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Best Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Daisy Waithereo Wambua - June 17, 2022


The field of medicine is ever-evolving, requiring medical professionals to continually update their technical skills. Many medical professionals who have bachelor’s degrees and are looking to keep up with these advancements pursue an online Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. Studying online allows them to hone their skills without disturbing their professional schedules. However, with the plethora of options for this two-year degree, it can be hard to determine which online biomedical engineering master’s degree is best.

To help in your search, we’ll outline the best online biomedical engineering master’s degrees in the US and detail all of the information you need to assess its suitability for your needs. Additionally, to provide you with an idea of what graduates of these programs achieve, we’ll also discuss the highest-paying biomedical engineering master’s degree jobs.

Where Can I Get a Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Online?

You can get a biomedical engineering master’s degree online from a variety of schools, including Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, Purdue University, University of California, and University of Illinois. Other great options include studying at University of Maryland, University of North Dakota, University of Southern California, Case Western Reserve University, and Colorado State University.

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What Schools Offer the Best Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degrees?

  • Purdue University
  • Columbia University,
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • University Of Southern California
  • University of North Dakota

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree?

The minimum admission requirement for an online biomedical engineering master’s degree is the possession of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. From there, the requirements differ between each institution. Many schools require prospective students to submit letters of recommendation from their professors or managers, as well as a written statement of interest in the program.

Some schools require applicants to have a minimum undergraduate GPA score, typically of 3.0 or higher. In addition, you may be required to provide GRE or GMAT scores. However, many institutions have chosen waive this requirement, at least until the 2023 academic year.

Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Admission Requirements

  • An accredited undergraduate degree in a relevant field
  • Minimum GPA score (determined by each school)
  • GRE/GMAT scores
  • Academic transcripts
  • Resume
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of interest

How to Get a Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Online

You can get a biomedical engineering master’s degree online by meeting the graduation requirements. You will need to complete the stated number of credits to be eligible. You should note that the graduation requirements vary from one program to another. Some institutions require learners to finish capstone projects, assignments, or essays to qualify for graduation.

Students are typically required to complete 30 credit hours while maintaining a 3.0 GPA across all courses. Some schools will have graduate students complete a thesis, but for biomedical engineering that is often replaced with capstone couses, projects, or internships.

Biomedical Engineering Degree Requirements

  • Complete 30 credits
  • Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Complete a capstone project, internship, or thesis

Best Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

School Program Accreditation
Case Western Reserve University Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Higher Learning Commission
Colorado State University Master of Engineering Higher Learning Commission
Columbia University in the City of New York Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Johns Hopkins University Master of Science in Applied Biomedical Engineering Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Purdue University Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Higher Learning Commission
University of California, Riverside Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Western Association of Schools and Colleges
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Master of Engineering in Bioengineering Higher Learning Commission
University of Maryland Master of Engineering in Bioengineering Middle States Commission on Higher Education
University of North Dakota Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Higher Learning Commission
University of Southern California Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Best Schools for Biomedical Engineering: Top Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Programs

The best schools for biomedical engineering will help you build a successful career in the industry. Below, we’ll go over the top online biomedical engineering master’s degree programs to help you narrow down your options.

1

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH

This university was founded in 1967 after a merger between circa 1826 school Western Reserve College and circa 1880 school Case School of Applied Science. Since then, the school has amassed an enrollment of 11,465 and offers more than 100 baccalaureate degrees and 160 graduate and professional programs.

Master's in Biomedical Engineering Online

Those interested in health technology, engineering management, or biodesign would do well taking this 10-course, 30-credit-hour program. Within this master’s degree, students will build foundational knowledge in the basics of analysis and instrumentation before delving into upper-level online classes on physiology, biomedical imaging, biomaterials, and neural engineering. Students learn online through simulation software and will be paired with on-campus students for class projects and labs.

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Online Overview

  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition: $58,170/program
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 4 semesters at 7-8 credits per semester
  • Learning Format: Online
  • NCES School Graduation Rate: 85%

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Online Admission Requirements

  • GPA: 3.0
  • Standardized Tests: Not required
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
  • Other Requirements: Statement of interest, two letters of recommendation

Applying to Case Western Reserve University

  1. Fill out an online application and select biomedical engineering as your intended master’s program
  2. Pay the $50 application fee
  3. Write a statement of interest
  4. Provide your academic history
  5. Get two letters of recommendation
2

Colorado State University

Aurora, CO

Founded in 1870 as Colorado’s land-grant school, the university has since grown to have an enrollment of 38,353 in-person and 12,578 online students. Colorado State University ranks in 67th place for top public schools , according to US News and World Report.

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

For those hesitant about studying online, you can feel reassured in knowing that 93 percent of CSU’s grads say they would take the program in that format again. The university’s curriculum covers topics like bioengineering, quantitative systems physiology, biomedical signal processing, biophotonics, and digital signal processing. You can even choose a further specialization in materials, tissues, or biomechanics within this degree.

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Overview

  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition: $983/credit
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 4 semesters at 7-8 credits per semester
  • Learning Format: Online
  • NCES School Graduation Rate: 47%

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Admission Requirements

  • GPA: 3.0
  • Standardized Tests: GRE (optional)
  • Application Fee: $60
  • Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in either natural or life sciences, or engineering
  • Other Requirements: Three letters of recommendation, resume, statement of purpose

Applying to Colorado State University

  1. Fill out the online application
  2. Send in your bachelor’s degree transcripts
  3. Gather three letters of recommendation
  4. Submit updated resume
  5. Send in GRE scores (optional)
3

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY

Founded in 1754, this Ivy League university has a long history of premier educational programs and is ranked the second-best school in the nation , per US News and World Report. As it offers some of the highest-rated programs in the US, Columbia University is incredibly selective, with its 30,135 students making it into the six percent acceptance rate.

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Like other biomedical systems programs, Columbia’s interdisciplinary degree teaches students biological sciences and their relation to engineering science and applied engineering. Biomedical engineering students that gain entrance into this exclusive program will take three core courses in subjects like sound and hearing, solid biomechanics, and quantitative physiology, and one math course on biophysical modeling.

Afterward, students take two biomedical engineering elective classes on ultrasound and diagnostic imaging, cardiac mechanics, or artificial organs, and four free electives above the 4,000 level.

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Overview

  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Tuition: $2,272/credit
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 4 semesters at 7-8 credits per semester
  • Learning Format: Online
  • NCES School Graduation Rate: 96%

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Admission Requirements

  • GPA: 3.0
  • Standardized Tests: GRE
  • Application Fee: $150
  • Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
  • Other Requirements: Three letters of recommendation, resume, personal statement

Applying to Columbia University

  1. Fill out an online application
  2. Send in academic transcripts
  3. Submit GRE results
  4. Send three letters of recommendation
  5. Polish and send your resume
  6. Write a personal statement
4

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins , named after the philanthropist, was established in 1876 and soon after launched its hospital in 1889. Though Johns Hopkins has more than 400 programs for its 28,890 students, it is certainly best known for its research medical school, of which is ranked third in the nation , according to US News and World Report.

Master of Science in Applied Biomedical Engineering

For biomedical engineers who want to update their knowledge base with the latest developments in the industry, studying at Johns Hopkins University is an excellent option. There are a staggering number of online classes offered, some of which cover neurobiology, neural networks, molecular biology, immunoengineering, biophotonics, and cellular engineering.

Within Johns Hopkins’ program, students will choose a biomedical engineering concentration, either biomechanics, imaging, medical devices, neuroengineering, or tissue translation engineering. Additionally, Johns Hopkins also offers an online, post-master’s certificate program to graduates of this program.

Master of Science in Applied Biomedical Engineering Overview

  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Tuition: $1,640/credit (after automatic application of Dean’s Fellowship)
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 4 semesters at 7-8 credits per semester
  • Learning Format: Online, hybrid

Master of Science in Applied Biomedical Engineering Admission Requirements

  • GPA: No minimum requirement
  • Standardized Tests: Not required
  • Application Fee: $115
  • Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
  • Other Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or your admission is voted on by a committee or you’re put on provisional admission
  • NCES School Graduation Rate: 94%

Applying to Johns Hopkins University

  1. Provide proof of a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
  2. Submit official transcripts
  3. Submit GRE results (optional)
  4. Apply for financial aid and scholarships
5

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University has grown significantly since its first president started his term in 1872, with the school amassing 46,655 students and 160-plus graduate programs on its main campus alone. This university ranks first for undergraduate biological programs , according to US News and World Report’s list.

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

This program in biomedical engineering (BME) is a specialization within Purdue’s interdisciplinary engineering MSE/MS program. Examples of courses you’ll take include kinetics of human motion, polymeric biomaterials, biostatistics, and biomedical signal processing, and you can choose whether or not to do a thesis. Purdue's program is a great option for bioengineers who want or need additional certification and training in developing technologies.

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Overview

  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition: $1,139/credit in state; $1,430/credit out of state
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 4 semesters at 7-8 credits per semester
  • Learning Format: Online
  • NCES School Graduation Rate: 83%

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Admission Requirements

  • GPA: 3.0 (preferred)
  • Standardized Tests: Not required
  • Application Fee: $60
  • Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
  • Other Requirements: Three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume

Applying to Purdue University

  1. Complete the online application
  2. Send in official transcripts
  3. Write a statement of purpose
  4. Submit three letters of recommendation
  5. Attach your up-to-date resume
6

University of California, Riverside

Riverside, CA

Originally founded in 1868, University of California , Riverside grew to encompass 10 different campuses, with the Riverside branch starting out as an agricultural research facility studying citrus. The campus has since evolved to have 80 baccalaureate, 55 graduate, and 42 doctorate degrees for its 26,434 students.

Master of Engineering in Bioengineering

Within this 13-month program you’ll take 16 credits in both your major classes and in your specialization, followed by four capstones in place of a typical residency. Core courses cover systems engineering, engineering management, innovative technology strategies, and environmental engineering.

Specializations include biotransport phenomena, experimental and computational biology, the analysis of physiological systems, and molecular and cellular engineering, with the latter two applying best to biomedical engineering. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to work in medical or pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, hospitals, or academia.

Master of Engineering in Bioengineering Overview

  • Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
  • Tuition: $875/unit
  • Required Credits: 36 units
  • Program Length: 6 quarters at 6 units per quarter
  • Learning Format: Online
  • NCES School Graduation Rate: 77%

Master of Engineering in Bioengineering Admission Requirements

  • GPA: 3.0 (3.2 recommended)
  • Standardized Tests: GRE waived until 2023
  • Application Fee: $120
  • Minimum Education: Bachelor degree in a relevant field
  • Other Requirements: Statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation

Applying to University of California

  1. Make an online account and fill out the application
  2. Submit unofficial transcripts
  3. Write a statement of purpose
  4. Get three letters of recommendation
  5. Research financial aid and scholarship options
7

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL

This circa 1867 university offers 150 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs to its 52,679 students. Remarkably, 29 of its graduates have gone on to win Pulitzer Prizes. Illinois would be a great school to attend as, according to the US News and World Report, it ranks sixth in the country for best undergraduate engineering programs and 12th for its biomedical programs.

Master of Engineering in Bioengineering

In this program, you would choose between either a bioinstrumentation or general bioengineering concentration and would complete a capstone project to culminate your studies. Illinois’ bioinstrumentation curriculum specializes in imaging and teaches essential industry skills in business operations and financial decision-making. Likewise, the general bioengineering curriculum covers business skills but doesn't focus as heavily on teaching imaging.

Master of Engineering in Bioengineering Overview

  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition: $1,110/credit
  • Required Credits: 32
  • Program Length: 4 semesters at 8 credits per semester
  • Learning Format: Online
  • NCES School Graduation Rate: 86%

Master of Engineering in Bioengineering Admission Requirements

  • GPA: 3.0
  • Standardized Tests: GRE (optional)
  • Application Fee: $70
  • Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
  • Other Requirements: Professional essays, three letters of recommendation

Applying to University of Illinois

  1. Create an online profile and fill out the application
  2. Get three letters of recommendation
  3. Write a personal essay
  4. Send in GRE scores (optional)
  5. Pay application fee
8

University of Maryland

College Park, MD

This public university offers its 40,709 students more than 90 undergraduate programs and 230 graduate programs. According to the US News and World Report , this circa 1856 school ranks 21st in the country for the best bachelor’s degrees in engineering .

Master of Engineering in Bioengineering

This professional master of engineering program is interdisciplinary, focusing on medicine, biology, and engineering to stay on the cusp of the latest biotech developments. By mastering the most advanced technology, bioengineers can better fight infections, improve the overall well-being of patients, and lend a helping hand to people with disabilities.

Students in the program will take ten courses, four of which focus on applied math, physiology, biomedical device developments, and regulation of medical product design. Those core courses are followed by six electives like biosensor techniques, tissue engineering, and genome editing.

Master of Engineering in Bioengineering Overview

  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Tuition: $768/credit
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 4 semesters of 7-8 credits per semester
  • Learning Format: Online
  • NCES School Graduation Rate: 87%

Master of Engineering in Bioengineering Admission Requirements

  • GPA: 3.0
  • Standardized Tests: GRE (optional)
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Minimum Education: Bachelor degree
  • Other Requirements: Three letters of recommendation, resume

Applying to University of Maryland

  1. Complete an online application
  2. Send in your updated resume (optional)
  3. Get three letters of recommendation
  4. Send in GRE scores (optional)
  5. Pay the $75 application fee
9

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

While University of North Dakota’s (UND) first class in 1883 consisted of just eight students, it now has 13,615 students enrolled in the school’s more than 225 programs. While studying the biomedical engineering program online at UND is a great option, the school is actually most famous for its aviation, boasting the biggest college student training fleet, globally.

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Examples of online classes within this degree include biomedical instrumentation, intelligent decision systems, digital image processing, anatomy, and physiology, to name a few. In addition to taking a seminar course, students will also choose from a list of research options, which include biosignals, biosimulation and modeling, biomaterials, and biomechanics. Bioengineer graduates from this program have been recruited by notable organizations such as Johnson & Johnson, GE Healthcare, Medtronic, Siemens, Baxter International, and Philips healthcare.

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Overview

  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition: $496/credit in-state; $498/credit out-of-state
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 4 semesters at 7-8 credits per semester
  • Learning Format: Online
  • NCES School Graduation Rate: 61%

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Admission Requirements

  • GPA: 2.75
  • Standardized Tests: Not required
  • Application Fee: $35
  • Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
  • Other Requirements: Statement of interest, three letters of recommendation

Applying to University Of North Dakota

  1. Submit an online application
  2. Pay the $35 application fee
  3. Submit official transcript
  4. Get three letters of recommendation
  5. Write a statement of interest
10

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

While founded in 1879, University of Southern California (USC) has kept up with the times, becoming a remarkable school both for its online and in-person 46,287 current students, 88,000 of which are in engineering. University of Southern California is included on multiple US News and World Report’s top engineering degree lists .

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

USC offers two Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering degrees. One focuses on general studies, while the other focuses on imaging informatics and medical imaging. In the former, students learn how to apply their background knowledge in engineering and physiology to the latest developments in biotech. In the latter program, students master picture archiving communications systems (PACS), and other medical imaging software.

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Overview

  • Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission
  • Tuition: $2,309/credit
  • Required Credits: 28 credits
  • Program Length: 4 semesters at 7 credits per semester
  • Learning Format: Online
  • NCES School Graduation Rate: 92%

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Admission Requirements

  • GPA: No minimum requirement
  • Standardized Tests: Not required (subject to change)
  • Application Fee: $90
  • Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Other Requirements: Three letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume

Applying to University of Southern California

  1. Fill out an online application
  2. Send in electronic transcripts
  3. Upload updated resume
  4. Write a personal statement
  5. Get three letters of recommendation

What Is an Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s  Degree?

An online biomedical engineering master’s degree is a graduate-level credential. It’s earned through a graduate program that teaches advanced skills to those with prior STEM bachelor’s degrees. If your bachelor’s degree wasn’t in bioengineering, specifically, you could also qualify for a biomedical engineering master’s degree program with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.

Having gained baseline knowledge in sciences from your bachelor’s degree, you can choose a specialization in your graduate program. Popular concentrations include tissue translation, genetic engineering, biomechanics, imaging, and neuroengineering. Depending on the institution, some programs require students to write a thesis as a culmination of their studies or take part in an internship.

Online vs In-Person Biomedical Engineering Degrees

The difference between online vs in-person biomedical engineering degrees is not as stark as some people first think. As long as students study at accredited universities, the educational quality of the types of learning styles is equal, with schools offering the same professors and classes online as in-person. Many universities don’t even specify the learning format through which the degree was earned, making the difference between the two indistinguishable on paper.

Though they are both great options for getting a degree, one disadvantage to getting a biomedical engineering degree online is that labs are more challenging to complete. Since distanced students don’t have the required medical equipment themselves, they need to either complete virtual simulation labs or are paired with in-person students in the same program so that person can use the on-campus equipment for them. That’s not to say that in-person learning doesn’t have its disadvantages, as there are benefits to each type of program style. Below, we’ll discuss five pros of online vs in-person biomedical engineering degrees.

Top 5 Benefits of an Online Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering

  • Flexible scheduling. Students in online programs are able to enmesh their learning hours into their already-established schedules. They can typically watch pre-recorded lectures in their free time, and even select if they want to study part-time or full-time.
  • More affordable. Online students don’t need to worry about paying for on-campus amenities like gyms, in-person libraries, dormitories, or dining halls. Additionally, because students can learn from anywhere in the country, they can live in more affordable locations and not need to worry about commuting to and from expensive college towns.
  • Learning options. Not everyone focuses best in typical classrooms, so a benefit of online programs is that they allow students to learn in their most productive environments. Learning remotely is also more accessible for people with disabilities who might have difficulty leaving the house or maneuvering around campuses lacking adequate accommodations.
  • More school choices. If you like your current town, or like a school but not its campus area, by taking an online program you can attend your dream school uninhibited by location.
  • Eclectic curriculum. Since you aren’t limited to the school nearest to you, you are able to choose a university-based on how interesting you find the curriculum. Additionally, with the extra time online students save working from home, they can take more productive or fun electives.

Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering

  • More interactive. Through in-person programs, you’ll be able to more easily interact with peers and professors, including tutoring, socializing, or other forms of interaction.
  • Access to facilities. University campuses are like their own self-contained cities, with gyms, dining halls, health services, dormitories, restaurants, libraries, and more. In attending class in-person, you won’t need to leave your campus area often, with ample amenities just a few blocks away.
  • Easier to focus. Being surrounded by students in a classroom makes focusing on lectures much easier. With fewer distractions, you’ll be able to more effectively learn and take notes.
  • More participation. Taking classes in person facilitates conversation more easily, as professors interact with students face-to-face instead of looking at a grid of students with their cameras and mics off. Class discussions make lectures more enriching and engaging than simply watching a professor go through Powerpoint slides.
  • Campus community. Going to campus with like-minded peers makes it easy to make new friends. Whether through your course, department, or campus, college is a unique and special place to form lifelong connections.

What Types of Online Master’s Degrees Can You Get in Biomedical Engineering?

The two types of online master’s degrees you can get in biomedical engineering are a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering or a Master of Science in Bioengineering. Bioengineering is an umbrella term involving the application of engineering to various fields of biology like medicine, natural resources, and farming. Biomedical engineering, by contrast, focuses solely on applying engineering to medicine and developing new technology to better the well-being of patients.

Is It Better to Get a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering or a Master of Science in Bioengineering?

It is better to get a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering if you want your curriculum to be strictly focused on the healthcare industry and medical technology. You can still study for a Master of Science in Bioengineering, but that degree will likely involve classes in other fields of engineering.

How Much Does a Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Cost?

A biomedical engineering master’s degree costs $19,314 on average between private and public institutions, per the National Center for Education Statistics. The price of a degree depends upon the type of university chosen. If your dream school is not within your budget, you can look into a scholarship opportunity or file your FAFSA for financial assistance.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Biomedical Engineering Master’s  Degree Online?

It typically takes two years to get a biomedical engineering master’s degree online, with students taking about seven credits across four semesters, totaling 30 credits. One of the benefits of earning a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering online is that you can learn at your own pace, whether that be taking more or fewer credits than in-person students.

Students who want to take more than seven credits per semester can earn their master’s degree in a shorter period of time. If they study full-time, they can usually earn their degree in between 12 and 18 months.

However, for those who can’t dedicate themselves to studying full-time or even take the typical seven credits per semester, they can learn at a slower pace. This would obviously mean that it would take more than two years to earn the degree, and prospective students should be wary of time constraints enforced by their institutions. Johns Hopkins University, for instance, requires its graduate students to complete their degrees within five years.

Are Online Biomedical Engineering Degrees Respected?

Yes, online biomedical engineering degrees are respected. As long as your school is accredited, earning your degree online should make no difference to employers.  acquire your master’s in biomedical engineering degree from an accredited institution, you should have no problems with prospective employers or other institutions.

This is because quality universities have the same professors and curriculum online as they do in person, rendering the differences between the two degrees negligible. Moreover, most schools don’t even mark on their degrees whether they were obtained online or in person.

Is Biomedical Engineering Hard to Learn Online?

No, biomedical engineering is not hard to learn online if you have strong skills in biology, physics, chemistry, and engineering. The curriculum is the same whether learning online or in-person, meaning the difficulty of classes between the two will be identical.

However, one thing that makes learning biomedical engineering inconvenient is the lack of access to laboratories. This means that online students will either need to study through clunky simulation labs or be paired with in-person students who can perform the assignments.

Biomedical Engineering Bootcamp vs. Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?

An online biomedical engineering master’s degree is better than a biomedical engineering bootcamp. Online degree programs are accredited, and because they typically span two years, have a more thorough curriculum. Additionally, most biomedical engineering bootcamps are intended to dovetail into a baccalaureate or graduate studies and are not intended to replace a degree. That being said, there are pros and cons to each type of learning. Below, we’ll go over five benefits of each type of program.

Top 5 Benefits of an Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree

  • Rigorous Education. Master’s degree programs are more rigorous and in-depth than bootcamps, as they’re a much higher level of education.
  • Career opportunities. While you can get a job with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, obtaining a graduate degree makes you an even more appealing candidate to prospective employers. The advanced skills gained under a graduate degree gives you a competitive edge in the job market.
  • High pay. In addition to being able to land more jobs, a master’s degree will attract a higher pay than a four-year degree. Employers will often offer a higher median salary to those with a master’s degree as they know those applicants are more knowledgeable in the biomedical engineering field.
  • Continuing studies. A Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering program is an excellent step towards getting a postgraduate education, as many schools allow students to transfer credits from one degree to the next.
  • Networking opportunities. Online master’s degree students work directly with professors, who often have connections in the professional field outside of their university. This can open the door for potential research and internships while pursuing your degree, or help place you in a job upon graduation.

Top 5 Benefits of a Biomedical Engineering Bootcamp

  • Determine educational future. Bootcamps are a great way to establish whether or not you want to eventually pursue further education. Many universities offer bootcamps to promote their baccalaureate, graduate, or doctorate programs, making bootcamps a great introduction both to biomedical engineering and prospective schools.
  • Short immersive programs. Compared to two-year graduate degree programs, biomedical engineering bootcamps only take between a few weeks to a few months to complete. Being that bootcamps are highly specialized, you wouldn’t need to take irrelevant courses as you would to fulfill a typical degree’s requirements.
  • Affordable courses. Since bootcamps are much shorter than master’s degrees, they are also much more affordable. This makes learning beyond a bachelor’s degree more accessible.
  • Learn specific skills. If you already have your bachelor’s degree and want to learn about new developments in biotechnology, a bootcamp is a great way to get you caught up without necessarily getting an entirely new degree.
  • In-demand curriculum. Bootcamps are constantly revising their curricula to ensure they are meeting the demands of the industry. Through a bootcamp and paired with your prior bachelor’s degree, you will acquire job-ready skills to navigate the biomedical engineering job market.

Why You Should Get a Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Online

You should get a biomedical engineering master’s degree online because you will learn specialized skills from the comfort of your home.  A master’s degree allows you to concentrate in a specific area of biomedical engineering, leading to a competitive edge in the job market, as well as a higher earning potential.

Studying online is a great educational option because it saves you a sizable amount of money through lower tuition fees, transpiration fees, and expensive living accommodations on or near campus. Since you are getting the same value education whether you study online or in-person, it makes sense to choose the learning style that costs less.

What Courses Do You Take in an Online Master’s Degree Program in Biomedical Engineering?

The courses you’ll take in an online master’s degree program in biomedical engineering will vary between institutions, but there are common online courses taught in most schools. Some of these include bioimaging, medical device development, biomechanics, neural engineering, and bioinformatics. Below, we’ll discuss typical classes you can expect to take while studying biomedical engineering.

Bioimaging Methods

In this class, you’ll learn the non-invasive techniques used to visualize biological processes through the creation of full-body, organ, or tissue images. You’ll learn how to use X-rays, ultrasounds, computed tomography (CT), photoacoustics, optical microscopy, and Positron Emission Tomography. These are essential in detecting, diagnosing, and characterizing diseases.

Medical Device Development

This course introduces you to the stages of making new biotechnology, which include initiation, formulation, design and development, final validation, and product launch. These specific stages must be followed to ensure the product or device is safe and effective for use by the general public.

Biomechanics

In this course, you will learn how mechanical engineering principles apply to the human body. This involves studying how the skeleton and muscles move through kinetics, heat, mass, and dynamics. If you plan to be a biomedical engineer, you should be able to identify the motion and properties of living systems in relation to chemical changes.

Neural Engineering

In this class, you’ll learn the function of the brain and nervous systems, delving into neural signal processing, neural tissue regeneration, neural circuits, and neuro-diagnostics. Through an understanding of these processes, students can understand how to develop their own technologies to aid in understanding and treating nervous system conditions.

Bioinformatics

The best online master’s in biomedical engineering degree programs will teach you computational biology and the analysis of biological data. In this course, you will master collecting, storing, and analyzing biological information to better understand and organize data.

Continuing Education Paths for Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Graduates

Those wanting to continue along their educational path after their Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree often pursue a PhD. Though many bachelor’s degree recipients jump right into a PhD, earning your master’s degree first allows you to earn your PhD in steps and end up with three degrees instead of two.

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What to Look For in the Best Biomedical Engineering Master’s  Degree Programs

While it’s great that getting a master’s degree has become more accessible through online educational programs, it can be difficult to find the best quality programs. Important factors to consider in your school search include researching a school’s faculty credentials, reputation, specialization, career services, and graduation rate. Below, we’ll discuss these aspects in more detail.

Reputation of School

Ensure that a school you are looking into is accredited, meaning that it passed a third-party examination of the quality of the education it provides. Getting an online degree from an accredited university not only gives you a better education but employers or higher educational institutions might not recognize a degree from a school of questionable standing, rendering your degree worthless.

Faculty Credentials

Similar to a school’s accreditation, looking into the credentials of specific faculty members will let you know the quality of their program. You should check whether the leading instructor is an expert in the field. You might even see a professor that specializes in a concentration you’re interested in, which could lead to internship or research opportunities.

Specialization

The field of biomedical engineering is vast, covering technology designed for all biological processes. As such, you might want to narrow your focus for your graduate studies and find a school that has a concentration in the specific subfield you want.

Tuition

Cost is an important factor to consider when looking into schools, so make sure you are aware of the different university options—public, non-profit private, and for-profit private—that vary in the price range. Also, look into any scholarships or fellowships the school might be offering to aid in financial strain.

Graduation Rate

Through the graduation rate, you will determine the program’s effectiveness and prestige. Schools with high-quality, exclusive programs have a high graduation rate.

What Is the Most Affordable Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree?

The most affordable online biomedical engineering master’s degree is offered through University of North Dakota. The tuition is $496 per credit for in-state students and $498 per credit for out-of-state students. The entire program comes out to about $14,880.

Can I Get a Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Online for Free?

No, you cannot get a biomedical engineering master’s degree online for free. However, there are financial aid options like loans, scholarships, fellowships, and federal grants available to students. To find out if you qualify, you can check the eligibility requirements on the official website or contact the admissions office.

Salary and Job Outlook for Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Graduates

A group of graduates throws their caps in the air
Learning biomedical engineering online is extremely convenient.

Those graduating with a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering have great job prospects. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that bioengineers and biomedical engineers earn an average of $97,410 per year . The BLS also predicts a six percent job growth from 2020 to 2030.  Below, we’ll discuss some of the other highest-paying jobs those with one of the best biomedical engineering master’s degrees can expect to land upon graduation.

How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree?

It is not hard to get a job with a biomedical engineering master’s degree as there are plenty of opportunities in medicine and biology waiting for professionals with advanced degrees. According to the BLS, acquiring an advanced degree in the medical field will result in an average $164,302 per year. While some starting work in medicine will have lower salaries initially, those will only increase over time as they gain more experience.

What’s the Average Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s  Degree Salary?

The average salary of an online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree is $80,000 per year according to PayScale. The average annual salary of bioengineering and biomedical engineers is $97,410. Either average is an excellent price point for an annual salary, making biomedical engineering master’s degree jobs very promising.

What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree?

The jobs you can get with an online biomedical engineering master’s degree are incredibly varied, with graduates able to work in government, private practice, health institutions, and more. Employers seek professionals such as sales engineers, bioinformatics scientists, health sciences managers, nanosystems engineers, and biomedical engineers to help develop medical devices to better the lives of patients.

Biomedical Engineering Degree Jobs

  • Chemical Engineer
  • Sales Engineers
  • Bioinformatics Scientist
  • Nanosystems Engineer
  • Biomedical Engineer

Potential Careers With an Online Biomedical Engineering Degree

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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s  Degree?

You can make roughly $100,000 with an online biomedical engineering master’s degree. On our list of the top highest paying jobs, the lowest salary was $97,410 for biomedical engineers and $105,550 for chemical engineers.

There are variables that influence how much money you make as an annual salary. These include the location of your job, the company you work for, your prior professional experience, and any expertise you might have. Below, we’ll go over some biomedical engineering master’s degree jobs.

Highest-Paying Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Jobs Average Salary
Chemical Engineer $105,550
Sales Engineers $103,710
Bioinformatics Scientist $101,530
Nanosystems Engineer $100,640
Biomedical Engineer $97,410

Best Jobs for Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Grads

Some of the best jobs for online biomedical engineering master’s degree grads include being a chemical engineer, sales engineer, bioinformatics scientist, nanosystems engineer, and biomedical engineer. If you have recently completed your bachelor’s degree, while you might meet the qualifications for the jobs listed above, having a master’s degree will give you a competitive edge that will help you land a job and earn a higher annual salary.

1

Chemical Engineer

Average Salary: $105,550

With most biomedical engineering students having taken chemistry classes, they would have the experience of working in medicine as chemical engineers, conducting research to aid in the development of new biotechnology. Chemical engineers can also work within pharmaceuticals to help discover a new drug designs to help patients in need.

2

Sales Engineer

Average Salary: $103,710

If you want to be more focused on the commercial side of biotech, you can pursue a job as a sales engineer, helping customers understand and buy complex medical equipment. The feedback from sales engineers helps their companies create and modify products that address consumer needs.

3

Bioinformatics Scientist

$101,530

Bioinformatics scientists are responsible for collecting, managing, and reviewing biological data using computer software. They are also proficient in designing databases and solving complex mathematical formulas. You will have likely taken bioinformatics classes during your undergraduate or graduate degree, but you can learn more online to better equip you to collaborate with biologists and computer research scientists to organize and interpret data.

  • Average Salary: $101,530
  • Job Outlook: 3% job growth from 2020 to 2030
  • Number of Jobs: 47,050
  • Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Maryland, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts
4

Nanosystems Engineers

Average Salary: $100,640

Groups of particles between the size of 1 to 100 nanometers are considered to be nanosystems, and engineers with a job in nanotechnology study the interactions of these systems on a microscopic level. Based on their findings, they develop devices for the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.

5

Biomedical Engineer

Average Salary: $97,410

Biomedical engineers are professionals responsible for designing equipment and devices to solve medical problems. Companies also rely on workers to install and maintain biomedical equipment. It's a highly collaborative line of work, whereby you will collaborate with other medical scientists and professionals from other departments along the steps required to produce new biotechnology, from design to product launch.

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Is an Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree Worth It?

Yes, an online biomedical engineering master’s degree is very much worth it. While some engineering jobs only require a bachelor’s degree from their applicants, having a master’s degree allows you to stand out among the crowd, increasing the likelihood of getting hired and earning a higher annual salary. With a master’s degree, you’ll likely have completed research projects that look amazing in a portfolio, impressing prospective employers.

An online degree is a smart option for pursuing graduate education because you’ll get the same quality education from an accredited university at home as you would get in-person, but for thousands of dollars less in tuition costs. That doesn’t even include the other expensesyou would have attending school on campus, such as paying for amenities, student housing, or expensive nearby apartments and transportation.

With an online biomedical engineering master’s degree, you can expect to earn roughly six figures, an amazing starting salary for entry-level positions. Not to mention the fact that because biomedical engineering is an interdisciplinary field of study, you would have the freedom to choose from a wide range of appealing careers to achieve your career goals.

Additional Reading About Biomedical Engineering

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Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degree FAQ

Is it hard to get biomedical engineering master’s degree jobs?

No, it is not hard to get biomedical engineering master’s degree jobs. Many of the highest-paying careers are going to see job opportunities increase between six to eight percent between 2020 and 2030, with eight percent being close to the national average for all jobs.

Can biomedical engineers work remotely?

Yes, biomedical engineers can work remotely from anywhere in the country. Not every biomedical engineer is conducting research in a laboratory. Rather, many of them synthesize data and design technology on the computer, which can be done from the comfort of your home.

What is the difference between bioengineering and biomedical engineering?

Bioengineering involves the application of engineering to natural sciences beyond medicine, such as the environment and agriculture, whereas biomedical engineering is focused exclusively on advancements in medical technology.

What industries can you work in with a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering?

You can work in a wide variety of fields with a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. Two popular options include academia and research, perhaps pursuing a Phd program along the way. Others choose to work in hospitals, government agencies, or pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

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.

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Daisy Waithereo Wambua

About the author: Daisy, a certified Career Coach by the International Association of Professions Career College, is a seasoned writer with a decade of experience in writing, proofreading, and editing. She has spoken at Maseno University to help young women explore new careers and learn more about technology. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Public Relations, a Certificate in Web Development, and a Master's Degree in International Studies.

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