Volgenau School of Engineering to offer MS in bioengineering in 2019

The Volgenau School of Engineering is poised to add another feather to its cap with the addition of a master of science in bioengineering degree program that is set to begin in the spring.

The addition will allow Mason to offer a competitive degree program to prospective students who seek to further study bioengineering in Northern Virginia, while adding to the strong reputation already enjoyed by the Volgenau School of Engineering.

The program complements the existing bachelor of science and doctoral programs in bioengineering at Mason.

“The MS program in bioengineering is a key element in our educational strategy, since it provides depth and breadth to our formal education in bioengineering disciplines and an opportunity to gain practical experience in industry or a research project in academia,” said Michael Buschmann, a professor in Mason’s Department of Bioengineering and the department chair. “Students from our MS program will be ready for direct employment in industry or to continue in advanced degree programs such as a PhD or MD.”

The process to create the new program began in early 2016, said Laurence Bray, an associate professor within the Department of Bioengineering who helped spearhead the efforts to start the program.

“The Volgenau School of Engineering—including the Department of Bioengineering—continues to grow and offer innovative and high-quality education to its students,” Bray said. “This new degree adds to a developing ecosystem of academic, industry and medical institutions, as well as government agencies.”

For current students who would like to transfer, the program will be available this fall. New students will be eligible to apply to the new program this fall for a spring 2019 start.