MA in Bioimaging

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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. 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 one-year curriculum. 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.

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 Division of Graduate Medical Sciences at 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.

Degree Requirements

Candidates are required to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours, which includes coursework and a thesis project.

Curriculum

The MA in Bioimaging program consists of a total of 36 credit hours (32 required, 4 elective). The program can be completed in one calendar year (September through August) on a full-time basis or can be completed part time.

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)
• GMS IM xxx A1 Anatomic Basis of Imaging (2 cr)

*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 690 A1 Imaging of Neurological Disorders of the Brain (2 cr)

Admissions

Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree in a basic, biological, physical, computer, or social-behavioral science from an accredited university. We recommend a minimum grade point average (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 Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). We offer rolling admissions but recommend that prospective applicants submit completed applications before August 1 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.

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.