Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering
The official site for Drexel University says of biomedical engineering, "Biomedical engineers created many of today's standard health care instruments. From research in the lab, to engineering at the work bench, to patient-use the hospital bedside, biomedical engineers are responsible for technologies like medical X-ray imaging, MRI & PET scans, artificial hearts, advanced prosthetic limbs, artificial hip implants, prenatal ultrasound, and arthroscopic surgery to name a few."Biomedical Engineering is the application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes. It closes the gap between engineering and medicine.
According to BLS, employment in the life, physical, and social sciences is projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Biomedical engineering is a smart choice for students who love the technical aspect of medicine.
You might wonder what the difference is between biomedical engineering and bioengineering. Basically, bioengineering is the study of applied engineering practices within general biology, while biomedical engineering is a more specialized field within bioengineering, working to improve human health.
Online or In-person
When it comes to getting your master’s degree in biomedical engineering, you can find an in-person program or an online program. The benefits of an online program may appeal to working professionals or those looking for a career transition. In-person programs may appeal more to those coming from undergraduate programs or those who simply want that in-person experience.A Master’s in Biomedical Engineering
Getting your master’s in biomedical engineering can give you better opportunities in your career field. In a master’s of biomedical engineering program, students will take what they have learned about all parts of the human body and work to figure out new medical devices that can improve quality of life. Students in these types of programs will learn about the healthcare industry and scientific technology.Concentrations in Biomedical Engineering
Different concentrations will have different types of coursework. Here are some concentrations that you might find in a master’s of biomedical engineering program:- Biomaterials - Students will learn the fundamentals of materials science and engineering.
- Biotechnology - Students will focus on the combination of biology and technology.
- Immune Engineering - Students will focus on the immune system and how to treat diseases such as cancer.
- Health Data Science - Students will focus on statistics using mathematics and computer engineering.
Classes in Biomedical Engineering
The classes you take in a master’s of biomedical engineering program will depend on your concentration. Here are a few examples of classes you might take while getting your master’s degree.- Biological Physics – this class deals with the systems that are biological in nature, within physics.
- Molecular Bioengineering – this class will teach students how to use engineering biological systems in order to solve situations in the area of health and wellbeing.
- Medical Sciences – this class will teach the fundamentals of biology and physiology from an engineering perspective.
- Biomedical Ethics and Law – this class will teach students about the different ethical, and legal issues that are involved with health care practitioners and biomedical researchers.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements differ based on the school and program, however, most will require students to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, to complete an application essay, and submit letters of recommendation. Students most likely will need to have a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, or another science or engineering related field.Some schools might also require professional experience, but even if the school doesn’t, it can help to have that work experience to put on the application. Schools usually also want students to have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
How to Choose a Program
There are many different factors when choosing the right biomedical engineering master’s program. Students should look at the length of each program, the course format, available concentrations, and final project requirements. Most programs are two years long, but students might also be able to find an accelerated program and be done in a year. It also might depend on if the student goes full or part-time. Students should also consider the curriculum and the cost.Accreditation status for each program can also make a difference and can affect future career opportunities. Departments often receive accreditation from field-specific accrediting bodies. Accreditation will indicate that the program meets set standards of quality for the profession.
Top Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Programs
There are many different master’s in Biomedical Engineering programs, some are in-person, and some are online.Here are 10 of the top master’s in biomedical engineering programs:
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Duke University
- Worcester Polytechnic University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- San Jose University
- George Washington University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Florida International University
- Lawrence Technological University
- Northwestern University
Top Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Programs
Here are 10 of the top online master’s in biomedical engineering programs:- Johns Hopkins University
- Columbia University in the City of New York
- The University of Southern California
- The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Case Western Reserve University
- Purdue University
- Colorado State University
- The University of California at Riverside
- The University of Maryland at College Park
- The University of North Dakota
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Jobs With a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering
- Environmental Scientist - Environmental scientists study the environment for its impact on human health. Annual Median Pay: $52,677.
- Agricultural Scientist - Agricultural scientists study soil, field crops, as well as farm animals. Annual Median Pay: $81,508.
- Rehabilitation Engineer - Rehabilitation Engineers are biomedical engineers who work with medical equipment that will help patients be able to walk again and help them with limb mobility. Annual Median Pay: $68,270.
- Epidemiologist - Epidemiologists take samples, conduct surveys and interviews to collect data, and analyze that data for health officials and policymakers. Annual Median Pay: $65,484.
- Chemist - Chemists help develop and test new drugs. They also conduct research projects and experiments. Annual Median Pay: $57,739.
Biomedical Engineering Scholarships for Master’s Degrees
Here are a few scholarships for those getting their master’s in biomedical engineering or a similar major. You can also find other scholarships on College Recon.- GeneTex Scholarship This scholarship program will award a $2,000 scholarship to students pursuing a STEM undergraduate or graduate degree. Students must be in good standing at an accredited college or university with a declared STEM major.
- George B. Hightower, P.E. Fellowship This fellowship is for current engineering undergraduate or graduate students who are enrolled in or graduated from an ABET-accredited engineering program. Students must be NSPE members or student members. There will be one award given out in the amount of $3,000.
- Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship allows eligible veterans and dependents in high-demand fields to extend their Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship benefits. Students will need to have at least one of these: be currently enrolled in an undergraduate STEM degree program or qualifying dual-degree program, or have earned a post-secondary degree or graduate degree in an approved STEM degree field and are enrolled in a covered clinical training program for healthcare professionals, or have earned a post-secondary degree in an approved STEM degree field and are working toward a teaching certification. The award can be used for certain undergraduate programs, including physical science. Students can receive up to nine months or $30,000 of added benefits.