Bioengineering Graduate Program Information

Bioengineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies engineering principles and quantitative methods to the advancement of knowledge at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels, and to the development of new biologicals, materials, devices, and processes.

Oregon State University and the University of Oregon offer joint Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Bioengineering. Oregon State University also offers a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree in Bioengineering.

MS and PhD Programs

The joint OSU-UO MS and PhD programs combine an immersive curriculum, impactful research, and targeted professional development to advance science, society, and your career. Joint program students have full access to resources at both UO and OSU, including research facilities and collaborations, coursework, training workshops, and student groups. PhD students may choose an advisor or co-advisors from the bioengineering faculty at either UO or OSU. At this time, only OSU faculty advisors are accepting MS students.

OSU Bioengineering Faculty | OU Bioengineering Faculty

The design of our curriculum helps students create an academic plan that drives their research and career success. This starts with minimizing core requirements to four courses that prepare students to apply bioengineering fundamentals toward innovations that advance human health. Students then tailor their individual experience by selecting elective courses that align with their research or career goals.

Core Course Requirements: 

  • Bioengineering fundamentals
    • Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering
    • Modeling of Physiological Systems
  • Innovation and Technology Translation
    • Drug and Medical Device Regulation
    • Technology Ventures: From Concept to Commercialization

Handbook for MS Students

Handbook for PhD Students

MEng Program

While the MS degree includes a research project and a thesis, the MEng provides students the opportunity to pursue advanced-level study without the requirement for a research thesis. MEng degrees are intended as terminal degrees, not as preparation for a doctorate, and will emphasize job-related knowledge and skills. Although not required, students wishing to pursue a PhD in the future are advised to pursue an MS degree, not the MEng.

MEng students can design their curriculum to match their career goals. Required coursework includes the bioengineering core – Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering, Modeling of Physiological Systems, and Drug and Medical Device Regulation – as well as electives selected from a wide range of course offerings in engineering, mathematics, biomedical sciences and other fields.

Handbook for MEng Students