MS - Thesis
Timeline
Students are expected to complete the Master's degree within two years. View a sample plan.
Course credits
MS-Plan A students are required to complete at least 20 credits of coursework as indicated below. All electives must be at the 5000 level or higher.
Courses that meet each requirement
| Requirement | Credit | Notes/comments |
|---|---|---|
| BMEn Core | 6 | Must be chosen from the BMEn Core lists (5000- and/or 8000-level). |
| Seminars | 2 | BMEn 8601 and/or BMEn 8602. Seminars are 1 credit per semester and may be repeated for credit. |
| Biology Electives | 6 | Courses with primarily biological content. |
| Technical Electives | 6 | Courses in engineering, physical sciences, and mathematics. |
| Math-/Stat-Intensive | (3) | Included in the Core, Technical, and/or Free coursework. Must be at least 3 credits approved as Math-/Stat-Intensive. These aren’t additional credits—they will overlap with other course requirements. |
| Total | 20 |
Master’s thesis and defense
In addition to the 20 credits of coursework, MS-Plan A students must complete 10 thesis credits (BMEn 8777). The thesis must be based on research done by the student in collaboration with his or her advisor. Master's students may register for thesis credits during any semester, with the advisor's approval.
Upon completing the thesis and with approval of the committee reviewers, the student must complete a thesis defense, which is closed to the public. The final written thesis is submitted to the University of Minnesota electronically, after making all revisions required by the examination committee.
Graduation
Graduate degrees are awarded on the last working day of the month that the candidate completes all requirements. In the spring of each year, eligible students may elect to participate in the Arts, Sciences and Engineering Graduate Commencement Ceremony.