Collegebum

Anyone else applying to MPH programs for the fall 2015 cycle? I am planning on applying by December 15- my credentials are below: State university/Biochemistry major/3.36 GPA Fulbright Fellow GRE: 158 verbal 145 math Extensive international research experience Currently working high profile non-profit in the DC area Prior to current position, worked at a development consulting firm I am interested in applying to these 8 programs: Hopkins UNC BU WUSTL Emory Columbia Berkeley Yale My questions are: How important are GRE scores? What are my chances given my credentials? Do you need a letter of rec from an undergrad contact? I am a few years removed from college Exit options for DC based MPH's Part-time vs full-time programs

Thanks for the help guys. These two projects are in the same research lab, so the actual work is similar. I am in a biomedical engineering program, so both projects focus on optical techniques to manipulate and measure biological systems. I am interested in instrumentation, and diagnostic imaging techniques and feel both projects will provide me with great experience and knowledge of the field. So I am equally interested by both projects. What the professor did mention was that the first project was mostly building something where all the methodology was determined, whereas the second required me to develop my own ideas. She also mentioned that thriving in the uncertainty of a project is essential when pursuing a PhD, so it would be great preparation for graduate school.

I definitely agree with you, and if I were to be doing a degree only for what people think about me, I would definitely be applying to medical school now lol. I'm very certain that I want to pursue a PhD for the reasons I stated above (research in new technology, taking on challenging research, solving unmet clinical demands for medical technology). And your points on the increasing demand is surely true as well. With the economy the way it is right now, people will try to delay school as much as possible to avoid the lack of available jobs in the workforce, and go into higher education programs. This means that in 30 years time, when the economy is picking back up, the work force will become more competitive with more educated individuals applying for the same positions. I'm not sure PhD will ever become a "standard", largely because people pursue PhDs for passion and knowledge as opposed to an economic demand. The PhD has the lowest economic demand/return compared to other professional doctorates (MD, JD, DDS, Pharm,D), only because people who enroll in PhD programs specifically know that its not for financial reasons. The ones that do, tend to drop out when their research workload exasperates their financial needs. However, you will find that many people will pursue Masters programs and professional doctorate for their economic demand. I know a lot of people in law school because they understand the opportunities it will bring them, and know people in medical school/dental school who chose the field for its strong demand. But a PhD student, is one who perhaps sacrifices a salary for a chance to become an intellectual, a quality I believe will be tough for many members of society to understand to make PhDs the new universal degree (outside of research).

I would email the Cornell BME department if I was you, their online descriptions for programs and classes are not very descriptive. I was lucky enough to speak to a recent graduate from the program who has told me that the program is very flexible and that a lot of students work in labs during their tenure in the program. Yes, it will not be a full 2-year thesis, but more like a research paper you submit at the end of your program. I chose an M.Eng program when I applied and in April, because at that time I was more attracted to a career in industry, and personally liked the programs of the M.Eng as opposed to the M.S., but since July/August, I have decided yet again to change my plans and pursue a PhD instead, but it is too late to change my decision now. Cornell also does not offer an M.S. only program, so its either M.Eng or M.S./PhD. I wouldn't say it is easier to get admitted into an M.Eng program compared to an M.S., but they are certainly different. Remember, that funding is a large part to do with graduate school choice for students. The M.Eng is a professional degree, so you will not get any financial aid, so take that into consideration. For most schools, admissions into an M.S. program is not too difficult, but getting full-funding is (since its usually reserved for PhD candidates). During my applications, I was accepted into all of the M.Eng programs I applied to (BU, WPI, UMaryland, Cornell) and only accepted into 2 of the M.S. programs (Drexel, NYU Poly). However, I have friends who were able to gain admissions to M.S. programs, but were denied at M.Eng programs. I would say that both programs expect different things from applicants. In my application, I had great leadership, community involvement, and extracurricular activities and research "on the side". I think it was my lack of relevant research to my intended area of study (bioimaging) and lack of a LOR from a research PI (I left on bad terms) which was the reason I was denied from the M.S. programs. In my SOP, my goals were all industry-oriented, and therefore, I believe that's why I got into all M.Eng programs. Never the less, entering an M.Eng program does not guarantee admission into the PhD program at the school, this is said very clearly on Cornell's website. This is kind of like a disclaimer, but it is true that PhD applicants who are denied often are referred to the M.Eng program. But I have had the privilege of talking to students, who in the past have successfully made the transition. Although they say its on a case-to-case basis, and depends on the school/department, it is "possible" if you find the right professor to be as your adviser to the PhD. But, I have learned to take this with a grain of salt, because "possible" does not mean "probable". The only thing you can do have your priorities straight and do well in the program. Good luck with your applications!

What makes this choice more difficult is the flexibility of careers with both types of degrees. Surely, there are executive engineers in top companies with only bachelors/masters and PhD engineers who are struggling to find a job. But the converse is surely true too, many top executive positions in startup companies are often PhDs, while other engineers with only a masters working under them. I've come to the conclusion, that it is yourself who defines your career, not your degree. Your degree only helps to teach you how to handle your career, realize your potential and utilize your strengths. Now, knowing all of this, I constantly struggle with an inferiority complex due to the family background I come from. I am South Asian, with two parents who are both physicians, and a sister in medical school. Therefore, I am the only one in my family without an MD. I understand that degrees aren't everything, but trust me, it is very troubling when your entire family friends, family and social network is filled with MDs (most of my uncles/aunts). To South Asians, especially the physicians, anything other than an MD is considered "didn't make it to medical school". Perhaps, this is one reason why I want to pursue a PhD...to remain competitive with them, or at least gain some respect within my family. I am in no way undermining the capabilities of people with just an MS, or BS, just explaining my perspective. In South Asian culture, education is vital to your status in society. The more educated you are, the more respected you are. However, in American culture, social status is more determined by your earning power and career advancement. The two clash very often, and perhaps many South Asian Americans face a conflict on how to fulfil both. So they pursue medicine, because it satisfies both conditions. I'm speaking generally, of course. I'm just confused as to what do in my own life. I want the education of a PhD, prestige of an MD and the earning potential of an MBA. What intrigues me about engineering is that these three elements are all available to attain because of how broad the disciplines are. I know that I do not want to be a physician. I don't have a love for patient care, diagnostics and treating sickness. I am an engineer at heart. I love solving problems, I love analytical games, and I still systematically about everything. I know I want to be in the healthcare industry, working with biotechnology companies. And I know that I am interested in technology, innovation and commercialization. The problem for me is that a career in medicine is very structurally defined: 4 years undergrad, 4 years med school, 3-7 years residency, after which you specialize based on a fellowship. However, a career in engineering is not as clearly defined...thus I struggle when given numerous options. I just don't know whats right for me, since I was something which encompasses all three criteria (education, prestige, earning potential) lol.

Hey guys, I graduated undergrad with a B.E in biomedical engineering, with a cumulative GPA of 3.21 (Final year 3.60). However, I had 2 years research experience in a national lab, president of 2 organizations and founded a non-profit student organization. My research was in neuropharmacology, and unrelated to my intended program of study of biomedical imaging. I applied to graduate schools for this upcoming fall was accepted to a few MS programs (Drexel, NYU Poly, Rutgers) and all of the M.Eng programs. I suspect that my application was more suited to M.Eng programs because of my leadership positions, and lack of relevant research experience. I will be attending Cornell in the Fall. However, after doing a little searching about careers, I have decided within the summer that I want to pursue a PhD and be more heavily involved in research. Cornell's BME department allows and actually encourages M.Eng students to participate in research activities. Students also have the option of completing a research-based project instead of design project like most M.Eng programs. If I complete the M.Eng with outstanding GPA, and substantial research experience, will admissions committees value the M.Eng grades more than the Undergrad? I had an upward trend, where my grades dramatically increased my senior year.

Hey guys, I'm writing on this forum because I need some advice about PhD applications. I just graduated my undergrad, with a bachelors in biomedical engineering. I was premed for 3 years, and during my final year decided engineering was right for me. However, I was more interested in industry so I applied to M.Eng programs and will be attending Cornell next year for a M.Eng in biomedical engineering. However, since the beginning of this summer, I have realized my desire to pursue a PhD. Although I do not want to go not academia, I have a strong desire for R&D, and therefore want to complete a PhD before I start my career. The only problem is that my undergraduate career was not that great. My cumulative GPA was 3.21, however, during my senior year, I got a 3.6, and a department award for my senior design project from the Dean of Engineering. I also did not have any engineering research experience, although I worked in a neuroscience lab at a National lab run by the DOE for 2 years and presented my abstract at a national conference. My goal right now is to work in a lab in Cornell and hopefully find a professor within the department who can sponsor me for the PhD program at Cornell. I spoke to current students, who have said this is possible, but not guaranteed. My question to you all is, would my application be strong enough for PhD admissions this January if I did well in my first semester of M.Eng with a strong recommendation from a Cornell professor? I can apply after my M.Eng is complete but that would mean another year in between. What should I do now to best help out my PhD admission for next year? Thank you.

Can anyone shed any light on whether it is possible to transfer into the BME PhD program from the M.Eng program? I know that other M.Eng departments in Cornell have stated that it does happen. But is the application informal like it is at MIT? Also, since the M.Eng is non-research based, will taking out extra research, doing well academically and developing great relationships with faculty perhaps significantly increase the chances of being accepted to the PhD program at Cornell? My undergraduate grades were subpar (3.2 GPA), but my senior year i had a 3.60....if I spend this one year significantly doing well in the M.Eng would it be possible to enter the PhD program the following year?

Can anyone shed any light on whether it is possible to transfer into the BME PhD program from the M.Eng program? I know that other M.Eng departments in Cornell have stated that it does happen. But is the application informal like it is at MIT? Also, since the M.Eng is non-research based, will taking out extra research, doing well academically and developing great relationships with faculty perhaps significantly increase the chances of being accepted to the PhD program at Cornell? My undergraduate grades were subpar (3.2 GPA), but my senior year i had a 3.60....if I spend this one year significantly doing well in the M.Eng would it be possible to enter the PhD program the following year?

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question. I agree, that a PhD will lead to better openings. However, most engineers often also get MBAs which then allow them to leave the science and deal with business behind technology, which is also appealing. But from I gather, the engineering field is all based on experience, so then, would getting a PhD (and therefore giving up 5 years of work experience) hamper someone from entering Industry. One of the major criticisms I've heard about the PhD is that you are too specialized and maybe too overqualified, which makes placement in industry difficult.

Hello, I am a recent graduate with a B.Eng, and will be going to a M.Eng program next year in Biomedical Engineering. I am creating this thread to see whether some of the experienced graduate students and engineers can shed light on some of my questions on engineering careers in industry. From what I have read on these forums and online, the traditional career path for engineers are either: 1) Technical and Research - Where one receives a PhD and moves into R&D or academia 2) Managment - Where one receives work experience and then moves into management for an MBA. I always prefered industry to academia because I was intrigued by developing practical solutions to medical problems (hence my choice to be an engineer over a doctor) rather than focus on the theoretical and novel topics of laboratory studies. From all that the threads I have read, I have never found information on how professional industry engineers fair in terms of career development. Does only having a Masters hamper ones progress in industry? Which makes me come to my final question. I have a vested interest in learning and being the most educated in my field, hence my interest in receiving a doctorate. However, I am more interested in the industrial applications of this knowledge rather than the theoretical research of a PhD curriculum. I have read about the Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng) which is simply put as the "Professional PhD equivalent". However, I haven't found many universities that offer this degree, and it hasnt been discussed a lot in this website. What kind of career outlook is offered for a D.Eng in medical device industry as opposed to a PhD? I know for sure that I want to end up in the forefront of medical device industry. I have no interest in academia, but am lost as to how to get to this stage. Any feedback, comments and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hello, I have admits for the Masters of Engineering programs in Cornell, BU, WPA, and Maryland. Since all of these programs are non-thesis based I have no intentions of pursuing a research degree and am interested in entering industry after graduating with a masters, and then hopefully do an MBA down the line. Which school would be best for job placement, experience, salary, etc.? Thanks.

Hello, I have admits for the Masters of Engineering programs in Cornell, BU, WPA, and Maryland. Since all of these programs are non-thesis based I have no intentions of pursuing a research degree and am interested in entering industry after graduating with a masters, and then hopefully do an MBA down the line. Which school would be best for job placement, experience, salary, etc.? Thanks.