UCI Biomedical Engineering (Thesis-Based) vs McGill Experimental Surgery (Non-thesis based)

[technicaldata]

Hello all,

I'm in a bit of a pickle right now when it comes to making a decision between which masters program I should go to. For the record, I think both of them are fantastic options.

University of California - Irvine (UCI) - M.S. Biomedical Engineering (Thesis based) *Supervisor hasn't been assigned yet as I will complete lab rotations in my first year*

or

McGill - M.S. Experimental Surgery (Non-thesis based)

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I have a keen interest in biomedical engineering (tissue engineering) as I think it ties into medicine in a wonderful way and I like what UCI has to offer. However, McGill's exSurgery program offers an interesting curriculum and a lot of flexibility in terms of the classes you can select within and in other departments. As such, I would plan on getting involved in tissue engineering based research and courses offered in the bioengineering department as the exSurgery program is multi-disciplinary. Not to mention the course track for exSurgery is very enticing to me as it features classes with an interactive environment and observership opportunities.

Cost wise, McGill will be far cheaper as I am a Canadian Citizen (30K Total for McGill vs. 100k total for UCI)*. This would also mean that I would need to worry about the process of getting an F-1 if I plan on attending UCI. However, UCI has options for financial aid that can be explored in the long run.

For UCI, I would need to worry about the thesis during the 2nd year. That scares me a bit due to the unpredictability regarding the timeline.

In the long run, I would prefer to stay in Canada to complete medical school and be (hopefully) a surgeon who participates in research projects. However, I am open to going to US MD as I am in the process on attaining a green card as a part of my family lives there. I just want to get into medical school in the end! 

However, UCI's program gives me a great plan B in case things don't work out regarding the medical school path (which I hope will not be the case).

Not to mention the Corona-virus and its impact should be noted. As such, it makes me want to stay in Canada for the time being (Canada might be the better option).

Before it gets mentioned, I'm choosing to partake in a masters as I am pursing something I am interested and passionate about before heading into medical school, and this is the perfect time to do it (IMO).

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* The actual cost for UCI may be more around 80K compared to 100k (maximum estimates given). For McGill, the cost may be more around 20k in the end as well, but 30k is the maximum estimate given. Furthermore, UCI offers a lot of opportunities regarding financial aid and research assistant ship packages. That 80k can drop down to 50k (which will most likely be the case as a GSR position can be secured if you can find a professor). The same can be said about McGill and potential financial aid opportunities too. However, this is all hypothetical. Total cost refers to entire program duration.

 

Edit: If I find a professor whose goals and interests align with mine during my program, can I switch to a thesis-based program pathway? This is referring to McGill's program.

Edited April 28, 2020 by technicaldata
clarification

[Ear3]

Though decisions!

A few years ago, I completed McGill’s experimental surgery (w thesis) program.

At the time, most of my classmates where either medical doctors or newly graduated undergraduate who were trying to get into medicine. Out of the latter, few succeeded and many went on to do research or they left for another health profession (like myself).

The program was an interesting learning experience and I don’t regret it. 

Feel  free to private message me if you have further questions 

good luck  

[technicaldata]

3 hours ago, Ear3 said:

Though decisions!

A few years ago, I completed McGill’s experimental surgery (w thesis) program.

At the time, most of my classmates where either medical doctors or newly graduated undergraduate who were trying to get into medicine. Out of the latter, few succeeded and many went on to do research or they left for another health profession (like myself).

The program was an interesting learning experience and I don’t regret it. 

Feel  free to private message me if you have further questions 

good luck  

Thanks for the input.   I just pm'd ya too! Tough decisions indeed!

Edited April 29, 2020 by technicaldata
clarification