15 Best Masters in Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering is an innovative field that fuses engineering, science, and medicine to create cutting-edge technologies and devices to improve healthcare – and save lives.

A masters in biomedical engineering can open up all kinds of degree opportunities. In this post, we’ll walk you through the 15 best masters in biomedical engineering to help you find the perfect fit.

Our editors first reviewed the Best in Biomedical Engineering article in January 2021. This ranking was last updated in November 2023.

Biomedical Engineering Degrees Ranking Methodology

The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology. It is based on the following five aspects:

• 25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school
• 25% Graduation Rate: Number of students who start at the university and finish there
• 20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
• 20% Selectivity: The number of students who apply versus the number who actually get accepted
• 10% Online Graduate Offerings: The number of programs offered online in each department

At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one. We want to help you reach your goals.

Ready to learn more about the best schools for biomedical engineering? Keep reading to open the door to your brand-new career path.

Best Masters in Biomedical Engineering Degrees

#1. Georgia Institute of Technology

Biomedical Engineering (MS)

George Institute of Technology is a public research university in Atlanta, GA. It also has campuses in France, Ireland, Singapore, and China.

The Master of Science in biomedical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology is ranked among the best programs in the nation. It will provide you with opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research in a collaborative environment.

This MS in biomedical engineering will allow you to pursue concentrations in topics like:

• engineering education
• biomaterials and regenerative technologies
• biomedical robotics
• biomedical informatics and systems modeling
• biomedical imaging and instrumentals

This biomedical engineering MS is an advanced degree that includes a thesis option. This is designed for those who wish to pursue eventual doctoral studies. There’s also a non-thesis option that is best for individuals seeking to enter directly into the workforce.

As a student in this program, you’ll be able to work with major Atlanta biotech companies. These include:

• Mikart
• Abeome
• Alimera Sciences
• Stryker

#2. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

MS Biomedical Engineering

The College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University offers numerous graduate engineering degrees.

One of the most impressive (and most popular) programs here is the Master of Science in biomedical engineering. 

MS students will learn how to analyze and address modern challenges in biomedical engineering. You’ll also discover how to apply advanced engineering methods and evaluate biomedical systems. 

You’ll be able to participate in multiple hands-on experiences. There are regenerative medicine internships and even a design project that culminates in a final thesis. 

The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. It offers multiple opportunities for you to customize your degree. You can choose to pursue unique pathways like regenerative medicine. You’ll also be able to complete a nine-month internship at a company or research laboratory. 

Haven’t yet completed a bachelor’s degree with a high enough undergraduate GPA to be admitted to this biomedical engineering program? You may want to consider enrolling in the blended bachelor’s and master’s program. It will allow you to receive both degrees at the same time to save your energy, time, and money.

#3. New Jersey Institute of Technology

M.S. in Biomedical Engineering

You’ll find more than 100 different undergraduate and graduate majors at New Jersey Institute of Technology. These programs prepare students for work in a variety of groundbreaking fields. They also give access to the groundbreaking skills you need to be successful in any research- and development-oriented field.

You will be able to work with prestigious faculty and alumni as you gain the skills you need to be successful. 

The Master of Science in biomedical engineering includes both a thesis and non-thesis option. Regardless of which one you choose, you’ll be able to take elective courses in things like:

• rehabilitation engineering
• signal processing
• human performance
• biomedical imaging in medical sciences

The school is within walking distance of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and University Hospital. It’s also close to the world-class Public Health Research Institute and the Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience at Rutgers-Newark. 

You’ll participate in extensive cooperative research with medical centers, companies, and rehabilitative institutes. There are plenty of graduate co-op work experiences for you to enjoy. This degree is an excellent pathway for candidates interested in doctoral study. It’s also great for those who want to go right to work in the field.

There is even a certificate program in biomedical device development!

#4. University of California-Irvine

Biomedical Engineering, M.S.

The University of California, Irvine is often referred to as a Public Ivy. UCI is well-regarded for its excellent academic quality.

As a biomedical engineering student here, you will benefit from a number of features and resources. You’ll have some of the best opportunities to engage in research related to your field of study. It’s also home to the UC Irvine Medical Center. This is a large teaching hospital that leads the way when it comes to biomedical interventions and innovations. 

The Master of Science in biomedical engineering at UCI is in the Samueli School of Engineering. It is affiliated with the school of biological sciences, the school of physical sciences, and the college of medicine.

You’ll be taught by 27 full-time faculty in the biomedical engineering program. That’s along with 51 affiliated faculty from the schools listed above. You’ll be able to work with these instructors as they pursue research and concentration areas like:

• tissue engineering and physiological systems
• biocomputation
• biophotonics
• micro/nanomedicine

This school is surrounded by the largest number of medical device companies in the nation. It’s also just 70 miles from San Diego County. Here you’ll find the third-largest concentration of companies in the biotech niche. You’ll enjoy close connections and plenty of opportunities for collaboration and internships.

You’ll build your skills in core technologies and clinical research areas. The research in biophotons and nanomedicine at the university is some of the most recognized in the nation. You’ll also have access to numerous research centers. These include:

• the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology
• the Integrated Nanosystems Research Facility
• the Beckman Laser Institute 

This is an affordable degree. It features low tuition and plenty of financial aid opportunities. They include fellowships, graduate student researcher positions, and teaching assistantships. 

#5. Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Master of Engineering (ME) in Biomedical Engineering 

Rutgers University-New Brunswick is one of three separate regional campuses within the Rutgers University public university system in New Jersey. There are campuses in both Piscataway and New Brunswick.

The Master of Engineering in biomedical engineering allows students to earn a master’s degree without having to perform research or complete a master’s thesis. It is a coursework-only program. It will allow you to instead complete a project, term paper, or independent study.

The program is a convenient and flexible option for students who want to enhance their credentials and learn from world-class faculty.

You’ll be able to choose from multiple key focus areas as you complete your courses. These include:

• physiologic systems
• bioinstrumentation
• physiological systems
• biomedical imaging and neuroengineering
• biomechanics and rehabilitation engineering
• molecular systems, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
• nanosystems and microsystems

Rutgers also offers a certificate in medical device development. There are also courses in entrepreneurship to help you diversify your degree. 

#6. North Carolina State University

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering: MedTech Innovation and Entrepreneurship Concentration

The Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering: MedTech Innovation and Entrepreneurship Concentration at NC State is a one-of-a-kind degree.

It consists of 30 total credit hours of study of elective courses and core courses.

You’ll also choose from a list of hands-on elective courses to supplement the core curriculum. These elective courses cover topics like:

• Tissue Engineering Technologies
• Orthopaedic Biomechanics
• Bioelectricity

Outside of the core curriculum, you’ll have access to more than 20 centers, labs, and institutes. This includes two that are active National Science Foundation Engineering Research Centers. They are called FREEDM and ASSIST.

You’ll gain valuable experience (and enjoy a significant tuition discount!) by participating in teaching assistantships. You can connect with prospective employers at the NC State Engineering Career Fair. This career fair is one of the largest events of its kind not just in the state, but in the entire country.

This affordable program has low tuition rates. There are plenty of funding opportunities if you are planning to continue on with a Ph.D. There are internal fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships available. There is even work study, scholarships, grants, loans, and payment plans. International students have access to many of these options as well.

#7. University of California-Los Angeles

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

You’ll find another great biomedical engineering master’s program at UCLA.

UCLA is often referred to as a Public Ivy. It ranks among the best public universities in the United States.

You can pursue several different areas of study as you conduct innovative, groundbreaking research in this program.

Options for the biomedical engineer masters programs here include:

• biosystem science and engineering
• biomedical instrumentation
• biomaterials, tissue engineering, and biomechanics
• biomedical imaging and human performance
• rehabilitation engineering
• signal processing
• medical imaging informatics
• molecular and cellular bioengineering
• neuroengineering

There are both thesis and competitive examination options. Most students take just one to two years to complete their degrees.

You’ll have access to 32 different research laboratories and centers. You’ll work with 44 full-time faculty members. All of them are recognized in their contributions to the industry. Most graduates of this program go on to post-doctoral or postgraduate study. Others pursue work as:

• technical sales consultants for the medical sciences
• research assistants
• scientists
• product managers
• engineers for medical sciences

You can also participate in unique learning opportunities. There is a teaching apprentice practicum and directed individual or tutorial studies.

This affordable BME graduate program offers a great return on investment for any career in the medical sciences. There is a high career placement rate and plenty of financial aid opportunities. You can explore both intramural and extramural fellowships. There are scholarships like the Alumni Fund for Student Projects. Almost all students receive some kind of funding (85%, in fact). 

This BME graduate degree is a wonderful pathway to the Ph.D. program. The master’s in biomedical engineering is often pursued by graduates of the Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering. The master’s takes just one year. It is a transfer-friendly program. 

#8. Worcester Polytechnic Institute 

Master’s in Biomedical Engineering

The master’s in biomedical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic allows you to tailor your studies to your unique career goals and interests. You can delve into groundbreaking research. It will help you make advances (and make an impact!) in healthcare.

This degree allows you to tailor your studies to your unique career goals and interests. You can delve into groundbreaking research and make advances (and make an impact!) in healthcare.

You’ll work on project-centered studies. You’ll also work on collaborative research opportunities. You can apply engineering concepts in ways that are meaningful and exciting for you.

You’ll work with renowned faculty, local companies, and peers. You’ll solve real-world problems. And you’ll graduate with the skills and experience you need in scientific and technical work to move on to diverse career paths. You could work in medicine, nursing, and even law. 

You’ll benefit from small class sizes. There are close-knit research groups and collaborative labs. The degree combines WPI’s long and extensive history and success in engineering with its commitment to advancing future research. 

The BME graduate curriculum is rigorous. However, it’s flexible enough so that you can work with traditional engineering concepts in evolving fields like healthcare.

You’ll work on research projects in laboratories covering everything from cardiovascular tissue engineering to biomedical sensors. You can pursue research in topics like:

• biomaterials and tissue engineering
• instrumentation and signal processing
• biomechanics and mechanobiology

The school also has regional research partnerships with companies, hospitals, and research facilities like:

• the Tufts Cumming School of Veterinary Medicine
• the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center
• the University of Massachusetts Medical School

#9. Stevens Institute of Technology 

Biomedical Engineering Master’s Program

Stevens Institute of Technology is home to two separate national Centers of Excellence. These are designated by the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Defense. You’ll find some of the best and most research-oriented programs here.

The biomedical engineering program allows you to work with established leaders in the field. You’ll conduct meaningful, high-impact research. You’ll create life-enhancing technologies. You’ll gain the skills to succeed in medicine, industry, academia, and more.

This degree will help you advance your studies in engineering, life science, biology, bioethics, and medicine. It is a flexible degree that allows you to pursue the areas of interest that you are most passionate about.

You’ll be able to research emerging areas of study with faculty who are working daily to patent new technologies. You’ll have access to world-class laboratories and enjoy a design-oriented curriculum. You can research and develop new technologies from “concept through commercialization.”

The faculty who teach in this program work with industry partners. You will graduate with the skills you need for success. Most candidates go on to pursue work in research, clinical studies, and industry. Many go on to professional school as well. 

This BME graduate program is within close proximity to Manhattan. Stevens makes it easy to build your professional network in the Big Apple. This city is an international hub for medical research and technology and pharmaceutical and development.

New Jersey, too, features numerous avenues for you to explore biomedical research as part of your master’s degree. It has a premier location for pharmaceutical and medical research and independent study.

#10. Purdue University

MS Biomedical Engineering (MS BME)

At Purdue University, the MS biomedical engineering degree program provides students with a wide range of career opportunities.

The program offers students a chance to work alongside expert faculty mentors, utilize state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborate with clinical and industrial partners to gain invaluable real-world experience.

Students can choose from a variety of research areas, including:

• Engineered Biomaterials & Biomechanics
• Imaging
• Instrumentation
• Computational Biomedicine
• Neuroengineering and Neurotechnology

Students will get exposure to essential topics such as biomaterials, biomechanics, and medical imaging, as well as more specialized topics like neural engineering and computational modeling.

As part of Purdue University, students will have access to unparalleled resources and opportunities, including connections to industry and clinical partners. This access allows students to develop real-world skills, network with professionals in the field, and increase their chances of securing high-impact careers after graduation.

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#11. University of Utah

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Degree: M.S. in Biomedical Engineering

Net Price: $8,151

Website

#12. University of Wisconsin 

Location: Madison, WI

Degree: Biomedical Engineering, M.S.

Net Price: $12,010

Website

#13. Columbia University in the City of New York

Location: New York, NY

Degree: Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Net Price: $79,752

Website

#14. University of California-Davis

Location: Davis, CA

Degree: M.S. in Biomedical Engineering

Net Price: $14,598

Website

#15. Vanderbilt University

Location: Nashville, TN

Degree: Master’s in Biomedical Engineering

Net Price: $47,686

Website