so, i got my BSEE in 2003. I work in medical device industry and now im considering going for a masters in bioengineering.

theres a program here, Masters in Medical Engineering, that is geared for engineering professionals, with classes at night and weekends. obviously not the same as an MS in BioEngineering.

anyone got any experience/advice?

9/12/2008 1:47:01 PM

I don't work in that particular so I'm not familiar with the differences in those programs so i'll ask the obvious question: What's the difference in the programs?

Also, what opportunities will the Masters give you that you don't currently have access to?

9/12/2008 2:20:15 PM

the MME is a "professional degree" ... it's designed for various engineering professionals who already have an accredited engineering degree and at least 3-5 years of engineering experience, who want to work (or are working) in the biomedical engineering field but are lacking education/training in the biomedical and bioengineering sciences

an MS in BioE would be like any traditional MS in any engineering discipline. the MS BioE would be directly applicable to a PhD BioE program, whereas the MME would not.

the traditional MS BioE program is extremely competitive to enter and preference is given to those who are on the PhD path, and already have significant research experience.

the graduate BioE program (MS or PhD) is structured for students who commit to a full time schedule of classes, research and assistantship duties.

the MME is structured for professionals who work during the day; the classes are all on nights and weekends.

the MSBioE requires a thesis. the MME does not.


what would it get me? i don't know. what does a masters degree get anyone? more leverage to obtain the pay and position and increased responsibilities in an organization, allowing one to work with more autonomy to make creative decisions. at least that's what i like to think.

personally, i am working in Operations Engineering (Production), and i want to eventually move into Research and Development. I think this will give me more leverage to do so, and more competence in understanding the foundations of medical sciences, diagnostics, biomaterials, etc.. My BSEE didnt give me any insight into bioengineering.



plus i'll get to dissect a human cadaver.







[Edited on September 12, 2008 at 4:01 PM. Reason : ]

9/12/2008 3:52:21 PM

Quote :

"plus i'll get to dissect a human cadaver."

eh, been there, done that. Plus cutting on a live person is much more fun.


on a serious note, though, the big question would be whether you ever see yourself getting a PhD--if you think it's a possibility, then go for the MS.

9/12/2008 4:15:18 PM

i dont think i'll ever get in to the Univ of Washington's grad program in BioE.

they're highly selective and my BSEE at NC State was mediocre-ly craptacular

9/13/2008 12:39:23 AM