the Clark School of Engineering and non-UMCP students) transfer students must meet a number of requirements for admission, including but not limited to coursework, GPA, and a special transfer application process. The Clark School's Office of Undergraduate Advising is here to assist.
- Visit the transfer student overview page (A. James Clark School of Engineering web site) »
- Visit the transfer student admissions page (A. James Clark School of Engineering Undergraduate Advising web site) »
I'm registered for BIOE 120 in the fall. Can I take BIOE 121 (Biology for Engineers Laboratory) too?
BIOE 121 is restricted to engineering majors, with first preference given to declared bioengineering majors. Bioengineering majors are required to take BIOE 121. Other engineering majors enrolled in BIOE 120 may take BIOE 121, if there is a seat available. Open spaces will be filled on a first-come, first served basis. Non-engineering majors may not enroll in BIOE 121. Students in other engineering majors interested in taking BIOE 121 may contact Michelle French at mfrench@umd.edu or (301) 405-6769 to express their interest.
FAQs from Current Bioengineering Students:
Who is my faculty advisor?
Please contact our Undergraduate Program Academic Coordinator, Michelle French, at mfrench@umd.edu or (301) 405-6769, if you do not have this information.
Why can’t I register for courses?
There may be a number of reasons why you registration is blocked. Please contact our Undergraduate Program Academic Coordinator, Michelle French at mfrench@umd.edu or (301) 405-6769, who will access your information and discuss the issue and how to resolve it, if applicable.
Why can't I register for more than 18 credits?
Freshmen are allowed a maximum of 17 credits per semester. Sophomores, juniors, seniors, and other students are allowed a maximum of 18 credits per semester. We have found that this level of coursework is a nice balance between total workload and efficient use of time. You may appeal this policy by filling out an "Exception to Policy Form," provided by the Clark School's Office of Undergraduate Advising, and the Exceptions Committee will make a decision regarding your request.
Visit the Advising web site's forms page for more information and instructions »
Can I repeat a course more than once?
Any course can be taken 2 times. If you need to take a course 3 times or more, you must file an appeal by filling out by submitting an "Exception to Policy Form," provided by the Clark School's Office of Undergraduate Advising.
Visit the Advising web site's forms page for more information and instructions »
Why doesn't my Degree Navigator reflect all my courses?
Some things have to be manually entered into the Degree Navigator. This typically occurs the semester before students graduate. If you have questions or concerns, please contact our Undergraduate Program Academic Coordinator, Michelle French at mfrench@umd.edu or (301) 405-6769.
How do I request a stamp or get a block removed?
You need to contact our Undergraduate Program Academic Coordinator, Michelle French at mfrench@umd.edu or (301) 405-6769.
What do I need to do if I want to take a course somewhere else over the summer?
You will need to fill out the "Permission to Enroll in Another Institution Form," provided by the Clark School's Office of Undergraduate Advising.
Visit the Advising web site's forms page for more information and instructions »
