Graduate

The bioengineering graduate programs—Ph.D. and M.S. in Bioengineering, M.Eng. in Bioengineering, and M.S. in Biomedical Image Computing—prepare future leaders in academia, industry, and government. Centered in the Department of Bioengineering, these innovative programs are part of The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a world-renowned institution known for its excellence in teaching and research. 

Graduate Programs
(Thesis)

Graduate Professional Programs
(Non-thesis)

Three exciting ways to shape your future

We understand the importance of finding a graduate program that fits your interests and long-term professional goals.  Here’s a comparison of our various bioengineering master’s degree programs – connect with us to discuss which one may best prepare you for your career path!

Program

M.S. in Bioengineering
(Thesis)

M.Eng. in Bioengineering
(Non-thesis)

MS in Biomedical Image Computing
(Non-thesis)
Curriculum focus Thesis-required and advisor-based program to foster research immersion Non-thesis, coursework-based technical training with business fundamentals Non-thesis, coursework-based technical training at the intersection of biomedical imaging science, high-performance computing and machine learning
Length of program

Full-time enrollment required

Two years is the typical time-to-degree

Full-time (on-campus): as little as 1 academic year

Part-time (online): flexible, max of 5 years

Full-time (on-campus): three semesters (Fall, Spring, Fall)

Part-time (online): flexible, max of 5 years

Online option No Yes Yes
Application deadline / Enrollment term Dec 1 deadline for enrollment the following Fall term

Fall Admission (In-Person & Online)
August 1: Applications Open
March 31: Early Application Deadline
June 30: Final Application Deadline

Spring Admission (Online Only)
August 1: Applications Open
November 1: Final Application Deadline
 

Fall Admission (In-Person & Online)
August 1: Applications Open
March 31: Early Application Deadline
June 30: Final Application Deadline

Spring Admission (Online Only)
August 1: Applications Open
November 1: Final Application Deadline
 

 

Funding support

Eligible for tuition waiver-generating assistantships

Eligible for part-time hourly work

Self-funded program

Highly qualified students are eligible for partial scholarships

Eligible for part-time hourly work

Not eligible for tuition waiver-generating assistantships

Self-funded program

Highly qualified students are eligible for partial scholarships

Eligible for part-time hourly work

Not eligible for tuition waiver-generating assistantships

A good fit for... Students who want to build a career in academia or a research lab setting.

Students who want to develop an engineering-related career in healthcare industry and build business acumen. Can also serve as a “stepping stone” to other career paths, like PhD, medical school or entrepreneurial interests.

Students looking for careers as engineers who are developing, translating, and evaluating biomedical imaging technologies that leverage machine learning methods.