Lehigh's graduate program in Bioengineering trains students to combine life and physical sciences and engineering to develop effective and affordable solutions for health care and biotechnology problems.
DEGREES OFFERED
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
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Bachelor’s degree of Science (B. S.) or a Master of Science (M.S.) in engineering or science and at least one of the following:
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An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 out of 4.00. GPA standards for international institutions will be followed accordingly.
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A GPA of at least 3.00 for the last two semesters of undergraduate study.
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GPA of at least 3.00 in a minimum of 12 hours of graduate work at other institutions.
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Minimum course requirements include:
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2 years of calculus, through differential equations.
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One year of physics.
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Sufficient background in biology (to be determined by the admissions committee) to serve as prerequisite for required graduate course in Advanced Biology.
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The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Test System), or Duolingo Proficiency is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. If the applicant received a degree in the United States within the past two years, this test is waived. Both the TOEFL and the IELTS are only valid for two years from the date the test was taken.
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Individual "skill section score" recommendations for Lehigh University and the iBT (Internet based TOEFL) are: Writing - 20; Speaking - 20; Reading - 20; Listening - 15 (Composite score = 79).
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Individual "skill section score" recommendations for Lehigh University and the IELTS are: Writing - 6.0; Speaking - 6.5; Reading - 6.5; Listening - 6.0 (Overall score = 6.5).
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Minimum Duolingo Overall score = 125
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Any student with one or more individual skill section scores below these targets will be required to take an English as a Second Language (ESL) course or tutoring in the International English Language Center (IELC) during the initial academic year, concurrent with their regular department coursework. Any student with two or more skill section scores below these targets, and a composite score below 79, will be required to attend the StepUp Intensive English Program at Lehigh. The International Center for Academic and Professional English (ICAPE) must be consulted regarding this requirement.
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An official transcript from each university attended is required. All transcripts should be converted to the American 4.0 grading scale, if possible.
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At least two (2) letters of recommendation are required from qualified individuals, to evaluate the applicant's academic achievement and potential for graduate studies. Applicants may submit a maximum of 4 letters of recommendation.
CHECKLIST FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION
Applicants must apply directly to the Bioengineering Graduate Program. We will consider new students as well as those interested in transferring from existing programs. To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the following before the application can be reviewed:
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P.C. Rossin College of Engineering Graduate Program Application (filled out completely, including essay) | Online application
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Application fee of $50, payable to "Lehigh University", which is non-refundable.
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At least two letters of recommendation, submitted online, from qualified individuals, to evaluate the applicant’s academic achievements and potential for graduate studies.
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Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (electronic transcripts direct from the Registrar at your previous institutions)
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Copies of TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores (mandatory for all international students), with the official scores sent by ETS (Educational Testing Service) to Lehigh University.
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A personal essay, summarizing of the applicant’s career objectives and work experience with reference to the chosen field of graduate study.
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The Statement of Purpose (or Essay) should be personalized to each program, clearly articulating your research interests, relevant experiences, strengths, and career goals. Highlight why you chose the specific university, provide concrete examples of your skills and achievements, and ensure your writing is clear, concise, and error-free. Tailor your narrative to demonstrate how the program aligns with your academic, professional, and personal aspirations.
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Make sure you outline your research areas of interest and the faculty you are interested in working with.
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A current resume outlining the applicant's academic and professional accomplishments.
ADMISSION DEADLINE
Applications for Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 will open in September 2024.
For prospective students applying for financial aid, the deadline for applications to the program is December 15th, 2024.
APPLY HERE
After you review the content above, please use our online graduate application to apply to the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering Bioengineering graduate program.
No, the GRE is not required nor is it accepted as part of your application.
Yes, our PhD program is fully funded. All PhD students are selected by one of our faculty as their advisor. Selected students will do research in this advisor's lab. While students can just apply, we recommend reaching out to faculty to start conversations about a partnership. Here is a list of all our faculty who conduct research, as well as an overview of the research they do: https://engineering.lehigh.edu/bioe/graduate/research-opportunities
No, our MS program is not funded, however applicants may receive a merit based tuition scholarship based on their application. Lehigh University alumni may be eligible for an alumni tuition scholarship.
Here is an overview of costs provided by the Graduate Life Office: https://grad.lehigh.edu/admissions-and-tuition/admissions-policies-and-costs-attendance
No. See above for our application requirements.
Unofficial transcripts are accepted at the time of application. If you are accepted into one of our programs you will then be required to submit the official transcript. Official transcripts are only accepted if sent directly from your previous institution to Lehigh. Transcripts sent from the student to our department are not accepted.
Our MS program is 30 credits and is usually completed within 1-2 years. This program is customizable and can take longer or shorter depending on the student's needs.
Our PhD program is usually completed within 3-5 years, depending on if the student has a prior MS degree. Dissertation research can also make the degree take longer.
While there are some scholarships that we offer, there is not an additional application for these scholarships. Scholarships will be granted upon application review by our team. Scholarships are primarily granted at the MS level.
Courses required to apply to the program are listed above, for our application requirements.
Required courses in the program vary depending if the student is doing a PhD or an MS.
All graduate students are required to complete a math course (such as Mathematical Methods in Engineering, Statistics, or Numerical Methods for Scientists and Engineers), a Biology course (such as Advanced Engineering Physiology or Quantitative Biology), and a professional development course. Students are also required to take a minimum amount of advisor-approved electives and research credits (if applicable).
The Bioengineering department holds a few events each year where graduate students will be able to present their research. Students will have the opportunity to apply to present their research at local and national conferences, such as BMES. Students work with advisors to publish and present.
