Our Graduate Program

Graduate students from around the world come to study and perform research with our leading BME scholars and practioners. Our graduate students’ research training is complemented by new lab-to-classroom Immersion Learning experiences in systems bioengineering, mechanobiology, molecular imaging, and repartative medicine. Our program has faculty pursuing research in Cardiovascular Bioengineering, Biomedical & Molecular Imaging, Cellular & Molecular Bioengineering, Computational Systems Bioengineering, Musculoskeletal Bioengineering, and Tissue Engineering & Biomaterials. Our graduate program currently ranks #12 in the nation (U.S. News and World Report). All doctoral students are fully funded, and and many are supported by national fellowships or training grants.

Degrees Offered

• The Master of Engineering (ME) is a professional degree designed to strengthen the student’s competence in engineering primarily through additional coursework.
• The Master of Science (MS) includes both coursework and research, culminating in a thesis. Graduates of the MS program typically pursue careers in industry or continue their research endeavors in a Ph.D. program.
• The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is designed for students who wish to pursue research careers. Graduates of the PhD program are well-prepared for careers in academia, government, and industry.

Applying to Our Program

If you are interested in applying, forms and instructions for both domestic and international students are available on the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). Applications are due by January 15 (for expedited review, please submit your application by January 1). Please consider the following application tips when applying:

1. Apply for the final degree you wish to obtain. If you want to pursue a Ph.D. at UVa, you should apply to the Ph.D. program. You do not need to complete an M.S. degree before beginning your Ph.D. studies with us.
2. Be as specific as you can about what research areas and laboratories interest you. Telling us which professors and labs best match your interests helps us make sure the right people read your application.
3. The primary difference between the M.S. and the M.E. is the depth of the research component. The M.E. requirements include coursework and a small research project, while the M.S. requirements include a more extensive research experience culminating in a thesis.

Further Information

You will find the answers to many common questions on our FAQ page. If, after reviewing this page, you find that you have additional questions about our program, please contact us at bmegrad@virginia.edu.