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Graduate Program

BSE Graduate Student working in biotechnology lab

As a Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) graduate student, you will have the opportunity to connect engineering and biology to solve complex, critical problems that affect us all by supporting sustainable production, processing, and utilization of biological materials and by protecting our natural resources and environment.

Virginia Tech Biological Systems Engineering is ranked among top graduate programs in the nation.

U.S. News & World Report
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Graduate Research Opportunities

Our growing list of active research areas allows our students to concentrate their research and study specific aspects of the biological systems engineering field and provides opportunities for students to engage in pioneering work at the intersection of multiple disciplines, as our faculty work with researchers across scientific disciplines on Virginia Tech’s campus and nationwide.

Explore our Research Areas

Our Graduate Programs

The Department offers programs leading to Master of Engineering (M.E.), Master of Science (M.S.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Biological Systems Engineering. We also have the option for current BSE students to enroll in our Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate degree program. 

A quick glance at our Accelerated B.S./M.S. Program

  • Receive your Bachelors and Masters of Science in Biological Systems Engineering in 5 years
  • Free tuition during the final year (year 5) of the M.S. degree
  • Contact Liza Spradlin, Academic Programs Coordinator for additional program information

A quick glance at our M.S. Program

  • Receive your Masters of Science in Biological Systems Engineering in 2 years (average)
  • Fall Application Deadline: January 5
  • Spring Application Deadline: September 1 (International Students); September 15 (Domestic Students)

A quick glance at our M.E. Program

  • Receive your Masters of Engineering in 2 years (average)
  • Non-thesis course of study designed for those who are interested in broadening their general knowledge of Biological Systems Engineering
  • Fall Application Deadline: January 5
  • Spring Application Deadline: September 1 (International Students); September 15 (Domestic Students)

A quick glance at our PhD Program

  • Receive your Ph.D. in 4-5 years
  • Fellowships and research assistantships available
  • Full-time enrolled Ph.D. students are eligible for a subsidy on the premium of the university-sponsored health insurance plan through Aetna
  • Fall Application Deadline: January 5
  • Spring Application Deadline: September 1 (International Students); September 15 (Domestic Students)
  • Bio Item
    Cully Hession, Virginia Tech Department of Biological Systems Engineering Faculty
    W. Cully Hession, P.E. , bio

    Professor and Graduate Program Director: Ecological engineering, influence of human activities on streams, stream channel & floodplain interactions, techniques for measuring and improving in-stream habitat, and development of technologies and strategies for successful stream restoration

BSE Graduate Student Handbook
Graduate Course Catalog