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3+1 BS/MSE Program

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The Newest Edition to Our Suite of Master's Degree Programs

The 3+1 BS/MSE degree program is intended for highly motivated biomedical engineering students who wish to pursue advanced studies. Students will complete both degrees by the end of their fourth year, with the opportunity to pursue an additional research thesis during an optional fifth year. This accelerated timeline is designed to maximize students’ training potential, making our graduates more competitive for careers in industry and medicine, as well as PhD and medical school programs.
Eligibility

Both prospective and current undergraduate students can be pre-admitted to the 3+1 program. Pre-admitted students will get advising to assist in program planning for both their graduate and undergraduate degrees. The formal application and admissions process occurs the summer after junior year.

Prospective students can indicate their interest in the 3+1 program in their application for undergraduate admission. Students accepted into the BME undergraduate program who matriculate with 24 or more relevant credits (AP or transfer – see university policies) can be pre-admitted to the 3+1program.

Current BME undergraduates may be pre-admitted at any time between their freshman and junior years through review with the 3+1 Academic Program Administrator.

Application

All BME students, regardless of pre-admission, must formally apply to the 3+1 program the summer after their junior year. Students will be admitted if, at the time of application, they:

  • Have an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher
  • Are on track to complete the requirements of BOTH degrees in four years

This application consists of the student transcript along with the online application. Unlike our standard application, the 3+1 application does not include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, or GREs.

To fill out the 3+1 application, please follow these instructions when navigating the online application process:

Under Program Information

  • Apply as a Combined Bachelor’s Master’s JHU Undergrad only
  • Degree type: Master’s
  • Degree: BS/MSE
  • Program Type: 3+1 (NOT Combined)
Degree Requirements

Students enrolled in the 3+1 degree program will complete the undergraduate and master’s degree requirements by the end of their fourth year. Because this is a co-terminal degree program, students will retain their eligibility for financial aid during their fourth-year. Students may double-count up to two qualified courses (400 level+) towards both the undergraduate and master’s degree requirements.

As part of the undergraduate curriculum, students will engage in courses in their choice of specialized focus areas. Aligned with the department’s cutting-edge research thrusts, these focus areas ensure that the student curriculum is driven by the latest advances in emerging BME disciplines. In this way, students will develop practical, hands-on skills that will prepare them for their future careers in industry, medicine, or research.

As part of the master’s curriculum, students will continue to build expertise in their selected focus area through a variety of courses. Students may also choose to complete a research thesis during an optional second year of graduate study in labs throughout the Johns Hopkins schools of Engineering and Medicine.

Student Support

Our personalized advising program will help students stay on track to complete their degree requirements within four years. Starting in their third year, students will be paired with a faculty advisor in their chosen focus area. As experts in their respective fields, these advisors will help students navigate course schedules, research opportunities, and career options to ensure success both during and after their time at Johns Hopkins University. 

Course Information

For more information on coursework, please visit the following focus area pages:

FAQs

Why would a student pick the 3+1 program instead of graduating after three years and entering the master’s program at that time?

There are two main reasons students are interested in the 3+1 program:

  1. It gives them the ability to maintain financial aid while completing their master’s degree requirements. This is possible because students will maintain an undergraduate status until the end of their fourth year when both degrees are conferred.
  2. It gives students flexibility in scheduling. For example, students may take some undergraduate classes in their fourth year to assist with scheduling conflicts.
What scheduling requirements exist with the 3+1 program?

Students in the 3+1 program MUST take one course for their undergraduate degree program in their final semester in the program to maintain undergraduate status.

Can I apply to the 3+1 program and do the Tsinghua program?

No. Students interested in the Tsinghua program should complete the full application for our standard master’s program.

Can I apply to the 3+1 program and do an additional year of research (3+2)?

Yes. For the fifth year, students transition to graduate status.

How will completing an additional year of research impact students on financial aid?

Students will maintain undergraduate financial aid through their fourth year.

Does my undergraduate focus area need to match my graduate focus area?

No. Your focus area can stay the same or change to any of the biomedical engineering focus areas. 

Does pre-admission guarantee my admittance to the 3+1 program?

No. All students, regardless of prequalification, must have an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher by the end of their junior year, and be on track to complete both degrees by the end of the fourth year in order to be admitted.

What if my high school offered few or no advanced placement courses?

Students enrolled in the undergraduate BME program can take coursework during the summer or overload during the academic year in order to be on track to complete the undergraduate degree requirements by the end of their third year.

How will students register for graduate classes?

Because 3+1 students maintain undergraduate status for the whole program, they will need both instructor and BME advisor permission to register for graduate classes.

When can students start to take graduate classes to be used toward their master’s degree?

Students should only take graduate level classes in their junior and senior years.

Do I have to be enrolled at Johns Hopkins University as an undergraduate biomedical engineering student to qualify for the program?

Yes. The 3+1 program is limited to students seeking the B.S. degree in biomedical engineering. 

Learn more about coursework:

Read the Johns Hopkins University privacy statement here.

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