Graduate programs

• Degree requirements: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized 4-year college or university in engineering or a science-related discipline (including computer science, biological and medical sciences, physics, chemistry, or mathematics).
• Foundational knowledge: Candidates should demonstrate strong quantitative skills or a background in the life sciences.
• GPA conversion: If your undergraduate institution does not use a standard U.S. 4.0 GPA scale, convert your GPA using World Education Services (WES) before entering it into the online application. Your uploaded transcripts may remain in their original scale.
• Integrated CMU students: Integrated Master’s/Bachelor’s (IMB) Program: CMU students can find more information on applying for the IMB Program on the undergraduate programs page.
• M.S. to Ph.D. transition: Current or former CMU M.S. students seeking entry into the Ph.D. program must apply through the general Ph.D. application pool. Ph.D. admissions are competitive and depend on available research funding and capacity in your area of interest.

All application materials must be submitted through the official CMU online application portal. Applicants should create only one account to prevent review delays.

1. Online application and fee: A non-refundable $75 application fee is required at the time of submission. Fee payment cannot be deferred, and applications will not be reviewed until paid.
2. Statement of purpose: Submitted directly within the online application.
3. Letters of recommendation: Three letters of recommendation must be submitted online directly by your referees before the deadline. A brief grace period of a few days is permitted for late arrival without impacting committee review, provided all other materials are complete.
4. Transcripts: Upload unofficial transcripts from all attended post-secondary institutions for the initial application review. Official transcripts are required only upon matriculation and should be mailed to:
   
   Graduate Admissions
   Department of Biomedical Engineering
   Carnegie Mellon University
   Scott Hall 4N119
   5000 Forbes Avenue
   Pittsburgh, PA 15213

• GRE General Test (optional): GRE scores are optional for all BME graduate programs. Unsubmitted scores will not negatively impact holistic review. Applicants who choose to submit scores can use the ETS codes listed below.
• English language proficiency: Required for all non-native English speakers. Standardized test scores must be valid (taken within two years of application). Applicants holding a previous degree from a U.S. institution may submit previous TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores.

For assistance with test scheduling and score reporting, visit ETS.org or call ETS at 1-800-529-3590.

Ph.D. programs

• Full funding guarantee: Full-time Ph.D. students receive full tuition coverage and a competitive living stipend regardless of financial need upon admission. Continuation of support is contingent upon satisfactory academic and research performance, evaluated each semester.
• External funding: Students receiving external fellowships or awards that match or exceed departmental support do not receive additional funding. If external awards are lower than the standard stipend, the department provides supplemental funding to match standard levels.
• Funding duration limits:
  • Direct Entry (BS to Ph.D.): Funding supported up to 14 semesters (including summer terms)
  • Advanced Entry (MS to Ph.D.): Funding supported up to 12 semesters (including summer terms)
  • Extensions: Petitions for per-semester funding extensions beyond these limits are reviewed on an individual basis

Master’s degree program

While M.S. programs are primarily self-funded, limited financial support opportunities exist:

• Summer research aid (M.S. Research Track): High-performing first-year students may receive summer research funding based on competitive review of course grades and laboratory progress.
• Teaching assistantships (TA): Paid TA positions are periodically available based on course needs, student qualifications, and academic performance. Non-native English speakers must meet university language requirements.
• Research assistantships (RA): Second-year M.S. students may be offered paid RA positions directly at the discretion of their faculty research advisor.
• Campus employment and loans: M.S. students can seek part-time campus employment via CMU’s Handshake portal or apply for student loans through CMU Enrollment Services.

• Visa processing and I-20: Admitted international students will receive instructions from the Graduate Program Administrator to submit visa documentation directly to the Office of International Education (OIE). Processing takes several weeks; track your document shipment to confirm delivery. OIE will notify you via email when your I-20 is issued.

• Status tracking: Monitor receipt of supporting documents and decision updates through your online application portal. Allow 3–5 business days for staff to process incoming materials.
• Committee review policy: Admission decisions are made by faculty committee consensus evaluating research fit, capacity, and overall qualifications. Department staff and individual faculty cannot assess credentials or estimate admission probabilities prior to formal review.

• Faculty research directory: Explore the BME faculty directory to identify potential research advisors and departmental research areas.
• Program rules and policies: Consult the BME Graduate Student Handbook for the full set of academic rules and milestones.
• International support: Visit the CMU Office of International Education (OIE).
• Inquiries: Direct unaddressed technical application questions to bme-grad@andrew.cmu.edu.