Over a year ago, I was full of excitement as I was about to graduate from GW with a bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering (BME). However, just like many other seniors in my class, I faced the big question: What should I do next?
I debated whether to enter into the workforce or pursue graduate school. Then I learned of the new Master of Engineering in Regulatory Biomedical Engineering (rBME) program offered by the Biomedical Engineering department. The program got my attention because it incorporated regulatory science, biomedical innovation, and entrepreneurship. I knew that by pursuing this program, I would not only increase my current knowledge in biomedical engineering, but I would also acquire skills in regulatory strategy and compliance in the development of medical devices.
I have been asked many times to explain the differences between the rBME program and the Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering program. As with everything, there are pros and cons, but the point is to choose the program that best fits your academic and professional goals:
- Coursework differences. While the traditional BME graduate program is comprised of coursework in medicine, biology and devices, rBME includes a focus on regulatory science and strategy courses as part of the curriculum. In my opinion, this helps make you be more competitive when entering into industry or government institutions.
- Program customizability. The BME master's program offers two concentrations – medical imaging or medical instrumentation – whereas the rBME program does not offer any. However, you can still make the program work for you: for example, I wanted research opportunities to stay engaged in biomedical research so I chose to take BME electives in traditional areas.
- Practicum vs. thesis: Unlike the BME master's program, the rBME program does not involve a research thesis; however, you are required to complete a practicum during the second year of the program which allows for hands-on experience.
Overall, I do not regret my decision to pursue the rBME program. I am very interested in medical devices, particularly in bringing medical devices to market. I appreciate that the program has allowed me to learn biomedical engineering fundamentals to help prepare me to approach a wide range of problems that I did not necessarily encounter as a BME undergraduate.
In this way, the rBME program truly addresses an unmet need for engineers, especially biomedical engineers, to be trained on specialized topics. There are very few programs that offer what the rBME program has. Thus, students in this program have the opportunity be part of an unparalleled experience and be engaged in a program that many engineers do not have the opportunity to do so.
Kenise Morris is a graduate student in the Master of Engineering in Regulatory Biomedical Engineering program. She is also a SEAS Graduate Ambassador.
