Combination BS-MS Degree Program

  • Why UF BME?
  • Undergraduate Program
  • The LA
  • The Instructor
  • The Application Process
  • Resources
  • Program Objectives
  • Pedagogy course
  • Learning Assistant Program
  • Graduate Program
  • BME LA-supported courses
  • Admissions

    • What is a Combination Degree?

    A standard master’s degree typically takes two years to complete. A combination degree program is an internal opportunity where the University of Florida awards more than one degree from an overlapping course of study. Combination degrees often allow a shorter time for completion due to the sharing of some coursework between the degree programs (BS and MS/ME), which results in double-counted credits.

    The combination degree in BME allows qualified students to complete a bachelor’s degree in one of the engineering undergraduate majors identified below and a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering (BME) in a shorter amount of time. Eligible students can complete up to 12 credits of graduate course work that double count to fulfill program requirements for both degrees. Undergraduate BME students who participate in the combination degree program may complete a maximum of 12 credits of graduate level courses that will count towards both the MS requirements AND the required BME electives in the undergraduate major. This savings in credit permits approved students to complete the MS/ME degree in BME within two or three semesters after completing their BS degree requirements.

    Who is Eligible?

    Currently approved undergraduate majors eligible for this combination degree program are as follows:

    • Biological Engineering
    • Biomedical Engineering
      • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3
      • Completion of all BME critical tracking courses (bolded courses listed in Terms 1-4 of the BME Plan of Study, demonstrating completion of at least all sophomore-level courses)
      • Formal admission into the BME upper division program
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Materials Science and Engineering

    How to Apply:

    I’m Interested!

    Students interested in learning more about the combination degree program in BME should first meet with their undergraduate major advisor because undergraduate requirements vary depending on the department. Your undergraduate major advisor (as well as their departmental website) can provide detailed information on timing, eligibility, application requirements, and suggested courses.

    Formally Declare Your Interest!

    Complete the Combination Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Request Form and submit to your undergraduate major advisor (for BME undergraduates, email to undergrad@bme.ufl.edu). There is no formal deadline for this form, though it must be submitted prior to enrolling in graduate coursework. Non-BME students should submit approved forms to the BME Graduate Advisor via grad@bme.ufl.edu. Once the BME graduate program has approved this form, it will be submitted to the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering Advising Office for final approval.

    Enroll in Graduate-Level Courses!

    Once the Request Form has been reviewed and approved, you can enroll in the graduate-level courses that you listed on your form. Many of these courses are departmentally-controlled; you must email grad@bme.ufl.edu to enroll in BME graduate level courses and the instructor of all departmentally-controlled, non-BME courses.

    • For BME undergraduate students only: 
      • BME undergraduate students must select 5000 or 6000-level courses from this approved list.
      • BME5401, BME5500, and BME6936 are ineligible courses. Any graduate level courses that are cross-listed at the undergraduate level are also ineligible.
    • For ALL Combination Degree Program participants:
      • Only letter-graded graduate level courses with a grade of B or better are eligible to count toward a master’s degree program, per UF Graduate School policy (S grades do not qualify for transfer).

    Formally Apply to the UF Graduate School

    The BME Combination Degree Request Form is an internal document that allows students to enroll in graduate courses. Participation in the Combination Degree Program does not automatically admit you to the master’s program in BME. You must formally apply to the UF Graduate School and officially be accepted into the graduate program. You must follow the same deadlines and requirements of a standard master’s degree application.

    Your undergraduate GPA will be closely reviewed during the admissions process, along with your personal statement and letters of recommendation.