Join Us
Consistently ranked one of the nation’s top private research institutions, Carnegie Mellon’s internationally recognized programs within its undergraduate colleges and graduate schools encompass the areas of science, engineering, technology, management, liberal arts, and fine arts. The Department of Biological Sciences is based in the Mellon College of Science, which also houses the Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics departments.
Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (click here for application information)
The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences program at Carnegie Mellon University exemplifies the interdisciplinary approach that has become an essential feature of modern biomedical science. Biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, cell and developmental biology, computational biology, molecular biology and genetics and neuroscience encompass our research foci; many students are involved in several disciplines while working on their research projects. This interdisciplinarity is unusual for departments of a similar size.
Graduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences benefit from the best of both worlds: a flexible, supportive program that stresses individualized training and a diverse research environment that is rich in intellectual and technical resources.
Highly sought after alumni have made significant contributions to the biological sciences in careers spanning academia, government and industry.
The M.S. in Computational Biology program enrolls students who desire a more immediate career in industry or who wish to explore computational biology without committing to a doctoral program. It also draws returning professionals who seek to enhance their skills and practices in this new interdisciplinary field.
Coursework consists of three Core Courses and a number of electives in a wide array of disciplines such as computer science, machine learning, math, statistics, biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering, and information management. Students have the option of conducting in-depth research in addition to coursework, and are also encouraged to seek external internships after their first year. Students pursue this degree either full-time or part-time; full-time students complete the program in 3-4 semesters.
M.S. in Biomedical Engineering (click here for application information)
The M.S. program, built upon the interdisciplinary, collaborative culture of Carnegie Mellon University, provides an ideal opportunity for career advancement in biomedical engineering or transitions from other disciplines into biomedical engineering.
The large degree of flexibility and wide choice of research advisors allow M.S. education to be tailored according to the student’s personal goal, from R&D in biotechnology, healthcare, to university faculty. A practicum course provides opportunities for clinical exposure at local hospitals. Students may choose between the traditional Research-Option M.S. program and the accelerated Practicum-Option M.S. program. The latter may further be combined with the Program of Engineering & Technology Innovation Management to form a dual M.S. program.