BME 4+1 Masters Program

The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers the department’s top undergraduates the opportunity to complete a Master of Science (MS) with an additional year of course work.  Students may choose a thesis option and do additional research building on their individual undergraduate research project. For more information, download our Graduate Student Handbook.

Initial Eligibility Requirements

  • Complete applications will require transcripts, a personal statement indicating motivation and interest in the program, current research to be extended (for thesis option), and career aspirations. One recommendation should be provided from a full-time Tulane BME faculty member, otherwise two recommendations will be provided.
  • Full application submission is open October 1 with final deadline May 1. Reviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
Graduate Degree Credit Requirements

(numbers in parentheses are Tulane courses satisfying each requirement)

These requirements apply to students graduating with their BSE in 2025 or later. Students planning on entering the 4+1 masters program in Fall 2024 (BSE 2024) should meet with their undergraduate advisor to discuss changes in program.

Anatomy and Physiology with Lab (BMEN 6030/6035)
3 credits from BSE count toward the 4+1 Masters degree if taken at 6000 level with a B- or better

Quantitative Physiology with Lab (BMEN 6070/6075)
3 credits from BSE count toward the 4+1 Masters degree if taken at 6000 level with a B- or better

Advanced Mathematics *
*Introductory Biostatistics (BIOS 6030) will not count towards the Advanced Mathematics requirement
3 credits

Biomedical Engineering Domain Credits (click here)
Maximum of 1 3xxx course cross-listed course
9 credits

Minimum elective course credits required:
Thesis: 6 credits
Non-Thesis: 12 credits

Research Seminar (BMEN 6710)
1 Credit Allowed

Remaining credits may be satisfied by BMEN 7310-7320 Research in BME (graded), Directed Readings, or didactic courses
Thesis: 6
Non-Thesis: 0

31 graduate course credits required for graduation
(up to 12 credits of 6000 level undergraduate work may be applied to the masters degree, only 6 of these credits may be counted towards both degrees)
 

Financial Support Considerations

Scholarships and other financial aid will not normally be continued for the 4+1 program.  However, there is reduced tuition for students in the 4+1 program. Additional financial need is most often met in the form of low-interest student loans.

Students pursuing the MS with thesis version of this program are strongly encouraged to spend the summer between the 4th and 5th years doing research on their thesis project.  Occasionally, summer funding may be available from the student's advisor or other sources of support.