Section 12: Combined BS/MS Program in BME

12.3 Multi-step Application Process

In addition to meeting MS program application deadlines, applications to a BS/MS program are due no later than three weeks before the start of each term. International student applications are due no later than nine weeks before the start of each term in order to allow sufficient time for the Graduate School's financial review process. It is best to apply early in order to allow time for programs to review the application before the final deadlines.

There are several steps you will need to complete before enrolling as a Combined Degree student. First, talk with the BS/MS advisor, Ashlynn Fisher, to see if the BS/MS is the correct fit for you. Review the MS requirements independently in order to pre-plan your MS program of study and identify the classes you would like to double-count for both the undergraduate and the graduate degree. Meet with the BS/MS advisor to get approval for your proposed double-counts. No more than 12 credit hours can be double-counted; you can double-count only courses taken after admission to the BS/MS program; no coursework from past terms may be double-counted.

Next, you will need to apply to the graduate program and indicate on the application your desire to enter the combined BS/MS program. (You must complete the typical MS application process before you can officially apply to the BS/MS Combined Degree program, so be sure to build in the time you need.) In addition to the graduate application form and fee, applicants must include a statement of purpose, a CV/Resume, ALL post-secondary transcripts for credit received at any institution and 2-3 letters of recommendation, preferably from BME professors. GRE scores are not required. Finally,

indicate on the MS application and on your Statement of Purpose your desire to enter the combined BS/MS program. If you are admitted to the graduate program, then you become eligible to enroll in its combined BS/MS program be completing the last steps below.

After completing these first steps and earning admission to the MS graduate program, you must access the online application form for the BS/MS Combined Degree program at gradforms.osu.edu. Note: you will not be able to edit the form after submitting it, so you need to plan your coursework carefully with the BS/MS advisor and be sure you have discussed these plans and received approval from them BEFORE submission.

After your Combined Program application form has been reviewed by the Graduate School, the BS/MS advisor, and the College of Engineering BS/MS Coordinator, you will receive an email notifying you of your admission status. After admission to the BS/MS Combined Degree program, you will be charged graduate-level tuition and fees.

12.5 Advising for BS/MS Students

Most students who do the BS/MS program choose to pursue the non-thesis MS because it can be done more quickly. MS students must get their MS committee approved before the start of their second term. The BS/MS student’s main faculty advisor (the lead of the two committee members) may be the Director of the undergraduate program. The second faculty member is chosen by the student based on the experiential component of the non-thesis MS program.

Non-thesis MS students in the regular track must complete a 12-hour culminating experience involving the application of biomedical engineering. This could take the form of an internship or practicum in an industrial setting; a mentored patient- contact experience; or a community service project followed by a written Master’s Exam (i.e., a final paper: a 1000-1500 word written document explaining the experience and its relevance to the field). An oral presentation discussing the experience may also be included at the discretion of the MS Committee, who must approve the student’s program of study and culminating experience/MS examination.

For more information on MS requirements and processes, see the BMEH sections on non-thesis MS information. Students interested in completing a thesis would, with permission of the BS/MS Advisor, follow the BME Thesis MS Requirements also detailed here.

Some additional points you should consider:

Once you are enrolled in a combined BS/MS program, you become a graduate student and are charged graduate tuition and fees, even before you complete the undergraduate degree.
You will have two GPAs – one for undergraduate and one for graduate. You will be subject to academic standards and enrollment deadlines at both levels.

For information about general requirements, the Combined Degree Approval Forms, or other questions, please contact the BME BS/MS advisor, Ashlynn Fisher; or the College of Engineering BS/MS Program Coordinator, at ENG-BSMS@osu.edu.

For information on financial aid: https://advising.engineering.osu.edu/current-students/graduate-study/combined-graduate-undergraduate-programs