Master's Degree

Thesis-based Master's (Plan I)

The MS Plan I program provides advanced training in Biomedical Engineering that emphasizes research preparation. A combination of coursework and active research provides a program that develops an ability to conduct scientific research. This plan may lead to a PhD program, either at The University of New Mexico or another institution. A thesis or its equivalent is required.

• 24 hours of coursework, including core courses and emphasis areas (or concentration) is required
• Max 3 hours of Problems courses are allowed for elective credits
• 6 hours of thesis credits are required
• At least 50% of coursework must be completed after admission to the program
• Significant milestones:
  • Thesis defense
  • Submission of thesis to the Office of Graduate Studies
  • All degree requirements are due by 5pm on July 15, November 15, or April 15 for Summer, Fall, or Spring graduation, respectively.
  • Additional documentation needed for graduation can be found here.

Project-based Master’s (Plan II)

The MS Plan II program offers advanced training in Biomedical Engineering that includes introductory topics in research principles and design. While students can obtain research experience via Problem’s courses, the level of research training is not commensurate with that of the Plan I thesis option. No thesis is required, but students are expected to submit a project, typically the equivalent of a publishable manuscript detailing the work they did as part of their Problems course(s). Plan II is most appropriate for individuals desiring an advanced degree in biomedical engineering, with some research experience, but do not wish to conduct the level of research that would be required for a thesis. Students whose career goals include substantial research or technical laboratory work are not recommended to pursue this option.

• 32 hours of coursework, including core courses and emphasis core (or concentration) is required
• Max 6 hours of Problems courses are allowed for elective credit (3 hours minimum is required)
• At least 50% of coursework must be completed after admission to the program
• Completion of Master’s project under the direction of a faculty member (typically done as part of Problems course(s))
• Significant milestones:
  • Master’s examination consisting of an oral presentation and defense of the student’s project
  • Submission of project manuscript to the Office of Graduate Studies
  • All degree requirements are due by 5pm on July 15, November 15, or April 15 for Summer, Fall, or Spring graduation, respectively.
  • Additional documentation needed for graduation can be found here.

Coursework-only Master’s (Plan III)

The MS Plan III stresses advanced course work in Biomedical Engineering and does not involve active research by the student. No thesis is required, and students do more course work than in the Plan I and Plan II programs. Plan III is most appropriate for individuals desiring an advanced degree in biomedical engineering, but who do not wish to pursue research in the graduate setting. Students whose career goals include substantial research or technical laboratory work are not recommended to pursue this option. Students who do not already have an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline are not recommended to pursue this option.

• 30 hours of coursework, including core courses and emphasis core (or concentration) is required
• Max 6 hours of Problems courses are allowed for elective credit
• At least 50% of coursework must be completed after admission to the program
• Additional documentation needed for graduation can be found here.