20 Best Masters in Biomedical Engineering

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Contents

What is a Masters Biomedical Engineering Degree?

What Do I Need to Apply to an MS in Biomedical Engineering Degree?

What Are the Best Biomedical Engineering Degrees?

Best Masters in Biomedical Engineering Degrees

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS

Are you ready to earn a master in biomedical engineering degree?

If so, you’re in the right place. But what exactly is a biomedical engineering master’s program – and what are the best colleges for biochemical engineering?

We can answer these questions (and more) for you.

What is a Masters Biomedical Engineering Degree?

First and foremost, what exactly are biomedical engineering masters programs?

This is an advanced degree that will prepare you for all kinds of rewarding careers. MS students will take classes beyond what they learned in the core curriculum of their undergraduate courses.

You’ll take classes that prepare you for research or leadership roles in the biomedical industry. While your undergraduate degree likely focused on elementary concepts like computer science and basic biomedical engineering, an MS in biomedical engineering goes one step further.

Your core courses in a biomedical engineering master will look at the analytical tools necessary for biomedical instrumentation. You’ll be able to pursue concentration areas and elective courses in your degree in biomedical engineering as well. These might be in rehabilitation engineering or biomedical imaging. You will be able to pursue independent study outside of your core courses, too – in many cases, you can take classes outside of the BME department.

This ability to specialize your biomedical engineering master degree will let you explore areas of interest. You’ll gain a more specialized knowledge base that goes far beyond your undergraduate degree.

As a result, your master’s degree in biomedical engineering will open up all kinds of doors for you!

What Do I Need to Apply to an MS in Biomedical Engineering Degree?

Admissions requirements vary by the institution and type of program.

Each biomedical engineering master degree is slightly different. There are non thesis and master’s thesis options available.

In general, you’ll need to submit official transcripts with a high undergraduate GPA. Typically, the undergraduate GPA needs to be 3.0 or higher.

International students will need to submit proof of English proficiency to apply to an advanced degree in biomedical engineering. You may need to demonstrate that you have taken core courses in such areas as computer science, partial differential equations, and other areas.

Aspiring MS students may have to submit test scores from the GRE (usually an Internet-based test) along with letters of recommendation as well.

What Are the Best Biomedical Engineering Degrees?

We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue. You may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology. It is based on the following five aspects:

25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school
25% Graduation Rate: Number of students who start at the university and finish there
20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
20% Selectivity: The number of students who apply versus the number who actually get accepted
10% Online Graduate Offerings: The number of programs offered online in each department

At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one. We want to help you reach your goals.

Ready to learn more about the best schools for biomedical engineering? Keep reading to open the door to your brand-new career path.

Best Masters in Biomedical Engineering Degrees

#1. Georgia Institute of Technology

Biomedical Engineering (MS)

George Institute of Technology is a public research university in Atlanta, GA. It also has campuses in France, Ireland, Singapore, and China. Of course, it also has one in Savannah, GA.

This school opened as part of Reconstruction plans to rebuild the economy following the Civil War. Now, the Georgia Institute of Technology is a major provider of programs in science and technology.

The Master of Science in biomedical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology is ranked among the best programs in the nation. It will provide you with opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research in a collaborative environment.

This MS in biomedical engineering will let you take classes that go beyond what you learned in your undergraduate courses.

You can pursue advanced studies and concentration areas in:

engineering education
biomaterials and regenerative technologies
biomedical robotics
biomedical informatics and systems modeling
biomedical imaging and instrumentals
neuroengineering, cancer technologies
tissue engineering
cardiovascular engineering
immunoengineering

This biomedical engineering MS is an advanced degree that includes a thesis option. This is designed for those who wish to pursue eventual doctoral studies. There’s also a non-thesis option that is best for individuals seeking to enter directly into the workforce. As a student in this program, you’ll be able to work with major Atlanta biotech companies. These include:

Mikart
Abeome
Alimera Sciences
Stryker

Be aware that this is a competitive MS program that asks MS students to have a high undergraduate GPA. Although you will need to be top notch to be admitted into this exceptional degree program, it’s worth it. Employers from all over the country seek a BME graduate with a diploma from Georgia Tech!

#2. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

MS Biomedical Engineering

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo sounds like a mouthful. Yet this public university has a mission that is anything but complicated. It’s dedicated to providing technical and professional programs at an affordable rate.

The school is home to more than 22,000 students. This university offers 65 bachelor’s and 39 master’s degrees. It’s one of two polytechnic universities in the California State University system.

The College of Engineering offers numerous degrees for MS students to choose from. That includes those in:

civil and environmental engineering
biomedical engineering
aerospace engineering
mechanical engineering

One of the most impressive (and most popular) programs here is the Master of Science in biomedical engineering.

MS students will learn how to analyze and address modern challenges in biomedical engineering. You’ll also discover how to apply advanced engineering methods and evaluate biomedical systems.

You’ll complete 45 credit hours of study. That includes core classes such as:

Modeling of Biomedical Systems
Biomaterials
Design of Experiments

You’ll participate in multiple hands-on experiences. There are regenerative medicine internships. There’s even a design project that culminates in a final thesis.

The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. It offers multiple opportunities for you to customize your degree. You can choose to pursue unique pathways like regenerative medicine. You’ll also be able to complete a nine-month internship at a company or research laboratory.

Haven’t yet completed a bachelor’s degree with a high enough undergraduate GPA to be admitted to this biomedical engineering program? You may want to consider enrolling in the blended bachelor’s and master’s program. It will allow you to receive both degrees. You can pursue pathways in:

biomedical engineering
chemistry
computer engineering
materials engineering
mechanical engineering

This is all done as an undergraduate so you can shave at least a year off your total time in school.

#3. New Jersey Institute of Technology

M.S. in Biomedical Engineering

NJIT is a public research university in Newark, NJ. The New Jersey Institute of Technology opened in 1881 with the support of local inventors and industrialists. It was first a technical school before evolving into a classic college of engineering. This university is now a polytechnic school that retains much of its original, innovative spirit.

You’ll find more than 100 different undergraduate and graduate majors. They will prepare you for work in a variety of groundbreaking fields. You’ll gain access to the groundbreaking skills you need to be successful in any research- and development-oriented field. You will work with prestigious faculty and alumni as you gain the skills you need to be successful.

This school is a member of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. It is also a space and sea-grant college. It has participated in the McNair Scholars Program for decades. It is classified among the “R1: Doctoral Universities—Very High Research Activity.”

The Master of Science in biomedical engineering includes both a thesis and non-thesis option. For this MS program, you will take core classes like:

Design of Orthopedic Implants
Computer Methods in Biomedical Engineering
Virtual Biomedical Instrument

Regardless of whether you select the thesis or non-thesis pathway, you’ll complete 30 credits. You can also take elective courses in things like:

rehabilitation engineering
signal processing
human performance
biomedical imaging in medical sciences

You’ll enjoy access to some of the most exciting biomedical engineering opportunities in the world. That’s true regardless of whether you explore a non thesis option or a full-on master’s thesis.

The school is within walking distance of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and University Hospital. It’s also close to the world-class Public Health Research Institute and the Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience at Rutgers-Newark.

You’ll participate in extensive cooperative research with medical centers, companies, and rehabilitative institutes. There are plenty of graduate co-op work experiences for you to enjoy. This degree is an excellent pathway for candidates interested in doctoral study. It’s also great for those who want to go right to work in the field. There is even a certificate program in biomedical device development!

#4. Clemson University

M.Eng in Biomedical Engineering

Clemson University is a research university located in Clemson, SC. It is the second-largest university in the entire state. You’ll join a student body of more than 25,000 fellow learners. But you’ll be far from just another face in the crowd.

You’ll enjoy a student to faculty ratio of just 18:1. This is a ratio that is even smaller in the school’s hands-on graduate programs.

This public school is broken down into seven different colleges:

agriculture, forestry and life sciences
business
arts and humanities
computing and applied sciences

The engineering college is where you will find the accredited Master’s of Engineering in biomedical engineering.

The Master of Science in biomedical engineering at Clemson includes both a master’s thesis- and non-thesis option. You’ll take 30 total credit hours. That’s regardless of the pathway you select.

For both the non thesis and master’s thesis option, you’ll take core classes like:

Engineering Physiology
Principles of Tissue Engineering
Advanced Design of Orthotic Implants
Design of Medical Instrumentation

Should you choose the research pathway, you’ll be able to make another decision What would you like to do for your master’s thesis? Your options vary. They include a research study, the design and execution of an experiment, or the creation of a new technology or software.

This is an intensive, team-focused curriculum. It focuses on medical device development and commercialization. You can take classes on three separate campuses, including the main one in Clemson. There are also campuses in Charleston and Greenville.

You’ll learn industry best practices. These examine topics covering the entire product life cycle for medical devices. You’ll learn how to design and conduct animal and clinical studies. You’ll learn how to draft business and marketing plans. And there’s so much more! You’ll graduate with extensive entrepreneurial and industry experience.

Completing this degree takes one year. You can participate in up to six credits of internship experiences. You can even pursue additional certificates in areas like:

Quality Science
GreenMD
Technology Entrepreneurship

You can even study abroad! There is a five-week program at Pamplona Learning Spanish Institute. There is also a summer experience in Japan.

#5. University of California-Irvine

Biomedical Engineering, M.S.

The University of California, Irvine is home to more than 36,000 students. They are spread out among more than 200 different academic majors.

This school is often referred to as a Public Ivy. UCI is well-regarded for its excellent academic quality. This quality is comparable to what you would receive at one of the country’s premier Ivy League institutions.

As a biomedical engineering student here, you will benefit from a number of features and resources. This school is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities—Very High Research Activity.” This means you’ll have some of the best opportunities to engage in research related to your field of study. It’s also home to the UC Irvine Medical Center. This is a large teaching hospital that leads the way when it comes to biomedical interventions and innovations.

The Master of Science in biomedical engineering at UCI is in the Samueli School of Engineering. It is affiliated with the school of biological sciences, the school of physical sciences, and the college of medicine. It is just one potential pathway you can explore. It’s one of the best biochemical engineering schools in the country.

You’ll be taught by 27 full-time faculty in the biomedical engineering program. That’s along with 51 affiliated faculty from the schools listed above. You’ll be able to work with these instructors as they pursue research and concentration areas like:

tissue engineering and physiological systems
biocomputation
biophotonics
micro/nanomedicine

This school is surrounded by the largest number of medical device companies in the nation. It’s also just 70 miles from San Diego County. Here you’ll find the third-largest concentration of companies in the biotech niche. You’ll enjoy close connections and plenty of opportunities for collaboration and internships.

You’ll build your skills in core technologies and clinical research areas. The research in biophotons and nanomedicine at the university is some of the most recognized in the nation. You’ll also have access to numerous research centers. These include:

the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology
the Integrated Nanosystems Research Facility
the Beckman Laser Institute

Core courses will vary depending on your career interests. In most classes, you’ll complete certain designated courses. You’ll conduct a thorough, focused research project. You’ll work with a master’s thesis advisor as you complete a research investigation and written master’s thesis. That’s along with 42 credit hours of study.

Some of the classes you might take will include:

Cell and Tissue Engineering
Quantitative Physiology
Applied Engineering Mathematics
Introduction to Clinical Medicine for Biomedical Engineering

This is an affordable degree. It features low tuition and plenty of financial aid opportunities. They include fellowships, graduate student researcher positions, and teaching assistantships.

#6. Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Master of Engineering (ME) in Biomedical Engineering

Rutgers University-New Brunswick is one of three separate regional campuses within the Rutgers University public university system in New Jersey. There are campuses in both Piscataway and New Brunswick. This school is the oldest of the university. There are other campuses in Newark and Camden.

You can choose from 19 different graduate, undergraduate, and professional schools when you enroll here. These include:

the Graduate School of Education
the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
the School of Public Health

Of course, this is one of the best biochemical engineering schools, too, where you’ll find a top masters biomedical engineering program to explore.

The Master of Engineering in biomedical engineering is in the Rutgers School of Engineering. You can earn a master’s degree without having to perform research or complete a master’s thesis. It is a coursework-only program. It will allow you to instead complete a project, term paper, or independent study.

The program is a convenient and flexible option for students who want to enhance their credentials and learn from world-class faculty. You can master the core aspects of biomedical engineering. You’ll graduate and go on to become a major innovator in this fast-growing field.

You’ll be able to choose from multiple key focus areas as you complete your courses. These include:

physiologic systems
bioinstrumentation
physiological systems
biomedical imaging and neuroengineering
biomechanics and rehabilitation engineering
molecular systems, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
nanosystems and microsystems

Rutgers offers a certificate in medical device development. There are also courses in entrepreneurship to help you diversify your degree.

You’ll complete 33 credit hours of study, a written terminal document, and a final oral defense of that document. You’ll take classes such as:

Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Transport
Bioimaging Methods
Mathematical Modeling for Biomedical Engineering

#7. North Carolina State University

Biomedical Engineering (MS)

NC State is a public land-grant research university in Raleigh, NC. North Carolina State University opened in 1887. It is part of the University of North Carolina System. This school is the largest in the Carolinas. It is one corner of the famed Research Triangle. The other universities in this region include Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The school first opened as a College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. It now has an enrollment of more than 35,000 students. It is top ranked for its academic excellence in a handful of programs. These programs include:

agriculture
statistics
life sciences
design
textiles

And, of course, engineering. NC State is one of the best bioengineering schools in the world.

The Master of Science in biomedical engineering at NC State is one of the best in the country. It consists of 30 total credit hours of study of elective courses and core courses.

The core curriculum includes courses like:

Medical Device Design
Global Regulatory Affairs for Medical Products
Biomedical Innovation and Entrepreneurship III – Product Development

You’ll also choose from a list of hands-on elective courses to supplement the core curriculum. These elective courses cover topics like:

Tissue Engineering Technologies
Orthopaedic Biomechanics
Bioelectricity

Outside of the core curriculum, you’ll have access to more than 20 centers, labs, and institutes. This includes two that are active National Science Foundation Engineering Research Centers. They are called FREEDM and ASSIST.

You’ll gain valuable experience (and enjoy a significant tuition discount!) by participating in teaching assistantships. You can connect with prospective employers at the NC State Engineering Career Fair. This career fair is one of the largest events of its kind not just in the state, but in the entire country.

This affordable program has low tuition rates. There are plenty of funding opportunities if you are planning to continue on with a Ph.D. There are internal fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships available. There is even work study, scholarships, grants, loans, and payment plans. International students have access to many of these options as well.

#8. University of California-Los Angeles

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

You’ll find another great biomedical engineering master’s program at UCLA.

The University of California-Los Angeles is a public land-grant research university. It first opened its doors as the California State Normal School. It was a training institution for aspiring teachers. It is the second-oldest school in the state university system of California. This school is now much more than just a school for teachers. It has more than 337 choices of degrees to undergraduate and graduate students alike.

UCLA is often referred to as a Public Ivy. It ranks among the best public universities in the United States. In 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked this school as the top public university in the entire country!

You can pursue several different areas of study as you conduct innovative, groundbreaking research in this program.

Options for the biomedical engineer masters programs here include:

biosystem science and engineering
biomedical instrumentation
biomaterials, tissue engineering, and biomechanics
biomedical imaging and human performance
rehabilitation engineering
signal processing
medical imaging informatics
molecular and cellular bioengineering
neuroengineering

You’ll take 42 units of study, or a total of 12 courses. There are both thesis and competitive examination options. Most students take just one to two years to complete their degrees.

You’ll have access to 32 different research laboratories and centers. You’ll work with 44 full-time faculty members. All of them are recognized in their contributions to the industry. Most graduates of this program go on to post-doctoral or postgraduate study. Others pursue work as:

technical sales consultants for the medical sciences
research assistants
scientists
product managers
engineers for medical sciences

Curious about the classes you’ll take? The schedule of classes varies. You can take courses such as:

Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules
Engineering of Bioconjugates
Engineering Principles for Drug Delivery

You can also participate in unique learning opportunities. There is a teaching apprentice practicum and directed individual or tutorial studies. There are also advanced topics and research.

This affordable BME graduate program offers a great return on investment for any career in the medical sciences. There is a high career placement rate and plenty of financial aid opportunities. You can explore both intramural and extramural fellowships. There are scholarships like the Alumni Fund for Student Projects. Almost all students receive some kind of funding (85%, in fact).

This BME graduate degree is a wonderful pathway to the Ph.D. program. The master’s in biomedical engineering is often pursued by graduates of the Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering. The master’s takes just one year. It is a transfer-friendly program.

#9. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Master’s in Biomedical Engineering

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private research university. It focuses on the technical arts and applied sciences. It is in Worcester, MA. This school has more than 50 graduate and undergraduate degrees.

This university’s programs are top ranked. They also will allow you to work with faculty in a variety of research areas. These include:

fuel cells
surface metrology
materials processing
biotechnology
biomedical engineering

This is one of the best masters in biomedical engineering programs you will find.

The master’s in biomedical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic allows you to tailor your studies to your unique career goals and interests. You can delve into groundbreaking research. It will help you make advances (and make an impact!) in healthcare.

You’ll work on project-centered studies. You’ll also work on collaborative research opportunities. You can apply engineering concepts in ways that are meaningful and exciting for you.

You’ll work with renowned faculty, local companies, and peers. You’ll solve real-world problems. And you’ll graduate with the skills and experience you need in scientific and technical work to move on to diverse career paths. You could work in medicine, nursing, and even law.

You’ll benefit from small class sizes. There are close-knit research groups and collaborative labs. The degree combines WPI’s long and extensive history and success in engineering with its commitment to advancing future research.

The BME graduate curriculum is rigorous. However, it’s flexible enough so that you can work with traditional engineering concepts in evolving fields like healthcare. You’ll take courses in:

life sciences
biomedical engineering
mathematics

For this master’s degree, you’ll work on research projects in laboratories covering everything from cardiovascular tissue engineering to biomedical sensors.

You’ll be able to pursue research interests across campus. These are in subjects like:

biomaterials and tissue engineering
instrumentation and signal processing
biomechanics and mechanobiology

You’ll also benefit from regional research partnerships with companies, hospitals, and research facilities like:

the Tufts Cumming School of Veterinary Medicine
the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center
the University of Massachusetts Medical School

#10. Stevens Institute of Technology

Biomedical Engineering Master’s Program

Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research institution that has a reputation for being one of the oldest technological universities in the country. It was the first in the nation to just offer programs in mechanical engineering. As such, it’s one of the best schools with biomedical engineering.

Today, Stevens offers much more than that. It is home to two separate national Centers of Excellence. These are designated by the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Defense. You’ll find some of the best and most research-oriented programs here.

The biomedical engineering program allows you to work with established leaders in the field. You’ll conduct meaningful, high-impact research. You’ll create life-enhancing technologies. You’ll gain the skills to succeed in medicine, industry, academia, and more.

This degree will help you advance your studies in engineering, life science, biology, bioethics, and medicine. It is a flexible degree that allows you to pursue the areas of interest that you are most passionate about. You’ll be able to research emerging areas of study with faculty who are working daily to patent new technologies. You’ll have access to world-class laboratories and enjoy a design-oriented curriculum. You can research and develop new technologies from “concept through commercialization.”

The faculty who teach in this program work with industry partners. You will graduate with the skills you need for success. Most candidates go on to pursue work in research, clinical studies, and industry. Many go on to professional school as well.

This BME graduate program is within close proximity to Manhattan. Stevens makes it easy to build your professional network in the Big Apple. This city is an international hub for medical research and technology and pharmaceutical and development.

New Jersey, too, features numerous avenues for you to explore biomedical research as part of your master’s degree. It has a premier location for pharmaceutical and medical research and independent study.