Degree Programs
From Stanford Biomechanical Engineering Division
Contents |
Bachelor's Degree (BS:BME)
An interdisciplinary major, Bachelor of Science: Biomechanical Engineering, integrates biology and clinical medicine with engineering mechanics and design. Research and teaching in the Biomechanical Engineering Group are primarily focused on neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and cell and tissue biomechanics. Research in other areas such as hearing, vision, biomaterials, biosensors, and imaging informatics are also conducted in collaboration with associated faculty in medicine, biology and engineering. This degree introduces fundamental biological and biophysical principals while developing strengths in traditional mechanical engineering areas.
The Biomechanical Engineering major provides a fundamental understanding of mechanics in fields of biology and medicine. However, it is not normally recommended as a terminal degree. This major is well suited for those interested in future graduate studies in bioengineering, medicine or related areas. The course of study allows students to satisfy many premedical, pre-dental, or pre-paramedical fields.
For information on declaring Biomechanical Engineering, please visit here.
Master's Degree (MSE:BME or MSME)
Students interested in graduate studies in biomechanical engineering
can choose one of the programs below, both of which are 45-unit courses of study.
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
Students who apply and are admitted to the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering program can elect to take biomechanical engineering courses as part of their requirements. These courses are usually applied towards the student’s engineering breadth or technical electives. -
Master of Science in Engineering: Biomechanical Engineering (MSE:BME)
The MSE:BME program has a math and engineering depth requirement similar to the MSME degree.However, this program allows students more flexibility in taking courses in the life sciences and generally emphasizes a more interdisciplinary curriculum. The admission requirements for this degree are the same as for the MSME degree with the exception that students are also expected to have introductory undergraduate biology. If admitted to this degree program, those lacking a biology background will be required to make-up the deficiency.
For information on applying to either MS program, please see the Mechanical Engineering Department. For information on co-terming, please visit here.
Engineer Degree (Engineer)
The Engineer degree represents an additional year of study beyond the master's degree and includes a research thesis. The program is designed for students who wish to do professional engineering work upon graduation and who want to engage in more specialized study than is afforded by the master's degree alone. Admission standards are substantially the same as indicated under the master's degree. However, since thesis supervision is required and the availability of thesis supervisors is limited, admission is not granted until the student has personally engaged a faculty member to supervise a research project.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.)
Students in biomechanical engineering receive their Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Students may enter the Ph.D. program from either master's degree path (Biomechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering). The Ph.D. qualifying examinations are flexible enough to accommodate students with any master's degree preparation. Students can also apply with master's degrees from other universities, but arrangements for an advisor should made first. For information on applying, please see the Mechanical Engineering Department. In extraordinary circumstances, a student may design an interdisciplinary Ph.D. degree to be pursued through the Graduate Special Program. Recent Ph.D. dissertations reflect the areas in which Ph.D. research has been focused.
Combined Ph.D./M.D. Degree
Students interested in a career oriented towards biomechanical research and clinical medicine can pursue the combined Ph.D./M.D. degree program.
The Ph.D. degree is administered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the School of Engineering. To be formally admitted as a Ph.D. degree candidate in this combined degree program, the student must apply through normal departmental channels and must have earned an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, or an M.S. in Biomechanical Engineering, or a comparable master's degree. Students must pass the Department of Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. qualifying examination and pursue a doctoral thesis in a biomechanical engineering area.
The M.D. degree is administered by the School of Medicine. Students must apply separately through regular channels for admission to the M.D. program. For further information on the M.D. program, consult the School of Medicine bulletin.
Further Information
For more information on the degree programs, please see the Engineering Undergraduate Handbook , ME Graduate Student Handbook and the Stanford Bulletin.
