Minnesota Masters in Biomedical Engineering Bioengineering Programs | BME MS Degrees

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Masters in Biomedical Engineering Programs are intended for students interested in an in-depth understanding of the engineering principals used to design and develop medical equipment. Biomedical engineers are the innovators behind many medical breakthroughs and medical devices. They also create software programs to test new drug therapies and run diagnostic equipment. In collaboration with biologists and doctors, they are developing artificial organs, prosthetics, and implants, aiding those with disabilities as well as contributing to overall health in all sectors.

Biomedical Engineering Masters Degree Program Information

Masters in Biomedical Engineering Programs Overview

In some cases, Biomedical Engineering is abbreviated to bioengineering to describe the application of engineering principles to the fields of biology and health care. Some practitioners apply the term ‘bioengineering’ to any engineering discipline that works with living systems. This would include humans, plants, and even microscopic organisms, in addition to some aspects of agricultural engineering and national defense.

Some Masters programs use the term "biomedical engineering" synonymously with bioengineering. Other schools' biomedical engineering programs emphasize applications in medicine and health care, and reserve "bioengineering" to emphasize non-medical applications, such as artificial intelligence or agricultural engineering. This being said, students should spend some time evaluating each program to identify whether it aligns with their career goals.

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering programs provides learners with the analytical tools to perform fundamental and applied research in biomedical engineering. Additionally students might gain the requisite technical knowledge to apply to management, marketing, sales and other entrepreneurial activities related to biomedical engineering field. 

The duration of a Biomedical Engineering Masters program is about 2 years. In Biomedical Engineering Masters degree programs students are required to complete a practicum, which may be satisfied by completing an approved project.  Alternatively, students may satisfy the practicum requirement by developing a research focus and carrying out original research that culminates in a written thesis. Generally, candidates must earn around 30 academic credits to complete a master's degree program in Biomedical Engineering, depending on whether or not a thesis is required.

Students applying to Masters Programs in Biomedical Engineering  (BME degree programs) should have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, biology or chemistry. Some Biomedical Engineering schools have specific mathematics requirements as well.

Choosing Your Biomedical Engineering Masters Program: Online or On Campus?

Students have options when it comes to selecting a MBE Degree program. If you are considering a traditional campus biomedical engineering masters program, you might want to initiate a location search to determine where the accredited Biomedical Engineering Schools with masters programs are offered. Use the city, state or country settings on GradSchools.com to browse listings in this category. While face-to-face interaction and commuting will work for some, it is also possible to look into online masters degree in biomedical engineering programs. Earning a BME online might be helpful to working graduate students, as it enables you to study from a remote location and usually, to set your own schedule. Some of the listings you may encounter might include: Bioengineering MS, Biomedical Engineering MS, and Masters in Biomedical Engineering. Then again if you prefer a little of both a classroom setting and online courses there are hybrid biomedical engineering masters programs, that a mix of online and campusclasses.

FUN FACT:  Some biomedical engineers attend medical or dental school to specialize in applications at the forefront of patient care, such as using electric impulses in new ways to get muscles moving again. Some earn law degrees and work as patent attorney[i]

Biomedical Engineering Potential Masters Curriculum

For success in a Biomedical Engineering Masters program, knowledge of both the life sciences and engineering is required.

Prospective students may be required to complete remedial programs and courses to bolster their knowledge in either field. To earn a master's degree in biomedical engineering, students are required to complete a combination of math, life science and biomedical engineering courses that might include studies in the following:

  • Applied mathematics
  • Biomaterials
  • Biomedical imaging
  • Biomechanics
  • Molecular biology
  • Medical instrumentation
  • Molecular- or systems-level biology/physiology and mathematics
  • Advanced biomedical engineering coursework
  • Protein engineering, anatomy and physiology
  • Systems analysis
  • Mathematics

Programs do vary between universities, and may offer different specialization tracks. Some of these might include:

  • Biomaterials track
  • Medical imaging track
  • Biomedical instrumentation track
  • Drug delivery
  • Orthopedic biomechanics and devices
  • Bioinformatics

Potential Career Paths in Biomedical Engineering

Graduates with a Masters degree in Biomedical Engineering might become Biomedical Engineers. Although bioengineering may encompass many areas, one of its primary functions is to develop better solutions for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease; patient rehabilitation; and to improve health. With the advancements in medicine, more individuals are seeking biomedical solutions to their health problems.

Many biomedical engineering master's degree programs prepare graduates to continue their education in Ph.D. programs. Students who complete this training might then pursue research or teaching careers with a university.

As a result, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of biomedical engineers is projected to grow 23 % from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In terms of salary, the median annual wage for biomedical engineers was $86,950 in May 2014.[ii]

Biomedical Engineers are employed in a variety of industries such as:

  • Research and development
  • Navigational, measuring, electro medical, and control instruments manufacturing
  • Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing
  • Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing
  • Hospitals

Ready to Pursue a Masters degree in Biomedical Engineering?

As Biomedical engineers gain experience and education, they typically receive greater responsibility and potentially move into managerial positions. If you are seeking upward mobility, increased knowledge and technical skills, look into Masters in Biomedical Engineering programs on GradSchools.com today!

Sources: [i] bls.gov/OOH/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm | [ii] bls.gov/OOH/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm

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