Q: Undergraduate Major + Neuroengineering?

Hi, I'm an undergrad intending to major in Neural Science, and wanted to ask you something after coming across the Neuroengineering Facebook group. I was wondering whether an undergraduate degree in a field of engineering is required to pursue/gain admission into grad/PhD programs in Neuroengineering. Is it required to have previously studied biomedical engineering, or is it enough to have a Neural Science background in order to apply to and succeed in these programs? I have recently decided that I would like to study/pursue Neuroengineering after graduation. However, my college does not have an engineering school, and am thus considering transferring. I was also wondering whether or not you began this PhD program at Johns Hopkins immediately after graduation from the college you went to?

Hello!
So... if you're planning on doing graduate student research in any field of engineering, whether it's neuroengineering or biomedical engineering, I highly recommend an engineering background. At the least, you should take the math courses that are relevant for engineering, like differential equations or linear algebra. You could also take classes at a separate university that does offer engineering classes, in order to supplement your education. Does your college allow cross-registration?

I went to Hopkins immediately after graduating from undergrad, where I majored in biology, w/ minors in biomedical engineering and toxicology. The biological and neurological side has been relatively easy for me in graduate school, but I don't have a lot of the engineering basics. Many of the biomedical engineering faculty here at Hopkins assume that we grad students know linear algebra, diff eqs, basic programming, etc. One faculty member told me that they usually don't accept natural science people into their biomedical engineering program, but they do look for more research-oriented and problem-solving educations.

I don't know what neural sciences at your university is like. If you really like it there, then you could always stay there, pursue neuroscience, and do research that's neuroengineering-related. What counts the most for your graduate school application is what you've learned, your research, and your recommendations. I'd recommend trying out various research areas in neuroengineering, like summer internships or working with particular faculty member, or just experiencing neuroengineering research fields in general, before deciding to transfer universities.

You can also find information on graduate programs and each school's specific requirements on each school's webpage. For biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University, check out:

http://www.bme.jhu.edu/academics/phd/phd_application.htm

[A Facebook Message from an Undergrad Interested in NeuroEngineering.]
(Answered by Issel.)