Ask the expert
Question - 27 April 2006
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I'm a junior in Biomedical Engineering and I'm going to start applying for graduate school soon. But I am confused, as the engineering schools encourage students to go on for a Ph.D. right after a BS. I've heard that a Ph. D. is good mainly for work in academia, and I'm not interested in becoming a professor. I'm not sure if I want to go on for that right now anyway-maybe a masters degree first? What should I do?
Answer
Now's the time to analyze your options, but keep in mind that there's not necessarily a right or wrong answer. It's a matter of considering the pros and cons, while factoring in you're your own goals and priorities.
Shuguang Zhang, Associate Director of the Center of Biomedical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, paints a favorable picture for your future in Biomedical Engineering. According to Dr. Zhang, "There are many options, both in academia and in industry, especially in emerging, vibrant startups that license recent discoveries relevant to biomedical engineering to commercialize and accelerate technological advances to benefit society. The best example is stem cell technology, which requires new materials, scaffolds, methods, engineering devices and tools to culture undifferentiated stem cells for widespread use for all the therapies that doctors wish to carry out. Drug delivery is another example. All of these require extensive research and biomedical engineering to overcome barriers."
Dr. Zhang suggests that a Ph.D. would open doors in both academia and industry. He presents the following benefits of a well-planned course of study in a Ph.D program:
- Systematically trained, from courses and from thesis research project
- Increased opportunities for advancement (Many Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. graduates become leaders in industry)
- Worth the investment in money and time to provide greater long-term opportunities (usually about five years vs. two years for a masters)
- Easier to continue study earlier in your career, rather than trying to return for intense study after committing to work and other life activities
While the benefits of a Ph.D. that Zhang presents are important considerations, only you can decide what's best for you based on your interests and your long-term goals. Before making a final decision, be sure to visit campuses and talk directly with faculty and graduates of both Ph.D. and masters programs.
