Point of Contact: Abas Sabouni, Ph.D.
Program Features
Wilkes University’s Master of Science degree in Bioengineering combines engineering concepts and analysis with biology, medicine, health, and computer science to teach students the fundamentals of developing new medical devices, treatments and materials. The 36-credit program offers students the opportunity to select from one of two available majors, Biomedical Engineering or Synthetic Biology. Biomedical Engineers develop artificial limbs, joints, tissues and organs as well as design diagnostic equipment, monitoring devices and drug delivery systems. Synthetic Biologists create organisms, which either produce useful biochemicals for therapeutic applications, or perform unique functions, such as creating useful biochemicals for therapeutic and industrial applications or detecting or detoxifying biohazardous chemicals.
Students will have the opportunity to work with faculty who are leaders in their fields, including specialists in the latest medical device designs, imaging systems, bioengineering and metabolic technologies.
Admissions Requirements
The Wilkes program is designed for those with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or biology seeking training in bioengineering and also for those seeking to strengthen credentials for medical or other professional schools. Individuals with undergraduate degrees in other science disciplines may also be considered. Applicants must submit an online application, official undergraduate transcripts, and 2 letters of reference from science or engineering faculty.
International applicants must also submit a statement of financial guarantee and a WES evaluation of their undergraduate transcript.
All applicants must submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score, in addition to the previously-listed admissions requirements if the language of instruction of the applicant’s undergraduate degree was not English. In some cases, proof of the applicant’s language of undergraduate instruction may be requested and required.
Program Requirements
Students enrolling in the Bioengineering program will be assigned an advisor in the chosen track at the time of admission. Students are strongly encouraged to contact their advisor to discuss program prerequisites, course selections, research opportunities, and other programmatic questions.
The program has a common set of core courses for both majors. All students must take the 6 credits of core bioengineering courses, BEGR 409 - Introduction to Bioengineering and BEGR 411 - Integrated Product Development , at the start of the program. Students then enroll in 6 courses (18 credits) designated for their chosen major and 6 credits of electives. Students will complete their program with 6 credits of thesis work or can request in special cases and with the directors’ approval to do a 3 credit project and take one additional elective course, for a total of 36 program credits.
Core courses- 6 credits
Major courses - 18 credits
Electives - 6 credits
Thesis/Project - 6 credits
36 total program credits
Provided below is a sample program plan for each major. Plans are based on full-time enrollment, which is 9 credits per semester for graduate students. Students electing to enroll part-time should discuss course scheduling with their advisor to ensure timely completion of all program requirements. In addition, students should select elective credits in consultation with their advisors, particularly if specialization knowledge is desired.