Wentworth Launches One-Year Master of Science in Bioengineering
One-Year Master of Science in Bioengineering | Wentworth Institute of Technology
Wentworth Institute of Technology is now accepting applications for a new one-year Master of Science in Bioengineering program developed by the School of Engineering in collaboration with Boston University.
Supported by a nearly $4.5 million National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Institutional Partnership Pilot (NRT-IPP) grant, the program will combine coursework, research, professional deployment activities through Boston University, and paid industry graduate co-ops while supporting 25 fully funded (100% tuition and $37,000 stipend) graduate fellowships over the next five years.
Students will build expertise in bioengineering product development, medical device design, biomanufacturing, and computational modeling.
“With the support of this grant and collaborative efforts between Boston University and Wentworth, we will be able to combine hands-on learning experiences with pertinent course materials to leverage the value of education for our students,” said Ali Khabari, dean of the Douglas D. Schumann School of Engineering and principal investigator. “Receiving the grant further showcases the talents and dedication of our Engineering faculty who are excited for the opportunities made possible through this award.”
Thomas Bifano, director of the Boston University Photonics Center and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Boston University, also emphasized the value of the partnership.
“We are honored to receive this National Science Foundation Research Traineeship grant in collaboration with Wentworth," said Bifano. "Through this new bioengineering master’s program, we aim to create innovative pathways for students while addressing the critical and growing workforce needs of the field."
Professor Salil Desai said the program’s location in Boston is a major advantage.
"The proximity to numerous biopharma companies and cutting-edge biotech startups gives our students an edge in learning hands-on skills to excel at the intersection of engineering and human health," Desai said. "This unique one-year program packs a powerful curriculum with rigorous laboratory work to prepare students for starting positions in the top companies in the world."
The degree’s accelerated timeline is also a central part of its design.
"This program is a powerhouse of efficiency," said Professor Ata Kiapour. "By combining an integrated, multidisciplinary curriculum with immersive workshops at Boston University and a built-in graduate co-op, we’ve compressed a high-caliber education into a single, high-impact year. We aren't just teaching bioengineering; we are accelerating the transition from student to industry leader."
Desai and Kiapour are part of a larger team of Wentworth faculty involved in the project alongside Khabari, including Professors Mary Machado, Uri Feldman, Xiu Zhai, and Ali Kiapour. Professor Lindsey McGowan of North Carolina State University will serve as the external evaluator.
Wentworth alumni from Biological Engineering programs are already working at companies including Draper, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merida Biosciences, Eurofins, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. The new master’s program is expected to strengthen that pipeline into the region’s life sciences workforce.
“As the life sciences sector continues to grow, so does the need for skilled bioengineers,” Khabari said. “This project aims to address these challenges while enabling Wentworth and Boston University to play a pivotal role in providing a valuable, sustainable solution that contributes to the thriving life sciences community in Boston.”
For more information:
https://wit.edu/academics/engineering/degrees/masters/bioengineering