The curriculum for the master's program consists of a core of required bioengineering courses supplemented by elective courses that provide greater depth in a specific area of interest. Two degree options are offered at the master's degree level:
Thesis Option
The thesis option requires a total of 30 credit hours (6 of which must be research credits) and the submission and defense of a master's thesis.
Non-Thesis Option
The non-thesis option requires a minimum of 33 credit hours (6 of which must be research credits) followed by the submission of a publishable report on an approved topic.
The MS is primarily offered as a professional degree program through the non-thesis option and students must anticipate covering their own tuition
and living expenses. There are limited opportunities for the thesis-option
and assistantship support for the MS degree through faculty-supported
research projects. Students are welcome to email faculty members directly
regarding the availability of such projects in a given faculty member's
research group.
The minimum time period necessary to complete the master's degree is normally 16 months, with at least one academic semester in residence as a full-time student at Clemson University.
The minimum time period necessary to complete the master's degree is normally 16 months, with at least one academic semester in residence as a full-time student at Clemson University.
Doctoral degree candidates must provide evidence of their potential success in advanced graduate study. The selection of courses for the doctoral degree is flexible and depends on the background and objectives of each candidate. Course requirements will vary depending on past education; a total of 36 credit hours is required past the BS degree. Students are encouraged to enroll directly in the doctoral program from a baccalaureate degree. Applicants who already have an MS degree in engineering or science may apply up to 24 credit hours from their MS degree towards the 36 credit hours required for the PhD degree.
Students admitted into the doctoral program will be required to pursue a core curriculum and plan of study that will serve as the basis for further, more specialized study in the field. The PhD curriculum and plan of study seeks to:
Students admitted into the doctoral program will be required to pursue a core curriculum and plan of study that will serve as the basis for further, more specialized study in the field. The PhD curriculum and plan of study seeks to:
- establish a uniform knowledge base of fundamental bioengineering principles amongst admitted graduate students with conventional and non-traditional educational backgrounds
- provide greater flexibility in selection of core and elective courses so as to be more relevant to the students’ chosen research track
- specify guidelines for transfer of relevant course credits for doctoral students with a master's degree in bioengineering/ other discipline to avoid course repetition/duplication and ensure quality control of bioengineering education offered by the department
A joint research training program is established between the Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina. Students enrolled as Clemson students or MUSC students can take advantage of this program, and students can do a joint MD/PhD or Dental MD/PhD with the PhD in bioengineering and MD or DMD from MUSC. The bioengineering program adds a new dimension to graduate degree options and additional research options for both Clemson Bioengineering students and MUSC students.
Under this plan, students may reduce the time necessary to earn both degrees by applying graduate credits to both undergraduate and graduate program requirements.
To be eligible for this plan, students must have completed their bachelor's curriculum through the junior year (minimum 94 credits) and have a minimum overall grade-point ratio of 3.40. Information and application forms are available from the Graduate School Office. Endorsements by the program coordinator or department chair of both programs are required. If accepted, students will be given conditional admission to the master's program pending completion of their bachelor's degrees and submission of satisfactory GRE or GMAT scores, if required. Combined Plan students are not eligible for graduate appointments for financial aid until their bachelor's degrees have been awarded.
Under this plan, students can obtain their bachelor's degree in any of the following disciplines while working towards completion of their Master's degree in Bioengineering.
To be eligible for this plan, students must have completed their bachelor's curriculum through the junior year (minimum 94 credits) and have a minimum overall grade-point ratio of 3.40. Information and application forms are available from the Graduate School Office. Endorsements by the program coordinator or department chair of both programs are required. If accepted, students will be given conditional admission to the master's program pending completion of their bachelor's degrees and submission of satisfactory GRE or GMAT scores, if required. Combined Plan students are not eligible for graduate appointments for financial aid until their bachelor's degrees have been awarded.
Under this plan, students can obtain their bachelor's degree in any of the following disciplines while working towards completion of their Master's degree in Bioengineering.
