Bioengineering, MSE

The Bioengineering master's program provides an interdisciplinary education in scientific and engineering fundamentals, with an emphasis on new developments in the field of Bioengineering. The primary goal of the Penn Bioengineering master's program is to provide students with a customized curriculum designed to prepare them to function creatively and independently in industry, research and development, government or academia.

The master's degree program provides rigorous and advanced training in engineering with a focus on biological and medical sciences. The flexible curriculum allows students to select their own graduate coursework in math, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, and other science and engineering disciplines. The University of Pennsylvania has a "one university" philosophy, and students may register for courses from any School in the University. Our students typically take courses in the Schools of Engineering, Arts and Sciences, and Medicine.

Bioengineering master's degree candidates select either the thesis or non-thesis degree track during their first year, in consultation with the Director of Master's Advising. Students typically complete their degree program in twelve to eighteen months.

The MSE in Bioengineering is a "terminal degree," meaning that students interested in pursuing a PhD must apply to the program through the PhD graduate admissions process.

Curriculum

A total of 10 course units are required for the MSE degree.1,2

Required Courses 3
Select 1 Math course1
Select 1 Biological Science course 1
Select 2 Bioengineering graduate courses 42
Select 3 SEAS and or Biomedical Science electives3
Select 1 general elective1
Thesis/Non Requirements
BE 5970Master's Thesis Research (or Science and Engineering electives)2
Total Course Units10

Thesis Option Requirements

If you choose to write a thesis, you will enroll in 2 units of thesis research, BE 5970 Master's Thesis Research.

Be sure to read the Master's Thesis Guidelines. In choosing the thesis option, your thesis advisor may provide additional guidance on course selection and will supervise your thesis research. The director of the bioengineering MSE program will help you find a mentor, traditionally selected from the Bioengineering Graduate Group.

Non-Thesis Option Requirements

If you choose not to write a thesis, you will enroll in an additional 2 course units (2 CU) of science and engineering electives (of which 1 may be BE 5990 Master's Independent Study)

1

The program director helps you develop a program of study for the fall and spring semester of your first year. You can also access a list of suggested graduate courses broken down by discipline.

2

 Please work with the BE master's administrator/program on the curriculum and course plan. Once your course selection is approved, you will be permitted to register through PATH.

3

Must be taken by students in both the thesis and non-thesis tracks. All courses must be 5000 level or above.

4

 Select any BE 5000+ level courses

Concentrations

Biomedical Data Science and Computational Medicine
Employs concepts and infrastructure from computer science and broad-based principles from engineering, applied mathematics, physics, and chemistry, to navigate large data sets of biological information and model biomolecules to gain insight into complex biological systems.
Master's Thesis Research
Biological Data Science II: Data Mining Principles for Epigenomics
Brain-Computer Interfaces
Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience
Principles of Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering
Multiscale Modeling of Chemical and Biological Systems
Networked Neuroscience
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science for Biomedical Informatics
Machine Learning
Big Data Analytics
Advanced Computational Biology
Molecular Modeling and Simulations
Fundamentals of Computational Biology
Cryo-Em
Biomedical Devices
Design of instruments, implants or other biotechnologies that are used to diagnose, prevent, or treat disease. They require design, fabrication, manufacturing and interfacing with biological systems.
Master's Thesis Research
From Biomedical Science to the Marketplace
Rehab Engineering and Design
Optical Microscopy
Brain-Computer Interfaces
Biomicrofluidics
Biomechatronics
Feedback Control Design and Analysis
Introduction to Micro- and Nano-electromechanical Technologies
Design for Manufacturability
Introduction to Robotics
Applied Medical Innovation I
Applied Medical Innovation II
Materials for Bioelectronics
Feedback Control Design and Analysis
Introduction to Micro- and Nano-electromechanical Technologies
Nanofabrication and Nanocharacterization
Management and Strategy in Medical Devices and Technology
Design of Mechatronic Systems
Design for Manufacturability
Introduction to Robotics
Micro and Nano Fluidics
Mechanical Properties of Macro/Nanoscale Materials
Cellular/Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials
Engineering of synthetic and/or biological materials to support or manipulate cellular or tissue growth. Constructs are used to understand cell behavior, as tissue implants or as platforms for therapeutic applications.
Master's Thesis Research
Principles of Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering
Principles, Methods, and Applications of Tissue Engineering
Principles of Biological Fabrication
Developmental Engineering of Tissues
Systems Biology of Cell Signaling Behavior
Principles of Controlled Release Systems
Stem Cells, Proteomics and Drug Delivery - Soft Matter Fundamentals
Design for Manufacturability
Biomedical Imaging and Radiation Physics
Physics of medical and biological imaging modalities, the use and effects of radiation in imaging and therapy, methodologies for image acquisition and processing, development of computer-based imaging theory and analysis methods, and the development and use of contrast media and molecular imaging agents.
Master's Thesis Research
Optical Microscopy
Biomedical Image Analysis
Fundamental Techniques of Imaging
Physics of Medical / Molecular Imaging
The Mathematics of Medical Imaging and Measurement
Advanced Biomedical Imaging Applications
Modern Optics
Systems and Synthetic Biology
Understanding the nature of molecular and cellular processes and how individual biological entities interact to produce function at the cellular and organism level. It also includes the development of new devices, biomolecules, or biomimetics to control or manipulate these interactions to introduce new functionality, improve function and/or impair function.
Master's Thesis Research
Principles of Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering
Principles of Biological Fabrication
Multiscale Modeling of Chemical and Biological Systems
Developmental Engineering of Tissues
Systems Biology of Cell Signaling Behavior
Stem Cells, Proteomics and Drug Delivery - Soft Matter Fundamentals
Mechanics of Macromolecules
Engineering Biotechnology
Neuroengineering
Neuroengineering involves the confluence of neuroscience, device development, computation, and mathematics in an effort to better understand, track, and modulate neural function in health, disease, and degeneration.
Master's Thesis Research
Brain-Computer Interfaces
Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience
Networked Neuroscience
Electrical Language of Cells
Systems Neuroscience
Multiscale Biomechanics
Understand how biomolecules, cells, tissues, or living subjects interact mechanically with their environment and to use this knowledge to understand disease and repair processes and/or to guide the design of technological solutions to rehabilitate subjects with injuries or disabilities.
Master's Thesis Research
Biomechanics and Biotransport
Rehab Engineering and Design
Continuum Tissue Mechanics
Biomechatronics
Musculoskeletal Biology and Bioengineering
Mechanics of Soft and Biomaterials
Therapeutics, Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine
Encompasses drug discovery, drug design, manufacturing, preparation of micro- and nanodelivery platforms, gene and cell therapy, innovations in targeting, controllable drug release, biodegradation and the mathematical modeling of these systems.
Master's Thesis Research
Nanoscale Systems Biology
Drug Discovery and Development
Principles of Controlled Release Systems
Stem Cells, Proteomics and Drug Delivery - Soft Matter Fundamentals
Drug Delivery Systems: Targeted Therapeutics and Translational Nanomedicine

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.