<p>Hi I am currently an undergrad double majoring in neuroscience and math. I have researched various phd programs and I have decided I want to apply to biomedical engineering, specifically Neuroengineering/neural engineering. The problem is I have no engineering classes/not an engineering major. What do you think my chances of getting into such a program would be? </p>
<p>Just a little bit about myself... I am still a sophomore but I have research experience in computational nueroscience at my uni's lab and I plan on doing more research especially over the summer.
GPA: 3.8, no GRE yet</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I don't think you should have much of a problem. Biomedical is a very interdisciplinary field, and lots of schools don't even offer BME degrees, so you shouldn't be at a disadvantage while applying to those programs.</p>
<p>I agree totally with RacinReaver, but since you're just a sophomore, you might consider taking a few engineering classes -- you will most likely be able to get into a BME PhD program without them, but it will probably help you a great deal to have taken a few intro classes once you actually start the program.</p>
<p>Given the choice between doubling in neuroscience and math and single-majoring in one of them while taking lots of neuroscience and engineering classes, I would pick the latter given your grad school plans. The name(s) on your degree are less important than the classes you take and the information that's in your head.</p>
<p>Look at the general requirements for those engineering schools. Some of them may require some courses that your major doesn't (ie. physics, maths, computer programming, etc...) The others are right, but you will still have to have the minimum course requirements. Since you're a sophomore you still have time to take any necessary additional courses.</p>
<p>There is a lot of overlap between neuroscience and BME with a focus on neural engineering, and I think that a double major in neuroscience and math offers good preparation for either one. I majored in BME as an undergrad and applied to a few neuroscience phd programs with good results (and I would guess that doing the opposite would have about the same results). With that background you may not be eligible for the most competitive schools in the field, so when the time comes, be sure to apply to more than the top couple schools. Also consider some schools that include neural engineering under their neuroscience or neurobiology programs or have interdisciplinary programs. One thing that you will have to be able to articulate in your applications to BME programs is the reason you are interested in switching from neuroscience to BME... even though I addressed the reasons for my interest in switching to a neuroscience program in my application, I was asked that question over and over in those interviews.</p>
<p>I agree with the others that suggest taking a few engineering classes, particularly those involving computer programming. Try to take math classes for your major that are more based on practical applications (like statistics, physiological modeling, matrix math) instead of just theory.</p>
<p>my math major specifically is applied math. thanks for everyones input, very helpful.
Ctheflute: what school did you end up choosing? what area of nsci are you most interested in? ... just curious :P</p>
<p>Neuro & math is a great combo for some BME subfields. I suspect that it will be fine for most programs - BME is a young enough field that they don't expect grad applicants to have majored in the field. If you can supplement it with a few engineering classes, even better.</p>
<p>Gandhiji - I am interested in brain computer interfacing / cortical prosthetic control. My final choice was between the meuroscience phd program at the University of Pittsburgh and the bioengineering phd program at Arizona State University. ASU won out in the end... and I have to admit I'm excited for the change in pace that comes with moving out of the Midwest :-)</p>
<p>Ctheflute: awesome! that is exactly the field I am interested in too (BCI/BMIs) If you dont mind me asking what was your undergrad GPA, GRE scores, research activities etc? :D</p>