The goal of the MS program in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Miami is to prepare students for successful careers in the biomedical industry, academia, or government (FDA, US Patent Office), or for further study in doctoral or health-related programs.
The educational objective of the program is to provide students with the technical and intellectual skills required to solve complex technical or scientific problems at the interface of engineering and medicine or biology.
The qualifications and documentation required for admission to the MS program in Biomedical Engineering are the same as for the College of Engineering.
Students in the last two groups are generally given conditional admission and required to take additional undergraduate courses in engineering, physics, and/or mathematics depending on their previous course work, as specified in the admission letter. The requisite courses will be prescribed by the Department Chair or Graduate Program Director during the first advising session.
The curriculum combines advanced coursework which provides depth in a specific area of concentration and advanced problem-solving skills, with supervised research or design in one of the laboratories of the faculty from the Department of Biomedical Engineering or the School of Medicine, or in the local biomedical industry.
There are no formalized graduate curricular tracks in the MS program. Masters students select a course of study together with the graduate advisor and/or with their mentor and the thesis committee (for the thesis option) based on their own needs or interests. Students can choose from any of the graduate course offerings, as long as they satisfy the general course requirements and the course prerequisites.
All students enrolled in the MS program in Biomedical Engineering are required to complete the following core graduate courses:
The three human physiology courses are designed to provide a basic understanding of organ-level physiology and anatomy, neurophysiology, and cellular and molecular biology. Students with an MD from a medical school accredited by the World Health Organization are exempted from taking these courses. Students holding advanced degrees in the life sciences, or equivalent experience in the field, may also be exempt. Each such exception requires the approval of the Department Chairperson and Faculty member responsible for the course of concern. Students who receive an exemption, must replace the exempted course(s) with another 3-credit graduate course(s) that meets the degree requirements.
Students with a background in an engineering or scientific field with no prior exposure to biology/medicine are required to complete all three Unified Medical Sciences courses.
The MS non-thesis option is intended for students with an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering or related disciplines who seek advanced training or specialization in a specific area of biomedical engineering; for professional engineers with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines who want to enter the field of biomedical engineering; and for students who want to prepare for admission to advanced health-related or other professional programs.
All students enrolled in the MS non-thesis program must complete a two-semester 3 credit Masters project (BME 707 and BME 708), under the supervision of a project mentor and departmental project coordinator. The project must demonstrate the candidate’s ability to solve complex scientific or technical problems at the interface of engineering and medicine or biology.
The MS project can be a research or design project. The project must include a significant research or design component contributed by the M.S. student, including, but not limited to, the design of an experiment or process; the development of a device, instrument, or system; the development of a computer program; the analysis of experimental data. Projects cannot be limited solely to the review of literature, the development of research or design proposals, or the collection of experimental data.
At the completion of their project, students must submit a written project report and complete a public oral defense of their project.
Students who select the MS non-thesis track must identify a project mentor and select a project before they register for their second semester of full-time study. The project mentor is generally a primary faculty member of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The role of the project mentor is to help the student identify a suitable project, to monitor the progress of the student, to provide guidance and training in the relevant topics, and to review the final report and presentation.
Students may complete their project under the supervision of a faculty member from another Department at the University of Miami, or from the local biomedical industry, under the following conditions:
The project coordinator is a member of the primary faculty of the Department of Biomedical Engineering who is responsible for teaching the BME 707/BME 708 course. The role of the project coordinator is to:
Non-Thesis MS students must submit a one-page project abstract to the Department Chairman or Graduate Program Director and to the MS Project Coordinator at the time when they register for BME 707/BME 708. The abstract must include the name of the project mentor (and co-mentor, if any), the title of the proposed project, and a brief description of the goals of the project and proposed methods. The abstract must be approved by the mentor, MS Project Coordinator, and Department Chairman or Graduate Program Director before the student can start work on the project. (Project Abstract Template)
Non-thesis MS students must submit a detailed report describing the work completed during the project. The report must describe the objectives and significance of the work, and summarize the activities completed by the student as part of the MS project. The report must demonstrate that the work performed by the student satisfies the general project criteria. The typical length of non-thesis M.S. project reports is 20 to 30 pages. If the project resulted in the submission of a full-length peer-reviewed scientific article, the article can be submitted in lieu of a report, as long as the following conditions are satisfied:
The report must be reviewed and approved by the project mentor (and co-mentor, if any). Once the report is approved by the mentor(s), one printed copy and one electronic version in PDF format must be submitted to the Project Coordinator by the specified deadline. The final report must be approved and signed by the Project Mentor(s), Project Coordinator and Graduate Program Director or Department Chairman. (Signature Page Template)
Non-thesis MS students must give an oral presentation of their project. The oral presentation is generally scheduled during the scheduled final examination time of BME 707/BME 708 in the semester of graduation.
The final grade for the project is given by the Project Coordinator. The final grade is a combination of a grade submitted by the Project Mentor(s) assessing the overall performance of the student on the project, and a grade given by the Project Coordinator assessing the quality of the oral presentation and report.
The thesis option is typically selected by students who are oriented towards a career in academic or industrial research and development, or students who want to acquire an initial independent biomedical research experience before seeking admission to doctoral programs.
The Masters thesis is a research monograph which describes the significance of the research and summarizes the research activities completed as part of the MS degree requirements. The objective of the thesis is to evaluate the candidate’s competence in the area of the MS research. The thesis must demonstrate that the research is original and that the candidate has the ability to solve complex scientific and/or technical problems at the interface of engineering and medicine or biology.
Students who select the MS thesis track must identify a thesis mentor before they register for their second semester of full-time study. The thesis mentor must hold a primary or secondary faculty appointment in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Exceptions can be made only with approval of the Graduate Program Director and Department Chairman.
The thesis mentor supervises the research work of the student and provides training and guidance in the relevant research topics, including design of experiments, experimental techniques, and scholarship activities. The mentor helps the student select a thesis topic and develop a plan, and chairs or co-chairs the thesis committee. The mentor works closely with the student to ensure that there is satisfactory progress towards the thesis goals.
The thesis must be approved by a thesis committee. The duties of the thesis committee are:
The committee is nominated by the Graduate Program Director. Usually, the student consults with his/her research mentor and with the Chairperson or Graduate Program Director to select the Committee members.
Biomedical engineering is an exciting and rapidly growing field that combines engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to develop solutions to healthcare problems. A Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering provides advanced training in this multi-disciplinary field and equips students with the skills and knowledge to improve human health through technology.
Overview of Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering integrates engineering expertise with medical and biological knowledge to develop technological solutions for healthcare Biomedical engineers work to apply engineering principles to medical problems in fields like tissue engineering, prosthetics, medical devices, artificial organs, instrumentation, sensors, and health informatics Their work improves patient care, enhances diagnosis and treatment, and advances medical research.
Some examples of innovations by biomedical engineers include artificial heart valves, prosthetic limbs, pacemakers, surgical robots, medical imaging technology like MRI and CT scans, lab-on-a-chip diagnostics, and cutting-edge biomaterials for tissue regeneration Biomedical engineering is a rapidly expanding field as technological advances provide new ways to improve human health.
What is a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering?
A Master’s in Biomedical Engineering is a graduate level degree program that provides advanced training in the field. Master’s programs allow students to gain specialized expertise and skills to take on challenging problems in biomedical engineering.
The 1-2 year full-time Master’s program includes advanced coursework in topics like biomechanics, biomaterials, bioinstrumentation, biosensors, medical imaging, biosignal processing, biocomputing, microbiology, and physiology Students also conduct hands-on research, allowing them to apply classroom concepts to real-world biomedical challenges.
Master’s programs prepare students for careers in industry, research, academia, medicine, or further graduate studies like a PhD or MD/PhD. The advanced technical and research skills gained make Master’s graduates highly valued in biotech and medical device companies, research labs, hospitals, and universities.
Program Curriculum and Format
Master’s in Biomedical Engineering programs blend engineering fundamentals with bioscience and medical knowledge through a mix of advanced coursework, research, and/or industry experiences. While curriculum details vary, programs typically cover:
-
Core biomedical engineering courses – Biomechanics, biomaterials, bioinstrumentation, biosensors, biomedical signal and image processing, biocomputing, microbiology, physiology, etc.
-
Advanced engineering courses – Specialized topics like tissue engineering, neural engineering, medical robotics, bioMEMS, etc.
-
Bioscience/medical courses – Anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, immunology, etc. to provide context for biomedical problems.
-
Math, statistics, and computational courses – Mathematical, statistical, and computational tools for biomedical analysis and design.
-
Electives – Flexibility to take courses in areas of interest like machine learning, data science, nanotech, etc.
-
Research thesis/project – Independent or collaborative hands-on research to solve an open-ended real-world biomedical challenge.
-
Industry experience – Opportunities like internships to gain industry perspective and translate classroom learning.
Programs offer flexibility to specialize through electives and research. Some common focus areas are bioinstrumentation, biomechanics, biomaterials/tissue engineering, and medical imaging.
Master’s in Biomedical Engineering are full-time 1-2 year on-campus programs. Some schools also offer part-time, online/hybrid, or accelerated options suitable for working professionals.
Program Highlights and Learning Outcomes
Master’s programs provide comprehensive biomedical engineering training with features like:
-
Cutting-edge curriculum – Covering the latest biomedical technologies like neural engineering, gene editing, organ-on-a-chip, AI/ML in medicine, point-of-care diagnostics, etc.
-
Research opportunities – Independent or collaborative hands-on research to solve real biomedical challenges and develop innovations.
-
Industry experience – Internships, co-ops, industry-sponsored projects to gain perspective on translating ideas to products.
-
Interdisciplinary environment – Collaboration across engineering, medicine, biology, etc.
-
Networking – Interact with researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and peers. Build professional network.
Upon completing a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering, graduates gain skills to:
-
Identify and frame problems in human health and biology that require engineering solutions
-
Design biomedical devices, tools, and techniques by applying engineering fundamentals
-
Analyze and process physiological signals and medical data
-
Develop computer models and simulations of biological systems
-
Test and evaluate biomedical technologies through benchtop and pre-clinical experiments
-
Apply bioscience and medical knowledge to inform biomedical design
-
Follow ethical principles, safety standards, and regulations in biomedical design
-
Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams on healthcare challenges
-
Communicate technical information clearly to diverse audiences
-
Pursue innovative ideas and entrepreneurial opportunities in biomedical technology
Career Opportunities with a Master’s in BME
A Master’s degree opens up diverse rewarding career paths in biomedical engineering. Example jobs include:
-
Medical device R&D – Develop cutting-edge medical devices like implants, surgical robots, monitoring systems, etc.
-
Pharmaceutical R&D – Work on drug delivery systems, biomaterials, biopharmaceutical technology, etc.
-
Clinical engineering – Manage healthcare technology in hospitals and improve patient care and safety.
-
Rehabilitation engineering – Create assistive and therapeutic devices for people with disabilities.
-
Forensics – Apply biomechanics, image processing, and bioinstrumentation in forensic analysis.
-
Biomedical product design – Take medical innovations from concept to commercial product.
-
Biomedical data analysis – Leverage AI/ML to derive insights from medical and health data.
-
Biomedical research – Conduct experiments and analysis in research labs to advance science and medicine.
-
Higher education – Teach as faculty in biomedical engineering at universities.
A Master’s degree also provides a strong foundation to pursue further education through PhDs or dual degree MD/PhD programs for those interested in bioscience research or biomedical academic careers.
Keys to Choosing the Right Biomedical Engineering Master’s Program
When selecting a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering program, prospective students should consider:
-
Faculty research – Look for departments with leading faculty known for impactful research relevant to your interests.
-
Curriculum focus – Seek programs offering courses and research in your desired specialization like neural engineering, biomaterials, etc.
-
Hands-on research – Choose programs that provide opportunities to actively participate in practical research.
-
Industry partnerships – Look for collaborative projects, sponsorships, student internships/co-ops with biomedical companies.
-
Facilities and labs – Ensure access to well-equipped labs and makerspaces to execute projects.
-
Location – Being near hospitals, companies, and innovation hubs provide more opportunities.
-
Cost and funding – Balance program costs with available financial aid and graduate funding packages.
-
Career services – Programs with robust career guidance, network, and job placement support.
Thoroughly researching programs to find the best fit allows students to maximize their graduate biomedical engineering education and outcomes.
Is a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Worth It?
Pursuing a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering requires a significant investment of time and money. However, the advanced technical expertise and practical skills gained make it a worthwhile investment for several reasons:
-
Gain specialized skills to meet growing demand in biomedical technology fields.
-
Access well-paying stable careers improving human lives through health innovation.
-
Exposure to latest technologies shaping medicine like AI, genomics, microfluidics, nanotech, etc.
-
Flexibility to work in diverse settings – industry, hospitals, research, academia, etc.
-
Opportunity to develop devices/technology and pursue entrepreneurship.
-
Solid foundation to pursue PhDs or dual degree MD/PhD programs.
-
Immersive preparation for interdisciplinary work at intersection of engineering, biology, and medicine.
For those excited about driving technological advances to transform healthcare, a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering is a smart choice and the next step toward a meaningful purposeful career improving lives.
A Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering provides advanced skills and expertise to develop engineering solutions for pressing healthcare problems. Master’s programs blend engineering fundamentals with bioscience knowledge through coursework, research, and industry experiences. Graduates are prepared for well-paid careers advancing biomedical technology in diverse settings. With its positive job outlook and opportunity to meaningfully impact human health, a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering is an invaluable investment for students passionate about medical innovation through technology.
Frequency of Entities:
Master’s in Biomedical Engineering: 23
biomedical engineering: 15
engineering: 14
biomedical: 12
Master’s: 11
healthcare: 5
research: 5
technology: 5
medical: 4
devices: 3
industry: 3
biology: 3
medicine: 3
Sample Plan of Study
A typical curriculum for the MS non-thesis option is shown in the following table. The course sequence and timeline can be adjusted based on individual needs. The minimum residence requirement for the MS degree is two semesters in full-time study or the equivalent in part-time work.
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | ||
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| 9 | ||
| BME 707 | Master’s Project I | 1 |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| 6 | ||
| BME 708 | Master’s Project II | 2 |
| Credit Hours | 8 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
What Is Biomedical Engineering? (Is A Biomedical Engineering Degree Worth It?)
FAQ
Is a Masters worth it for biomedical engineering?
What do biomedical engineers do?
Is biomedical engineering a good degree?
What is a master’s degree in biomedical engineering?
Apply to the Master’s Program Master’s Degree Requirements Master’s Focus Areas & Courses Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering Academics Graduate Master’s Programs Master’s Program Master’s Program The master’s degree program prepares students to pursue a variety of careers in research, industry, consulting, government, and more.
How long does a Master of Science in biomedical engineering take?
The Master of Science (MS) program can be completed in as little as one calendar year of full-time study, including a summer practicum. Part-time options are also available. The Master of Science (MS) Program in Biomedical Engineering is designed to provide advanced training in biomedical engineering, through coursework and a hands-on practicum.
What is a Master of Science in bioengineering?
The Master of Science in Bioengineering is designed for students who want to advance their expertise in the field and pursue exciting careers within the biotechnology, engineering, and medicine and healthcare sectors. The curriculum consists of core bioengineering courses, technical electives, seminars and unrestricted electives.
What is a BME MS in biomedical engineering?
The BME M.S. program is designed to build both depth and breadth of knowledge in biomedical engineering. The program appeals not only to students from standalone biomedical engineering programs, but also to students of traditional engineering or basic science disciplines who wish to develop a career in biomedical engineering.
