MA in Bioimaging

The Master of Arts in Bioimaging is a multidisciplinary program, developed by the departments of Radiology and Anatomy & Neurobiology with contributions from the Department of Physiology & Biophysics. It is the first of its kind in the United States. The objective of the program is to train professionals in all aspects of bioimaging from theory to practice. Bioimaging has become one of the major tools of clinical medicine and biomedical research. The acceleration of imaging technology has been remarkable, particularly in areas of MRI, CT, and PET. In the world of health delivery, the term MRI has become commonplace and in fact has entered our everyday language, as more and more individuals find themselves “going for an MRI” for a variety of symptomatologies related to almost every body organ. Disorders of the brain, including tumors, AV malformations, aneurisms, white matter lesions, and strokes are now routinely detected by MRI. Studies of cardiac function and integrity are also now routinely performed with MRI and CT. In fact, several centers are now becoming proactive in providing CT and MRI imaging to normal healthy individuals as a general screening device. MRI-guided ultrasound has now been used to identify, target, and destroy circumscribed cancers in many body organs such as the liver. With respect to research, imaging tools seem to be limitless in their application. Biomedical researchers are now viewing organs, tissue, and body cavities at a level of detail that approaches histologic quality. With fMRI, one can now visualize brain activity over a wide range of cognitive and behavioral functions. DTI provides our first glimpse into the neural connectivity of the human brain. Cardiac MR and MR angiography are powerful tools for the study of heart function in health and disease.

Needless to say, the demand for individuals who are skilled in the background, mechanics, operation, and interpretation of imaging techniques in a research or medical setting is growing at accelerated rates.

The master’s program in Bioimaging is a self-contained curriculum one-year program. It can also be completed in two years on a part-time basis. The curricular activities consist of a combination of academic coursework and direct hands-on training, and cover the broad areas of image acquisition, image processing, and image interpretation. Special emphasis is placed on direct experience with imaging instruments, the use of computers, and understanding through the study of imaging theory. The program is designed not only for post-baccalaureate students from the fields of psychology, engineering, computer science, mathematics, and neuroscience who wish to develop expertise in bioimaging, but also for residents, fellows, and attendings in the “image” intense medical specialties (e.g., radiology, neurology, cardiology) who wish to enhance their skills in the theoretical and practical applications of imaging to their clinical practice.

Admissions

Criteria

Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree in a basic, biological, physical, computer, or social-behavioral sciences from an accredited university. We recommend a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, applicants must submit the results from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). International students whose native language is not English must complete the TOEFL exam. We offer rolling admissions but recommend that prospective applicants submit completed applications before June 30 for fall (September) admission and before November 15 for spring (January) admission.
 A complete application consists of the completed school and department copies of the application, a personal statement, three letters of reference, and official transcripts from every college or university attended. Test scores should be sent directly to the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences from the testing center. Our GRE/TOEFL number is 3251. Please go to www.bumc.bu.edu/gms to begin the application process online.

Program Structure

The required core and elective courses of the program are conducted at Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center.

The degree is awarded by the Graduate Division of Boston University School of Medicine.

Faculty includes prominent members of the departments of Radiology, Anatomy & Neurobiology, and Physiology & Biophysics, as well as outside experts in industry, academia, government, and private imaging centers.

Language Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Degree Requirements

Candidates are required to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework. It is anticipated that students will complete the program in one academic year.

Student Support Services

The Division of Graduate Medical Sciences has an organized program to assist in thesis research, career guidance, and providing recommendations.

Student Loans

Financial aid programs are available to students. Contact Sherill Ashe at sashe@bu.edu or by phone at 617-638-5216.

Bioimaging Program Curriculum

The master’s program in Bioimaging consists of a total of 36 credit hours (32 required, 4 elective). The program can be completed in one calendar year (September through August). However, accommodations will be made for part-time students.

Full-time students can complete degree requirements for the MA in Bioimaging within 12 months (September–August). Part-time students can complete the program at their own pace but must finish within 5 years of the start date of their program.

Required Courses*

• GMS IM 600 A1 Bioimaging Foundations (4 cr)
• GMS IM 610 A1 Magnetic Resonance: Principles, Methods, and Applications (4 cr)
• GMS IM 620 A1 Bioimaging Theory & Image Processing (4 cr)
• GMS IM 630 A1 Methods of Functional Imaging of the Brain (2 cr)
• GMS IM 650 A1 Bioimaging Practicum (4 cr)
• GMS IM 651 A1 Statistical Analysis of Neuroimaging Data (2 cr)
• GMS IM 660 A1 Radiation Protection, Safety, and Ethics (2 cr)
• GMS IM 670 A1 Special Topics in Bioimaging (2 cr)
• GMS IM 680 A1 Professional Development (2 cr)
• GMS IM 700 A1 Thesis Research I (2 cr)
• GMS IM 710 A1 Thesis Research II (2 cr)
• GMS IM 730 A1, B1 Thesis Research III (2 cr per semester, Summer I, II)

*Most courses are offered in the late afternoon and early evening.

Elective Courses (one of the following)

• GMS IM 640 A1 Post-Processing Images of the Brain (2 cr)
• GMS IM 655 A1 Directed Studies in Bioimaging (2 cr)
• GMS IM xxx A1 Anatomic Basis of Imaging (2 cr)
• GMS IM 690 A1 Imaging of Neurological Disorders of the Brain (2 cr)