Bioengineering M.Eng - UCSD vs UC Berkeley

State Forums
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<p>Before I begin, the M.Eng program at both of these schools involve technical specialization with some underlying leadership/business training.</p>

<p>I have been admitted into the M.Eng program in Bioengineering at UCSD and will hear back from Berkeley in the next 2 months. I may very well have to choose between these two programs. For Bioengineering, UCSD is ranked 3rd in the nation while Berkeley is ranked 10th in the nation, so it seems that UCSD would be the better choice (Source: USNews). My concern, however, is that Berkeley would hold much more weight on my resume (I think) and would have better access to job opportunities in the Bay Area. Also, the quality of electives outside Bioengineering at Berkeley is much more promising. Berkeley also has a better reputation for business, which is a part of the degree. If any of these perceptions are incorrect, please feel free to address them.</p>

<p>My main question is if the difference in BE rank outweighs these other factors when it comes time to find a job and the professional opportunities given to me over my working life. </p>

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<p>One more thing, both of these programs are one year, involve a significant design project component, and are non-thesis.</p>

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<p>Congrats on the admit. UCSD’s program is top so it would definitely hold weight on your resume. Also, its program has been around for some time while Berkeley’s M.Eng. is brand new so may not be known by some companies (but of course Berkeley does already have bioengineering prestige with its other programs).
If you are set on working in the Bay area than Berkeley may be a better fit. Overall you will gain valuable connections in the area so I would try to study near where you plan to settle. Good luck.</p>

<p>Would you mind sharing your background and stats? It would be helpful to know what credentials got you in to UCSD</p>

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<p>Thanks! Here are my stats/background.</p>

<p>Institution: UNC Chapel Hill
Degree Program: Bachelor of Science in Applied Science, Concentration in Biomedical Engineering
GPA: 3.65
GRE Quantitative: 169, Percentile: 98
GRE Verbal: 163, Percentile: 91</p>

<p>EC’s</p>

<p>One summer of research experience in a robotics algorithms lab. I did mechanical design, fabrication, and maintenance on a particular robot that facilitated algorithm research. I was also invited to be one of two student representatives on the curriculum committee for the BME major (not sure what criteria was used, I think it was professor nomiations).</p>

<p>LOR’s</p>

<p>I think I was in a good position to get strong LOR’s as the BME program at UNC is small (~40 students graduate every year) and very personal/hands-on, which means plenty of opportunities to impress your professors. The professors knew just about every student by name and face. Both of my academic letters came from professors I had at least 2 classes with, and were all lab/design-oriented in content, with minimal theory. My third letter was from the robotics PI I worked with over the summer.</p>

<p>Statements</p>

<p>Not sure how well I did in this aspect, as I never got them proofread by others. Most potential proofreaders can either write well in general but don’t understand how to write for an audience of engineers or vice versa (in my opinion). My strategy consisted of writing an initial statement well before the deadline with all of the details I want to include, then periodically rereading to assess the flow of words in the statement. I revise as needed if I think a particular sentence is clumsily or badly written. I am sure, though, that there were virtually no grammar/spelling errors. </p>

<p>Regarding the tone, the target I was going for was a detailed yet concise description of my future goals, my preparation, and why I am applying to that particular school. It was direct and career-oriented in content, and there were no famous quotes, or “I have always wanted to be an engineer” sections.</p>

<p>If I wrote too much/sound like I’m bragging, I’m sorry. I’m just including everything that I think related to my application. Just out of curiosity, would you be able to tell me your general background as well (stage of schooling/career, major/job functions)?</p>

<p>To all other readers, feel free to share your thoughts or comments. If you’re comfortable with it, please share a summary of your background as well so that I/we know the perspective you’re bringing to the table.</p>

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<p>UC Berkeley’s BioE is not accredited by ABET. I’m not sure if that’s important at the master’s level, but just putting it out there. </p>

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<p>Anybody else have thoughts?</p>

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<p>My qualifications for speaking on this topic (I’m in the bioengineering department at UCSD and was in a similar position as you about a year ago)</p>

<p>The BENG program at UCSD really is second to none (despite what U.S. News says). The major/concentration basically exists because of UC San Diego and as such, means an incredible amount to employers. The campus itself is literally surrounded by bioengineering and biotech firms which I can’t say is true of UCB. Within a mile I can name at least 12 different companies looking to hire UCSD graduates both at the graduate and the undergraduate level. Additionally, there is a tremendous amount of collaboration between the school and these companies which serves as a phenomenal transition between academia and the outside world.</p>

<p>The Rady school of business is also on the up and up. It’s not as well known as UCB’s Haas but that’s in large part because the school focuses on training individuals for corporate careers in science and technology, not necessarily to work in just any Fortune 500 company. It seems like you plan to utilize what you’re learning for a considerable amount of time so the emphasis that Rady has would be beneficial to you.</p>

<p>Lastly, I absolutely love the San Diego area. I’ve always wished that there were a city that was a cross between San Francisco and Los Angeles. I really didn’t have to wish for too long. The city itself really is teeming with young vibrant life that is neither liberal nor conservative. It really helped remind me that the people make the city, not the other way around.</p>

<p>Either way, you have come to a point where whatever decision you make, you can’t really go wrong. Both schools sport fantastic programs and will provide a fantastic experience.</p>

<p>The best of luck to you!</p>

<p>Cheers,</p>

<p>Taisho</p>

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<p>Oh and as a quick side note, UC San Diego is only 60 years old and it’s engineering department as a whole is the youngest department ranked in the top 15 (U.S News, haha). The school in its entirety is really on the tailcoats of other institutions and gaining fast. I absolutely loved that I was contributing to that.</p>

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<p>Oh and as a quick side note, UC San Diego is only 60 years old and it’s engineering department as a whole is the youngest department ranked in the top 15 (U.S News, haha). The school in its entirety is really on the tailcoats of other institutions and gaining fast. I absolutely loved that I was contributing to that.</p>

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<p>Taisho, thanks for the firsthand perspective! Would you be able to post/send the 12 companies you’re referring to by any chance?</p>

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<p>Bump</p>