Biomedical Engineering Graduate Programs with Course Descriptions
Medical technology is constantly advancing as engineers develop new tools for surgery, treatment and healthcare management. The vast amount of tools and technology used in the medical system, such as artificial organs, cloning, prosthetic limbs and communication systems, is largely due to the work of biomedical engineers. Those seeking biomedical engineering graduate programs may pursue a master's degree or Ph.D. in the field.
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
This graduate degree program focuses on fusing science with biomedical technology in order to improve the means of diagnosing and treating health-related issues. Extensive work is done in laboratories, where students use computers and other equipment to study subjects like tissue engineering and wireless communication in cells. Students enrolled in the master's program typically participate in an internship with professional biomedical engineers. Some programs require graduating students to complete a research thesis on a biomedical engineering topic of interest.
Educational Prerequisites
Before enrolling in this program, students must hold a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as mathematical science, engineering or life science. In addition, applicants must have a strong background in chemistry, calculus and biology. Many schools require that the applicant submit a letter of recommendation and meet the minimum GPA requirements.
Program Coursework
This interdisciplinary program incorporates research and studies from different departments, including medicine, chemistry, math, dentistry and engineering. Here are some common master's-level courses:
- Advanced molecular biology
- Physiology
- Tissue engineering
- Biomedical materials
- Biomedical instrument development
- Biomechanics
- Bioinformatic algorithms
- Computer cardiology
- Biological imaging
Career Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov), as of 2008 there were 16,000 biomedical engineers in the country, a number that is expected to increase 72% between 2008 and 2018. The same source states that the average annual wage for all types of biomedical engineers was $81,120 in 2008. Salaries for biomedical engineers differ by industry; for example, those working in the medical equipment and supplies manufacturing industry made an average of $83,760 in 2008, according to the BLS.
Continuing Education Information
Licensure for biomedical engineers is currently optional. Candidates who choose to become licensed must hold a degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), meet work experience requirements and pass a 2-part state exam. Along with a license, successful candidates earn the professional engineer (PE) designation. In some states, biomedical engineers need to complete continuing education credits to maintain their licensure.
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering
This degree program prepares graduate students for careers in industry research and development, government and education. The majority of credit hours spent in this program involve completing a dissertation on a chosen subject, such as biomechanics, biomedical signal processing and instrumentation or neural engineering. A prospective doctoral student must have at least a bachelor's degree and the minimum post-baccalaureate credit hours specified by the school. Many programs require that the prospective student take an exam assessing his or her level of knowledge of medical science and engineering.
Program Coursework
Oftentimes, the coursework and dissertation are completed on an individual basis, with scheduling determined by the students and faculty. Doctoral students are also required to complete basic core classes, including the following:
- Biomedical engineering in clinical medicine
- Biomedical mathematics
- Organ transport systems
- Cell and tissue engineering
Career Outlook and Salary Information
A graduate degree is typically required for biomedical engineer positions in research labs, and those who hold a Ph.D. are well-prepared for research careers. According to the BLS, biomedical engineers working in scientific research and development made an average of $42.62 per hour in 2008, which was the second-highest biomedical engineering wage. As of 2008, there were 2,910 research and development biomedical engineers nationwide.
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1 Popular School
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Iowa (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering Mechanics
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
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School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
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School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Florida include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Ocean Engineering
- Surveying
- Systems Engineering
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School locations:
- Pennsylvania (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Temple University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
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School locations:
- New York (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Cornell University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Systems Engineering
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Wayne State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Plastics Engineering
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School locations:
- Nevada (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Nevada include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental Engineering
- Geological Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
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School locations:
- Texas (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at The University of Texas include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
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School locations:
- Vermont (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Vermont include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
