Bioengineering
I have questions about the Bioengineering program. Who should I speak to?
For advice, please contact someone in the Bioengineering Department, such as your faculty advisor or the Associate Director of Advising, Kacy (kacy@seas.upenn.edu). The departmental office is in Skrikanich 240. Additionally, please take a moment to review the BE Undergraduate Program website.
Where can I find the complete description of academic rules and regulations for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?
The complete Penn Engineering Undergraduate Student Handbook can be found online.
What should I do if I’m accepted to the Bioengineering program but want to transfer to another Engineering department?
First, you should consult with the Undergraduate Chair from the relevant department to ensure you’re on the right track. Next, you’ll need to complete the Declare/Update Field of Study Form, which can be found on the Path Forms page.
What is a dual major, dual degree, joint degree, or minor?
The BE department offers a variety of program options.
For any questions regarding the bioengineering curricula, please contact Kacy Dadura, the Associate Director for Advising for Bioengineering at kacy@seas.upenn.edu.
Master of Science in Engineering
The application opens on Sep 16, 2024 and closes on February 2, 2025.
Apply Now
Bioengineering, Ph.D.
The application opens on September 16, 2024 and closes on December 16, 2024.
TOEFL Score Recommendations: a minimum of 100 is recommended for all programs. There is not a required score.
IELTS Score Recommendations: a minimum of 7.5 is recommended for all programs. There is not a required score.Please send your IELTS score report electronically. Test results should be sent to: “University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science.”
To have this requirement waived, the applicant must meet the following criteria by the time of matriculation:
The Bioengineering master’s program offers an interdisciplinary education in scientific and engineering fundamentals, focusing on the latest developments in the field. Its primary goal is to provide students with a tailored curriculum that prepares them to work creatively and independently in industry, research and development, government, or academia.
The MSE in Bioengineering is considered a “terminal degree,” meaning that students who wish to pursue a PhD must apply through the PhD graduate admissions process.
Doctoral Program
Penn Bioengineering offers students a flexible curriculum and a world-class research environment. They have the opportunity to thrive in a collaborative culture that includes multiple generations of leaders from academia, government, and industry. Our mission is to train students at the intersection of biomedicine and engineering, preparing them for careers in both academia and the biotechnology industry.
Is there an online graduate degree program for Bioengineering?
No, however, we do offer three Penn Engineering online programs. Learn more about them here.
What are the prerequisites for an MSE or Ph.D. in Bioengineering?
All applicants should have an undergraduate degree in an engineering subject or an undergraduate degree in physical science, natural science, and/or informational science.
For MSE questions, please email BE Master’s Coordinator, Erin Reavy-Fredericks at ereavy@seas.upenn.edu.
For Doctoral Program questions, please email Associate Director of Graduate Programs, Kathleen Venit at kvenit@seas.upenn.edu.
Whether our students are pursuing their bachelors or their doctorate, they are all on a mission to make a difference within various fields of bioengineering.
“A phrase you hear often about BE,” writes Zameer, “is that we’re a jack of all trades. Only in BE will you take classes in biology, chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, and materials science.”
“Once I set foot on campus, I felt as if I were home. I found a strong graduate community with a passion for higher-level learning. While walking to class, you know you are walking with only a handful of others who are pioneering, working in, and sculpting the field of bioengineering alongside faculty.”
“I decided to join Penn because it simply ‘felt’ right. Of course, the research here is excellent with plentiful resources, financial support, and renowned faculty. Still, what made Penn unique for me – at least the bioengineering department – was its focus on the students.
Undergraduate Students
Master’s Students
PhD Students
