While the Bioengineering Department and Biomechanical Engineering in the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering share some research interests, some important differences exist between these two degree programs. The decision to pursue a Mechanical Engineering degree or a Bioengineering degree depends on how students view themselves. Does a student view him/herself as a mechanical engineer seeking to apply that training to research questions in medicine or biology, or does the student view him/herself as a bioengineer?
Students in Mechanical Engineering (ME) take traditional mechanical engineering courses such dynamics, continuum mechanics, multi-scale computational mechanics, and design, in conjunction with other courses focused on biomechanical engineering. These students will receive a degree in Mechanical Engineering (Ph.D. or M.S.) or in Biomechanical Engineering (M.S. only). Ph.D. students are required to take the qualification exam of the ME department.
Students in Bioengineering (BioE) focus on regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, biomedical computation, cellular and molecular systems, and quantitative biology, and experience courses in which the fields of biology, engineering, and medicine are taught together. These students will receive a degree in Bioengineering (Ph.D. or M.S.). Ph.D. students are required to take the qualification exam of the BioE department.
Applicants with a background in mechanical engineering (BSME or equivalent) that are unsure which program to apply to, are recommended to apply to Biomechanical Engineering through the Mechanical Engineering Department.