Master’s degree programs in biomedical engineering build interdisciplinary skills and technical knowledge in areas such as medical imaging, genetics, and systems biology. Earning a master’s can also help you become more competitive when looking for advanced roles and higher salaries in the field. However, the first step on the journey is finding the right program — the one with the coursework you need, the cost you can afford, and the flexibility to help you juggle whatever responsibilities you have on your plate. This guide is a great starting point. It begins with a ranking of the best online master’s programs in biomedical engineering today, and ends with frequently asked questions from aspiring students just like you. See which schools and programs stand out in 2024.
Best Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Programs in 2024
Navigating the different online master’s degree in biomedical engineering programs can be a challenging task. For 2024, we’ve curated a up-to-date list that aligns with your criteria regarding program quality, flexibility, and career prospects. From cutting-edge research opportunities to specialized tracks in medical device design or tissue engineering, these programs pave the way for aspiring biomedical engineers to contribute to advancements in healthcare.
The bioengineering master’s degree program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is designed for students with an engineering or science bachelor’s degree who want to use their expertise to pursue a career in health on the technical or managerial side. The program allows students to focus their studies on bioinstrumentation or general bioengineering. Students in the bioinstrumentation concentration take coursework that familiarizes them with how biomedical imaging devices are developed. The general bioengineering concentration focuses on a combination of engineering and business concepts so students gain the expertise needed for innovation and product development.
Program Highlights:
Master of Engineering in Bioengineering
- Credits: 32
- Length: About two years
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
The MSBioMedE degree program offered by Florida Atlantic University is designed to give students expertise for careers in the biomedical engineering field working for businesses that create medical diagnostic, pharmaceutical, and prosthetic products. In order to do this, the program includes core courses that cover bioinformatics, biosystems modeling and control, data mining for bioinformatics, and medical information systems. Students have the option to choose a thesis or non-thesis version of the program. Those who choose to complete a thesis conduct original research in a bioengineering topic, while non-thesis students instead complete a series of seminars that require presentations.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: ABET
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
The University of Houston prepares students in its biomedical engineering master’s degree program for the evolving healthcare field by focusing on biomaterials, tissue engineering, biomedical informatics, and global healthcare. The program offers three tracks: biomedical imaging, bionanoscience, and neural, cognitive, and rehabilitation engineering. In addition, to help students further customize their education, they can choose to enroll in the thesis or non-thesis version of the program. Graduates have gone on to work in a variety of settings, including universities like Stanford and Yale; government agencies like NASA; and private companies such as ExxoMobil, Medtronic, and Merck.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
The University of North Dakota’s online biomedical engineering master’s degree program delivers asynchronous coursework so students can juggle their education with their other responsibilities. Courses are not self-paced, so students will still be required to submit assignments on scheduled dates. There may be also be opportunities to take classes on a synchronous basis. Coursework includes lesson modules, online simulations, streaming video content, and posted lectures. Additionally, students may be able to augment the material taught in class by participating in chat rooms, online message boards, and polls.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Inside Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Programs
Finding a school that meets your needs takes time, so we’ve done some initial research to get you started. Below is a look inside three of today’s most popular online biomedical engineering master’s programs. Each spotlight takes a more detailed look at flexibility, affordability, accreditation, and student support services.
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve’s School of Engineering offers a master’s in biomedical engineering online that requires 30 credits from 10 courses. The curriculum covers core engineering principles and contemporary biomedical applications. It also includes a variety of technical electives in instrumentation, signal processing, medical imagining, and medical device design. Case Western tailors its program delivery to the unique needs of working professionals and online learners using cutting-edge simulation software and an innovative learning management system.
This program stands out among other online biomedical engineering master’s degree programs by pairing remote learners with on-campus students for presentations and design projects. Both sets of students receive the same course material administered by the same renowned faculty. Students and faculty work together in collaborative environments that enhance learning and offer additional professional preparation. Graduates often work in a range of industry sectors, including hospitals, laboratories, government agencies, and biotech companies.
University of Southern California
Full-time students in the University of California’s master of science in biomedical engineering program typically complete studies in 2 years or less. The program provides broad-based training, connecting physiology and engineering to prepare aspiring professionals for work in medical technology and other interdisciplinary fields. Students take 28 credits and have the option to complete thesis or non-thesis components near the end of the program.
Administered by USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering, this online biomedical engineering degree prepares you for careers in biomechanics, systems physiology, bioinstrumentation, pharmaceuticals, and clinical engineering. The program delivers all coursework entirely online and does not differentiate between remote and on-campus students for academic purposes. Students can access material anytime they choose, completing interactive assignments in topics like nanomedicine and drug delivery, systems biology, and signal analysis. USC provides each student with a full range of support services in academic advising and course management. Prospective students must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution.
Columbia University
At Columbia University, students can earn a biomedical engineering master’s degree entirely online through the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. This 30-credit program trains learners to solve applied medical and biological problems in a range of careers, developing knowledge in biomedical systems and devices, living systems, and the behavioral factors that impact them. Columbia accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year with no deadlines. Prospective students can enter the program at the beginning of any term.
Like other online biomedical master’s degrees, Columbia’s program offers a high level of convenience and flexibility. Students receive the same degree as their on-campus colleagues and learn from industry experts and experienced faculty members. The curriculum includes computational neuroscience, quantitative physiology, cardiac mechanics, and diagnostic imaging. Students can also choose from a robust array of electives and do not need to complete a thesis or capstone project.
Advantages of Earning an Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering
Pursuing an online biomedical engineering degree at the master’s level has distinct benefits. Advantages like flexibility in study and more affordable tuition rates aren’t always available to in-person students. These benefits make it easier for working professionals to complete their studies without putting their lives or careers on hold. Some of the key benefits include the following.
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Professional Networking
Online biomedical engineering degree programs are run by top-notch schools with expert faculty and researchers. They attract competitive students and professionals from around the world, bringing them together in an environment that transcends boundaries. These professional connections can make a huge difference in your career.
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Self-paced Study
Not only are these programs offered entirely online, but they also extend customizable options. Most programs design their requirements and curriculum with busy learners and industry professionals in mind. This means you can work at your own pace in a completely online ecosystem to achieve optimal flexibility and convenience.
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Career Advancement
An online biomedical engineering master’s degree will ultimately open more doors for you on the job. It solidifies expertise, demonstrates potential, and qualifies you for a broader range of roles with higher pay and more responsibility. These programs also allow you to specialize and build additional skills in engineering and biotechnology.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Program
Quality biomedical engineering master’s programs cultivate technical knowledge in engineering fundamentals and bring them into sharper focus for future work in medical science or biotechnology. When you study biomedical engineering online, you learn how to connect engineering principles, biology, and physiology in applied interdisciplinary contexts.
While each course of study is different, offering its own methods and approaches to the field, most online biomedical engineering master’s programs follow a similar plan of study that achieves shared learning outcomes. The courses described below give a sense of what to expect and cover an array of topics in engineering, mathematics, and science.
Popular Courses
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Introduction to Bioengineering
This class surveys the core concepts and main research methods specific to biomedical engineering. It looks at how systems biology, molecular cell biology, and medicine interact with basic engineering principles. It also provides a scientific basis for contemporary applications in research and industry. Additional topics may include physiological signals and control theory.
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Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Technology
Students in this class study the biological, technological, and physical factors impacting modern diagnostic tools and imaging devices. It covers an array of modalities like nuclear imaging, x-rays, ultrasounds, and adaptive optics. It also builds a scientific knowledge base in mass spectrometry and tomography.
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Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering
This course examines the role stem cells play in tissue growth and how engineering concepts can inform development and regenerative intervention. Students consider the recent and contemporary ethical issues related to these processes along with the laws and regulations affecting them. Additional topics include stem cell integration, disease modeling, and commercial demand.
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Mathematical Methods
A core requirement in most online biomedical engineering programs, this class surveys the primary quantitative techniques used by professionals in the field. It covers differential equations and series integrals and builds to more advanced methods of analysis using polynomials and other special functions. Experience with vector analysis, calculus, or linear algebra may be required.
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Biosensor Applications
Students in this course receive a high-level overview of the broad field of biosensors and their implantation in modern bioengineering practice. It develops skills in device design and performance evaluation from a quantitative perspective. Students assess existing devices while considering food safety, biosecurity, environmental, and privacy concerns.
Specialization Pathways
Specialization lays the foundation for future professional work and builds additional expertise that qualifies you for more technical roles with increased responsibility and room for growth. Depending on the school, biomedical engineering could itself be a specialization within a broader engineering master’s degree. In most cases, though, you can choose from a range of available options like those listed below.
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Bioinstrumentation
This subfield focuses on the engineering concepts that inform sensing and excitation in medical imaging technology. Specialists in this area create bioinstrumentation products per FDA rules and other risk assessment factors (e.g., microscopy tools, MRIs, etc.). Study may also involve organizational issues like project management, supply chain management, and product development.
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Computational Genomics
This specialization focuses online biomedical engineering study on the main algorithms used in genome annotation, network analysis, and phylogenetic reconstruction. It also develops a solid knowledge base in the primary data management and information processing tools used in genomic biology, including common file formats and software packages.
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Biomaterials
A biomaterials specialization builds technical expertise in designing and assessing materials suitable for medical use within the human body. Professionals in this area evaluate potential material for toxins using regulated safety protocols informed by scientific investigation. They also design new devices that integrate materials such as polymers, carbons, and other composites.
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Biomechanics
Biomechanics operates at the intersection of biomedical engineering and orthopedic or rehabilitation efforts. This specialization prepares you for work devising, correcting, and evaluating implements like prosthetics and wheelchairs that augment the human body’s locomotive processes. It builds knowledge in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and the cardiovascular system.
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Surgical Instruments and Medical Devices
This concentration cultivates knowledge and skills in the tools, devices, instruments, and implants medical professionals use daily. Students learn to use engineering insights to improve these tools and design new ones at scale. They also receive training in the diagnostic and disease prevention concerns, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and basic medical science.
Accreditation for Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Programs
Accreditation is a key indicator of solid, reputable academic programming. Schools without institutional accreditation are not widely regarded, and the degrees they confer suffer as a result. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation establish guidelines for this quality assurance measure and recognize the independent agencies that administer it.
Most academic-oriented schools receive regional accreditation, and most for-profit or technical schools obtain national accreditation. Any school you consider should have one of these forms of institutional accreditation.
Sometimes, a course of study will hold something called programmatic or specialized accreditation. This is an additional credential providing extra backing specific to the discipline and is no substitute for institutional accreditation. Organizations like the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology provide programmatic accreditation in engineering broadly construed.
What You Can Do with a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering?
Online biomedical engineering master’s graduates benefit from a range of lucrative and growing career opportunities. Each profession listed below draws on core engineering fundamentals – including design principles, quantitative reasoning, and scientific analysis – and most use those principles to solve real-world problems in applied contexts.
These careers have plenty of room for growth. They also see earnings well above the median annual wage for all occupations nationwide. Find out more about which one fits your interests and skillset below.
Biomedical Engineer
One of the most popular career paths for this degree, biomedical engineers work at the intersection of engineering and medical sciences. They use engineering principles to create equipment, design medical devices, and maintain large-scale computer systems. Most biomedical engineers work in manufacturing or for hospitals, research facilities, and biotech companies.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$55,280 |
$91,410 |
$148,210 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Industrial Engineer
Industrial engineers are often tasked with eliminating waste and increasing efficiency in production. They create integrated systems that help workers and machines generate products from energy, information, or raw materials. Industrial engineers with a background in biomedicine help optimize manufacturing processes for medical equipment and digital imaging devices, among other things.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$57,290 |
$88,020 |
$134,070 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Training and Development Managers
Training and development managers plan and implement programs that enhance the skills and knowledge base of their organization’s staff. They work in every industry and develop programs based on executive mandates and long-term organizational goals. Biomedical engineers in this role ensure that colleagues are up to speed with the latest developments in medical science and design applications.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$64,720 |
$113,350 |
$196,070 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Engineering Manager
Earning an online biomedical engineering master’s degree qualifies you for leadership and management roles like this one. Engineering managers plan and oversee design operations for their organization. In biomedical engineering, this typically means coordinating efforts to design new tools and technologies that help improve medical outcomes or support research and development projects.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$92,510 |
$144,830 |
$208,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Electrical or Electronics Engineer
Electronics engineers test, develop, and oversee the creation of a variety of electrical equipment, including medical tools and devices. They research ways to improve equipment and conduct calculations to determine new applications and future efficacy. They recommended design modifications based on consumer needs, government regulations, and organizational goals.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$63,020 |
$98,530 |
$155,880 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in Biomedical Engineering
Cost is always a factor for any graduate program, including online biomedical engineering master’s degrees. Fortunately, there are many options for financial aid. Most programs extend scholarships or fellowships to incoming students, and some are merit or need-based. Industry stakeholders also often offer private scholarships to help cover costs.
In addition to financial aid, several factors impact total education cost. For instance, private schools are more expensive than public universities on average, but some public schools charge different rates depending on residency. Others may charge a special flat rate for online students. The table below gives a sense of the overall price range.
What Your Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Could Cost
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
30 |
$993/credit |
$29,790 |
|
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30 |
$1,139/credit (Resident) $1,382/credit (Nonresident) |
$34,170 (Resident) $41,460 (Nonresident) |
|
|
30 |
$1,300/credit (scholarships automatically applied) |
$39,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Degrees
What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in biomedical engineering?
Studying for a master’s degree in biomedical engineering online usually requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering earned at an accredited institution, and most schools include this in their admissions criteria. There could be exceptions, but certain course prerequisites will apply. Most schools require the following for admission.
- Official academic transcripts evidencing a competitive GPA
- Recent GRE test scores (optional or waivable in some cases)
- A professional resume outlining any relevant employment experience
- Recommendation letters from individuals assessing your readiness for study
- A personal statement detailing your background, qualifications, intent to study, and professional goals
Each school is unique, so consult individual departments for specific admissions processes.
How long will it take to finish my master’s in biomedical engineering online?
Program pacing and timeframes for completion vary depending on factors like enrollment status, outside responsibilities, and potential transfer credits. Most full-time students earn their online biomedical engineering degree in 2-3 years with some schools offering accelerated pathways completable in just one year. Part-time students likely extend that timeframe by a year or two. Either way, you have the freedom to study at your own pace within the school’s time limits, usually under 5 years.
Can I earn a master’s in biomedical engineering 100% online?
Most programs are offered entirely online. There could be a few exceptions requiring select hybrid or in-person components, but these are rare. In most cases, you won’t need to visit campus.
Some online biomedical engineering degree programs make optional residential experiences available, and these can provide useful program supplementation. Overall, though, expect to receive instruction and engage course material using synchronous and asynchronous learning tools.
