Biosystems Engineering M.S. and Ph.D.

Coursework for the Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in biosystems engineering (B.E.) can be completed in three semesters (about sixteen months). An oral defense is required for the thesis. All Clemson Graduate School rules must be followed in a timely sequence, including timelines for required G.S. forms (e.g., GS2, GS7, etc.). GS2 form is due to the graduate school by the end of the 2nd semester.

Thesis Option: The M.S. thesis option requires a minimum of 24 hours of graduate credit coursework and a minimum of six hours of BE 8910 - Master's Thesis Research. At least one-half of the total graduate credit hours required, exclusive of thesis research, must be selected from courses numbered 8000 or above. A final oral examination of the M.S. thesis is required.

Research proposals are due to the graduate committee within the first year of study, and a copy must be submitted for EEES records. Students will need to submit one manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal before an advisor signs the thesis defense and approval form (Form GS7M).

Course requirements include the following:

• Must have 3 graduate-level engineering courses
• Maximum of 3 credits of special topics (regardless of the rubric) may be counted toward the M.S. program
• Three credits of additional coursework that emphasize advanced mathematics - may be mathematics (e.g. MATH 6340), engineering (e.g. finite elements or computational mechanics) or experimental statistics (e.g. STAT 8050)
• STAT 8010 - Statistical Methods I 
• BE (EES, FOR) 6510 - Newman Seminar and Lecture Series in Natural Resources Engineering 

Non-Thesis Option: The M.S. non-thesis option requires a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit coursework, none of which may be master's thesis research, and students must pass a final oral exam. A minimum of 21 graduate credit hours must be at the 8000 level for non-thesis M.S. students. Students in the non-thesis option must complete a research project supervised by a faculty member, and present the project during their final oral exam.

The Ph.D. in Biosystems Engineering program at Clemson University can be completed in three to five years and is flexible. The student and the committee uniquely tailor each student’s specific program. Comprehensive examinations, written and oral, occur after completion of coursework and after the formulation of the dissertation research proposal, respectively. A dissertation defense is required before approval and acceptance of the completed work. If directly accepted into the Ph.D. program without first obtaining an M.S. degree, then all M.S. requirements must be taken in addition to those listed for Ph.D., accounting for 63 credit hours.

• A minimum of 15 credit hours of graduate courses with one-half at 8000 level or above, and at least 18 credit hours of dissertation research
• Three credits in Experimental Statistics (e.g., STAT 8050)
• Newman seminar (BE 6510)
• Submission of 2 manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals before advisor signs dissertation defense and approval form (Form GS7D)
• Maximum of 3 credits in special topics (regardless of rubric may be counted toward the Ph.D. program
• Research proposals are due to the graduate committee within the first year of study, and a copy must be submitted for EEES records. GS2 form must be completed by the end of the 3rd semester.

Graduate Degree

Students with a baccalaureate or master's degree in a related science or engineering field may apply directly to the Ph.D. program. Students with exceptional records and experience in research will be considered for a Ph.D. degree without a master's degree. In contrast, most students admitted to the Ph.D. program will have previously received a master's degree.

For admission to the Ph.D. program, the applicant must have a faculty member who has agreed to be the research advisor before final admission. Pursuing a Ph.D. degree is a significant commitment of time and effort. Applicants should communicate with professors engaged in research of interest to the applicant. Finding a research advisor who will guide the Ph.D. student effectively is essential within the first semester of study. Visit the web page of each professor and send emails to those involved in areas of interest.

For questions about the process, contact the Graduate Student Services Coordinator. 

B.S. to M.S. Requirements

Current seniors may be eligible for a Combined Bachelor-to-Graduate Plan. Students enrolled in the undergraduate B.E. program at Clemson University can apply for acceptance to B.S./M.S. programs in Biosystems Engineering. This allows students with junior or senior status to count 6 credits of undergraduate course credits as part of graduate coursework.

Course Satisfaction for Non-Engineers

Students without an engineering degree must take the following amendatory courses.

• Basic math courses through differential equations (MATH 2080)
• First-year chemistry and biology courses with lab.
• Three of the listed engineering science courses (Statics, Dynamics, Fluids, Mechanics of Materials, Thermodynamics, Circuits – See B.E. undergraduate curriculum to determine equivalent courses).

How to Apply

Applicants may apply on the Web. Applications should be received no later than five weeks before registration. Every required item in support of the application must be on file by that date. Prospective students are encouraged to complete and submit their applications for admission and financial assistance as early as possible to be considered during the first round of assistantship awards, which are made beginning in February or March. Applicants whose credential files are not completed until after this first round of assistantship awards will be considered for awards in subsequent rounds after April 15.

Required Documents

• Online Application
• Official TOEFL/IELTS Scores for International Students
• Official Transcript
• Letters of Recommendation (2 for M.S.; 3 for Ph.D.)