College of EngineeringBiosystems EngineeringAcademicsGraduate Programs

Graduate Programs

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 The MS (thesis option) in Biosystems Engineering requires a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of graduate course work that includes up to 6 credit hours of thesis research. After completion of research, candidates for the MS thesis option must successfully defend the thesis. The specific requirements for the MS (thesis option) are:

CodeTitleHours
BSEN 7990Research and Thesis6
BSEN 6250Deterministic Modeling for Biosystems3
BSEN 7950Seminar1
Select 6 Credits of Other BSEN Courses (@6000-8999) *6
Select 6 Credits of Other Engineering Courses (@ 6000-8999) *6
Select 3 Credits of Statistics or Other Related Courses (@6000-8999) *3
Select 5 Credits of Other Courses (@ 6000-8999) *5
Total Hours30


The MS (non-thesis option) in Biosystems Engineering is offered to those that desire in-depth knowledge in Biosystems Engineering typically needed for non-academic engineering careers. A minimum of 30 semester credit hours of graduate course work is required for this option.

CodeTitleHours
Biosystems Engineering Non-Thesis (MS)
BSEN 6250Deterministic Modeling for Biosystems3
BSEN 7950Seminar1
Select 9 credits of other BSEN courses (@6000-8999) *9
Select 6 Credits of Other Engineering Courses (@ 6000-8999) *6
Select 3 Credits of Statistics or other related courses (@6000-8999) *3
Select 8 Credits of other Courses (@6000-8999) *8
Total Hours30

The department also offers an accelerated bachelors/masters (ABM) program in Biosystems Engineering. Interested students should contact the department.

The Ph.D. in Biosystems Engineering requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of graduate-level course work beyond the bachelor’s degree. The total number of credit hours that may be transferred from another accredited institution toward a doctoral degree must be less than 50 percent of the credit hours listed on the Plan of Study. Students must take a qualifying examination (written and oral) administered by the student’s advisory committee that tests the student’s knowledge and competence in the proposed research area and in the general field of biosystems engineering. The student advances to Ph.D. candidacy after the successful completion of the qualifying examination. The PhD student will conduct independent research and prepare a dissertation. After completion of the dissertation, the student must pass a final oral examination defending his/her dissertation. 

CodeTitleHours
BSEN 8990Research and Dissertation (Minimum)10
BSEN 6250Deterministic Modeling for Biosystems3
BSEN 7950Seminar1
Select 6 Credits of Other BSEN Courses (@6000-8999) *6
Select 15 Credits of Engineering Courses (@ 6000-8999) *15
Select 3 Credits of Statistics or Related Courses (@6000-8999) *3
Select 22 Credits of Other Courses (@ 6000-8999) *22
Total Hours60