Bioengineering

Degree Programs - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I work toward a B.S. in Bioengineering at Stanford?
A: Stanford does not currently offer a B.S. degree in Bioengineering. Undergraduate students who are interested in bioengineering at Stanford have three options.

  1. They can pursue a traditional degree (mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering biology...) and choose course electives in bioengineering areas.
  2. They can pursue a pre-approved designed major in Biomedical computation. (For more information, see http://bmc.stanford.edu/advising.html)
  3. They can do an individually designed major in biomechanical engineering. (A volunteer student coordinator can be contacted by e-mailing biomech_sc@lists.Stanford.edu.)

For general information from the Stanford Office of Undergraduate Admission, please see their website http://www.stanford.edu/dept/uga. Also, see a complete list of Stanford Departments http://www.stanford.edu/home/academics/departments.html.

Q: Can I apply to attend graduate school in the Bioengineering Department?
A: Yes, please see our admissions page.

Q: What are the requirements for admission to the graduate program?
A: The entire application is reviewed to assess applicants’ ability to thrive in the stimulating and rigorous academic environment at Stanford. In general, applicants will have taken the courses necessary to have completed an undergraduate degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry or computer sciences. We also expect that students have completed courses in biology, bioengineering, and/or biomedical engineering. Students with undergraduate degrees in biology should have completed mathematics through multivariable calculus and differential equations.

Q: What GRE scores are required by the Stanford Bioengineering Department for admission?
A: Applications to attend graduate school are evaluated on the basis of many factors, including undergraduate and graduate grade point averages, GRE scores, research experience, letters of reference, and personal statements. Please refer to general admission requirements for graduate study at Stanford University, found on the Registrar's website

http://www.stanford.edu/dept/gradadmissions/.

Q: Is it possible to transfer from one Stanford department into Bioengineering?
A: There is a process for students who wish to transfer between departments in the School of Engineering. This involves an application that is shorter than a complete application for graduate school. It must be approved by the department to which a student would like to transfer. Please see the following link for more information:

http://bioengineering.stanford.edu/education/sugradadmissions.html

Q: Who are the faculty in the Department of Bioengineering?
A: Thirteen faculty members are serving as the founding faculty of the bioengineering department. The founding faculty are designing the curriculum. These faculty members will be the advisors for new graduate students entering the department. The department will also link to the many outstanding bioengineering activities at Stanford that are not formally part of the department. Some of these are described at http://biox.stanford.edu/.
Other useful links include the following:

http://soe.stanford.edu/research/
http://med.stanford.edu/profiles/

Q: What graduate degree programs do you intend to offer in Bioengineering?
A: Masters of Science, Bioengineering
Doctor of Philosophy, Bioengineering

Q: If I intend to complete both the MS and a PhD at Stanford do I choose the masters or PhD “Degree Objective” in the online application?
A: Choose "PhD" as your degree objective.

Q: I am interested in meeting with someone to discuss my educational and research goals. Can I meet with someone in Bioengineering?
A: Due to the vast interest in our program, we are unable to advise or counsel prospective students at this time. We encourage you to seek the counsel of your faculty advisor.

Q: How do I apply for a fellowship or assistantship?
A: Prospective students are encouraged to apply for fellowships or grants from national, international, industrial, or foundation sources for which they may be eligible.  Fellowships and assistantships are competitively allocated and are based on academic merit. No additional application is necessary. This type of funding is separate from need-based loans.

There is no designated financial support available from the department for students in the Bioengineering Masters-only degree program.  Qualified students may apply for teaching assistantships and research assistantship opportunities in other departments throughout the university.  Contact individual faculty researchers and course instructors well in advance concerning assistantship opportunities.

Q: Do you require a GRE subject test?
A: No. However, General GRE scores from an examination taken within the last five years are required from all applicants.

Q: Do I need to take the TOEFL?
A: If English is not your first language you must take the TOEFL. The TOEFL is waived under certain circumstances. Please see the "Review Requirements" section of http://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/ for detailed information.

Q: Are my test scores competitive?
A: We do not publish minimum or average test scores. Your entire application is considered and competitively compared with the current applicant pool. It is helpful to remember that every part of your application is important. Aim for the highest verbal, analytical, and quantitative scores possible for you; the same applies to TOEFL scores.

Q: Where can I find information about housing on campus?
A: See http://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/information/campuslife.html for housing information.

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