Earning a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering is a great way to advance your career as a biomedical engineer. Through the best biomedical engineering master’s degrees, you’ll have the opportunity not only to gain in-depth knowledge of the biomedical engineering field but also to apply creative problem-solving skills in developing engineering solutions to issues affecting human health.
Our list of the best biomedical engineering master’s degrees can help you narrow down your program of choice. We’ve included important details for each biomedical engineering master’s degree like its program overview, admission requirements, and tuition fees. We have also included some of the best biomedical engineering master’s degree jobs as well as their salaries and job outlooks.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
Some of the best schools where you can get a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering are Drexel University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, Pennsylvania State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Brown University. The biomedical engineering master’s degree can be offered through a stand-alone master’s program or a joint PhD program, the latter of which allows prospective students to pursue their master’s and doctoral degrees simultaneously.
What Schools Offer the Best Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degrees?
- Drexel University
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- Pennsylvania State University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Brown University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
The admission requirements for a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering are usually set by the biomedical engineering department of each particular college or university. Although they can differ from school to school, admission requirements you can expect to encounter include the completion of an undergraduate degree in engineering, science, or applied math, as well as the submission of an online application and payment of any associated fee.
Other common admission requirements include providing transcripts from previous universities or colleges attended, obtaining a 2.75 or 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and providing supplemental materials such as letters of recommendation, a resume, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores.
The standardized test usually required by this degree program is the graduate record examination (GRE). If you are an international applicant, you’ll most likely be required to provide results from an English proficiency test before you can be granted admission. Most schools prefer the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. If you don’t meet the admission requirements, you may be allowed to take prerequisite courses or enroll in a similar program.
Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Online application form
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or math from an accredited institution or the equivalent coursework
- Official transcripts from post-secondary institutions attended
- 2.75 or 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in your undergraduate degree or coursework
- Letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose
- Standardized test scores, like the GRE, and for international students, an English proficiency exam
How to Get a Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree
The best way to get a biomedical engineering master’s degree is by fulfilling the degree requirements of your specific program. In most cases, the major degree requirements will be to complete a stipulated number of credit hours within the allotted program period and to complete a research thesis or laboratory project.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
You need approximately 30 credits for a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. The credit load is usually spread across six to 10 courses, which are made up of core courses, elective courses, and a research thesis or project. Each course carries a minimum of one credit hour and a maximum of six credit hours, depending on the curriculum structure and schedule.
Biomedical Engineering Degree Requirements
- 30 to 45 credits
- 3-6 semesters or 2 years of attendance to complete required credits
- Complete core courses, elective courses, and research
- Pursue a thesis or non-thesis option
- You may be required to maintain a 3.0 GPA, equivalent to a B grade
Best Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| Boston University | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Brown University | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Drexel University | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Pennsylvania State University | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (one year, non-thesis) | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| The Ohio State University | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Maine | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of New Haven | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Texas at San Antonio | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for Biomedical Engineering: Top Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Programs
The best schools for a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering include Arizona State University, Pennsylvania State University, and Brown University. These top-rated schools offer some of the best biomedical engineering programs in the United States.
The curriculum content, student facilities, and career services offered by these schools allow you to achieve your professional goals. To help you with your school search we’ve included a detailed description of each program, the admission requirements, the application process, and the tuition rate for each program so that you can pick the best fit.
What Is a Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree?
A biomedical engineering master’s degree is an academic degree awarded to students who have fulfilled the requirements of a postgraduate-level program in biomedical engineering. This academic qualification guarantees that the recipient is equipped with advanced research and engineering skills, honed through participation in coursework in biology, medicine, and engineering.
A Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering takes between 12 and 24 months to complete, during which the student is required to complete 30 to 45 core and elective credits. These credits are usually assigned to courses, which may be completed in terms or semesters.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
A Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering is very important for individuals looking to break into the healthcare and biomedical engineering technology industry. This graduate degree offers in-person and online programs for students to achieve their academic and professional goals. Online students have access to the same quality programs as students who attend core classes on campus.
Some of the career pathways for biomedical engineers include working in academia, working for the federal government, and working in research facilities or manufacturing. Each of these pathways offers high growth opportunities for graduate students entering this field.
What Types of Master’s Degree Can You Get in Biomedical Engineering?
The two main types of Master’s Degrees in Biomedical Engineering are the Master of Engineering and the Master of Science. The most popular degree offered by schools overall is the Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering because of its research applications and because it paves the way for a doctoral program.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or a Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering?
It is better to get a Master of Science if you’re interested in learning the engineering methodologies of this multidisciplinary program for pharmaceutical and medical research purposes. It will allow you to explore intricate problem areas in the biomedical engineering field, like those in medical imaging, cell and molecular engineering, genomics, and systems biology.
However, if you’re interested in applying engineering principles and techniques to the development of medical devices, systems, and software to aid human development, then a Master of Engineering is probably the best option for you. You’ll likely cover applied science areas such as data science, machine learning, and robotics through additional coursework.
What Is the Difference Between a Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree and a Biomedical Engineering Certificate?
The difference between a biomedical engineering master’s degree and a certificate in biomedical engineering is the breadth and depth of the education and the resultant career options. With a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering, you can access higher salaries and more career paths across several industries, while a graduate certificate gives you a limited increase in salary and specialized knowledge in one subject area in biomedical applications.
A master’s degree offers more industry leverage too. You can collaborate with other professionals through partner programs for research and development purposes since you’ve built experience through independent study, research, and real-world applications due to the broadness of your program’s curriculum.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
A Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering costs an average of $12,410 per year, based on the National Center for Education Statistics. For those enrolled in a non-profit private university, the tuition fee is $28,430. A for-profit private university costs an average of $14,289 per year in tuition and fees.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree?
It takes about two years to get a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. However, the amount of time it takes depends on the flexibility of the program and the curriculum content. On average, you need between 30 and 45 credits to get this degree. These credit units are typically spread across two or three semesters per academic year.
Some schools allow the student to decide their program schedule based on advice they will receive from the graduate school advisor. A flexible degree schedule allows you to collect more credits in a semester, thus shortening your program length to one year or a year and a half. Also, most non-thesis programs in this field don’t require more than a year and a half to complete.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
It is not very hard to get a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering if you have built the right academic background and are passionate about honing your skills in a multidisciplinary and innovative field such as this one.
Biomedical engineering students enrolled in an on-campus program will benefit from the hands-on instructions, social interactions, state-of-the-art facilities, and structured learning environment this pathway offers.
Why Should You Get a Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree?
You should get a biomedical engineering master’s degree if you already have a strong background in STEM disciplines and would like to be able to apply your knowledge toward the development of products that aid human health. Also, the 2020 data from Statista shows that an advanced degree, regardless of the discipline, substantially increases your earning potential.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Biomedical Engineering?
Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering courses include topics in life sciences, mathematics, and engineering fields. Below are some of the courses you’ll encounter in a typical biomedical engineering master’s degree program.
Molecular Bioengineering
Molecular bioengineering draws from the life sciences and engineering disciplines. It is concerned with designing molecular-level solutions and biological systems via engineering techniques to solve complex issues in health. Students discover how the various subfields in bioengineering, such as cell theory, genetics, evolution, natural selection, and energy, can be engineered to produce technological products.
Physiology
Physiology is a branch of life sciences that deals with the functioning and mechanisms of living creatures. As a subfield of biology, it covers areas such as anatomy, human and artificial organs, cell and tissue structure, the nervous system, and the cardiovascular system. Students learn how to develop medical technologies that can improve medical research and patient care.
Biomedical Imaging
Biomedical imaging is the method and process used for capturing medical images for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. This course covers different aspects of biomedical imaging, such as biomedical imaging analysis, principles, technologies, and clinical agents. Students are exposed to nanomedicine and clinical modalities such as x-ray computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and optical imaging.
Biomechanics
Biomechanics focus on the correlation between mechanical laws and biological systems. It is the study of the composition of human muscles and bones, the mechanics of body motion and blood circulation, and the functions of different parts of the human anatomy. Students learn the components of biomechanics, such as how motion, force, balance, levers, and momentum affect the development of biological systems.
Medical Device Design
This is a mentored project that focuses on the design and development of medical devices, including mechanical and electronic devices, for use by healthcare workers. Students learn not only about biomedical device design processes and methodologies but also about the laws and regulations guiding the design of medical implants, tools, and systems.
Continuing Education Paths for Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Graduates
The best paths to take with a biomedical engineering master’s degree include an advanced degree like a PhD, especially for those interested in building a teaching or research-focused career. This terminal degree prepares doctoral students for conducting in-depth research projects and taking on roles in academia.
After completing your master’s degree, you can also pursue professional certifications from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) or the American College of Clinical Engineering, among others.
Related Biomedical Engineering Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Programs
The things to look for when choosing the right master’s program in biomedical engineering for you include whether the university you wish to attend is accredited, the concentration options it offers, and whether it will provide you with career assistance. Each of these factors can be used as a basis for comparison among schools offering this degree.
Stand-Alone Master’s Program
Some schools only offer a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering in association with a doctoral or bachelor’s degree program. As such, applicants looking to pursue just a master’s degree on its own are not considered for admission. Dual programs take away the flexibility and shorter pacing of traditional master’s degrees and are simply not practical for some degree seekers.
Accreditation
Yourbiomedical engineering school must be accredited. Bonus points if the program itself is accredited too. Regional or national accreditation means that your school or degree program meets US educational standards and will be recognized by future employers and schools. It also means that you have access to financial aid opportunities and to research funding for your next big idea.
Concentration Options
Most programs in this discipline offer two or three concentration options for enrolled students. Make sure that the program you’ve selected offers your preferred area of focus or specialization. If you’re planning to take a thesis track, your final degree requirement may be to conduct independent research in your area of concentration. Even if you’re on a non-thesis track, you will be required to take more courses in your chosen specialization.
Limited Barriers to Entry
The admissions process for schools offering biomedical engineering master’s degrees can be competitive. Usually, to be admitted into these programs, you must have a bachelor’s degree or at least have completed hours of coursework in the life sciences, engineering, and math disciplines, with a high grade point average. Make sure that you meet all of the program’s admissions requirements before beginning the sometimes-lengthy admissions process.
Career Services
A biomedical engineering program that offers career services can help you accelerate your career growth. Some of the career services to look for include career path advising, interview preparation, portfolio reviews, internship placements, job matching with industry partners, and access to employer job boards.
What Is the Most Affordable Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree?
The most affordable Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering is the Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering offered by the University of Texas at San Antonio. This program charges $247.53 in tuition per credit. With 32 credits required for the degree, the total cost of tuition fees only is $7,920. Remember that this number doesn’t include other fees, which can be found on the university’s website.
Salary and Job Outlook for Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Graduates
Career advancement and industry recognition are just a couple of the advantages of obtaining a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. This section will help you narrow your job search by providing essential details about the best biomedical engineering master’s degree jobs, including salary expectations and job outlooks.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Biomedical Engineering Masters Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a biomedical engineering master’s degree from an accredited school. The advanced skills and experience associated with this degree are widely recognized. Many schools also offer career-placement services via industry partnerships, internship referrals, and career fairs to help prepare graduates for the real world.
You may even be offered a dedicated career coach and academic advisor to help you decide on the best career fit for you based on your academic performance.
What’s the Average Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering is about $80,000, according to PayScale. Biomedical engineering graduates with a Master of Engineering degree can expect to make slightly more, or about $81,000 per year on average.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with a biomedical engineering master’s degree are in bioengineering, materials development, medical research, clinical trials, software engineering, pharmacology, environmental engineering, and medicine. If you become a biomedical engineer, you can apply your skills to careers in the government, healthcare, or manufacturing industries.
Biomedical Engineering Degree Jobs
- Biomedical Engineer
- Materials Engineer
- Medical Scientist/Researcher
- Software Developer
- Sales Engineer
Potential Careers With a Biomedical Engineering Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
You can make between $90,000 and $120,000 per year with a biomedical engineering master’s degree. However, this annual salary range isn’t fixed. Depending on your location, work experience, career track, and additional qualifications, you could earn more or less.
Below are potential annual salaries and job outlooks for graduates of biomedical engineering master’s degree programs.
Highest-Paying Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $110,140 |
| Sales Engineer | $103,710 |
| Materials Engineer | $98,300 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $97,410 |
| Medical Scientist | $95,310 |
Best Jobs for Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for biomedical engineering master’s degree grads include software developer, materials engineer, and medical scientist. Based on our review of job opportunities, salaries, and job growth, you will find some of the best career tracks you could pursue in the sections below.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a biomedical engineering master’s degree is worth it if you want to advance your career in this field. A master’s degree also opens the door to becoming an industry innovator and educator. A Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering or a related field limits your job opportunities and access to the highest-paying positions in this industry.
The biomedical information and communications technology (ICT) market is projected to earn $64 billion by 2026, according to the 2021 Biomedical and ICT Convergence Market Report by Research and Markets. It also predicts that which the North American market will lead this growth. This is one indicator that biomedical professionals in the US are likely to enjoy more industry leverage and relevance in the coming years.
Additional Reading About Biomedical Engineering
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Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree FAQ
Yes, biomedical engineers are in demand. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth of 6 percent for this position between 2020 and 2030. As indicated above, there are many additional career paths and fields of study like doctoral programs for biomedical engineering professionals, some with projected job growth as high as 22 percent.
Yes, biomedical engineering requires in-depth knowledge of math, especially in calculus and differential equations. You also need to understand linear algebra and probabilities. These are some of the prerequisites of schools with master’s degree programs in biomedical engineering. Hence, you must carefully research the university you want to attend if you want to achieve your career goals as a biomedical engineer.
A biomedical engineer might not offer direct medical care to patients, but they design the products and services that make diagnosis and treatment plans easier to carry out. A biomedical engineer might also be responsible for maintaining these products and coordinating the efforts of technicians who use them.
Yes, biomedical engineering is a good major for medical school and an excellent educational experience. A school of medicine welcomes candidates with this degree because these graduates stand a better chance of positively influencing the medical industry. However, these programs can be expensive, but if you can’t afford them, there are many financial aid opportunities to help you achieve your career goals.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
