Online Master of Biomedical Engineering
Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering In Context

A master’s in biomedical engineering is a great way to enter or advance in this rapidly advancing and growing field. The degree teaches you to use engineering principles for therapeutic or diagnostic health care, which typically involves developing new devices or procedures. Examples include:

  • Prosthetics
  • Robotic or laser surgery devices
  • Equipment and devices that monitor the body’s vital signs
  • Devices that are implanted in the body, such as pacemakers
  • Medical imaging
  • Diagnostic equipment and devices
  • Therapeutic equipment
  • Physical therapy equipment
  • Bionics

Biomedical engineers work closely with the medical profession when developing, maintaining, and supporting these systems and devices.

Is a Master of Biomedical Engineering right for me?

A master’s in biomedical engineering is usually pursued by those with a bachelor’s in engineering or a bachelor’s in biomedical engineering. It is also possible for those with electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering degrees, as well as those with undergraduate degrees in a physical or biological science discipline to seek a biomedical engineering master’s. [2] Many people who seek the degree are interested in life sciences or have taken biological science electives.

Why earn a biomedical engineering master’s degree?

There are several motivating factors behind seeking a master’s in biomedical engineering. They include:

  • Saving lives and improving health and well-being
    Those with a biomedical engineering master’s degree help make people healthier and enable them to lead richer and more fulfilling lives. For example, they could help medical professionals extend the life expectancy of some patients by developing or supporting more effective technologies that doctors can use to make an early diagnosis. They could also help patients become more mobile with prosthetics or other mobility devices, help with impairments like hearing loss, or help medical practitioners deliver health care more efficiently and effectively. [3]
  • Cutting-edge technology
    Medical science has advanced rapidly over recent decades, particularly with the introduction of highly sophisticated and effective new technologies and medical equipment. Working with the medical profession, biomedical engineers are at the forefront of developing this technology and equipment. It is a field of study with varied specialties, including: bioinstrumentation; biomaterials; biomechanics; cellular, tissue, and genetic engineering; clinical engineering; medical imaging; orthopedic bioengineering; rehabilitation engineering; and systems physiology. [4] These areas are constantly developing and advancing, making a master’s in biomedical engineering ideal for those who thrive on lifelong professional development. [5]
  • High growth
    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the jobs market for biomedical engineers is expected to grow 23% between 2014 and 2024, much higher than average. [6] An aging population is driving growth, along with advances in technology and the development of new equipment, devices, and processes. [7]
  • Salary
    Biomedical engineering graduates have excellent salary prospects. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the median pay for biomedical engineers in 2016 was $85,620, more than double the median wage for all workers. [16] The highest 10% earn more than $134,000. [8] The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering reports that average salaries depend on the industry, as follows: [9]

    • Commercial wholesalers: $106,880
    • Physicians’ offices: $101,190
    • Research and development: $104,490
    • Medical equipment manufacturers: $96,870
    • Pharmaceutical companies: $85,130
    • Academia: $69,400

    In addition, a master’s in biomedical engineering can lead to other careers with similar and sometimes higher average salaries. One example is a patent engineer. [10] The median salary in this career is more than $96,000, while the top 10% can earn in excess of $133,000. [11]

  • Quality of life
    A study by CNN Money and Payscale in 2015 gave biomedical engineers the top rating on all quality of life indicators. This includes personal satisfaction, benefit to society, and low stress. [12]
Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering Career Advancement
Biomedical engineers can work in a wide range of fields. New technological breakthroughs open new opportunities, but the Biomedical Engineering Society currently identifies 14 different key focus areas for biomedical engineers. [13] Some of them have an extensive scope and a range of careers.

Careers in this field involve working directly with medical staff in hospitals and clinics. The main purpose is to help medical professionals effectively and safely use equipment such as MRI systems, monitoring systems in intensive care units, telemetry systems, surgical laser devices, dialysis machines, heart bypass machines, and more.

This is a growing research field working on technologies and equipment using mechanical and electrical elements that integrate or interact with the body. This sector also involves research and development in robotics and neuroscience. The aim is to help people who have lost physiological functions to fully or partially regain them.

Developing equipment and devices for therapeutic and diagnostic use by applying the science of electronics and measurements. These devices are used for measuring and recording physiological information to assist medical professionals in patient treatment.

Involves implanting artificial materials, living tissue, or a combination to treat various medical conditions. The implant must positively interact with the patient’s body. This field includes the development of artificial organs, materials to replace bones or tissue, or the development of prostheses.

This field gave the world the artificial heart and artificial joint replacements. It involves using mechanical laws to develop treatments for a variety of medical problems.

Bionics is an emerging field that involves the development of mechanical devices that replace organs, limbs, or other parts of the body. These devices are not the same as prosthetics, however, as they are designed to mimic the function of the original body part. In some cases, the bionic implant performs the function better than the natural equivalent. [14]

This is another emerging but rapidly advancing field that involves the development of microscopic devices that interact with the body at a cellular level to help treat disease. Crucially, it also has applications in disease prevention.

Biomedical engineers in this field are on the front line of patient care alongside medical professions. They often work in hospitals helping the medical staff by developing computer databases or software, adapting instruments for specific uses, or ensuring the hospital has the latest technology to ensure maximum levels of patient care.

This involves the development and maintenance of equipment and devices that allow doctors to see what is going on inside the body. This is achieved by using a range of technology, including magnetism, ultrasound, radiology, UV, and more.

This field focuses on the musculoskeletal functions of the body. The aim is to develop replacement devices to improve mobility and reduce pain. Examples include artificial joints or replacements for bones, ligaments, and cartilage. Both biological and synthetic materials are used to create these devices.

This field involves the creation of devices and technologies that improve mobility and general quality of life for people with lifelong conditions. This includes using mechanical devices, mobility equipment, and computers to help people with both physical and cognitive impairments.

Systems physiology is primarily a research field that studies the physiology of the human body. This research leads to the development of new medical devices, diagnostic tools, treatments, and processes.

This is another emerging but rapidly advancing field. It involves the use of nanotechnology to develop devices and treatments for various medical conditions.

Involves using engineering to treat medical conditions impacted by the nervous system. This includes developing and using devices that interact with the nervous system to improve the physiological functions of patients.

What industries do biomedical engineers work in?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic says there were 22,100 jobs in the field of biomedical engineering in 2014. [15] The top industries employing those people were: [16]

  • 23% of biomedical engineers work for manufacturers of medical equipment and supplies
  • 16% work in research and development
  • 12% work in the pharmaceutical industry
  • 8% work for manufacturers
  • 8% work in hospitals

Other industries that employ biomedical engineers include academia and commercial wholesalers. [17]

What can I expect to do as a biomedical engineer?

Biomedical engineers do a range of different jobs: [18]

  • Design medical equipment and devices
    Everything from artificial organs and prosthetics to imaging and diagnostic equipment to rehabilitation equipment and programs.
  • Support and maintain biomedical equipment
    Including installation, maintenance, and repair to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
  • Testing and safety research
    These are often government-sector roles that involve evaluating the safety of biomedical devices as well as their effectiveness.
  • Training
    Many biomedical devices have to be used in practical situations by medical professionals, so some biomedical engineers are involved in training those professionals to use equipment and devices.
  • Research
    Working with medical scientists and others to develop new devices and treatments.
What potential salaries can biomedical engineers expect?

In May 2016, the median salary for a biomedical engineer in the United States was $85,620. The top 10% of biomedical engineers earn more than $134,620. [19] Median salaries in the most common industries where biomedical engineers are employed are as follows:

  • Research and development: $94,800
  • Manufacturers of measuring, control, navigational, and electromedical equipment: $90,180
  • Pharmaceuticals: $88,810
  • Manufacturers of medical equipment and supplies: $88,860
  • Hospitals: $73,960

In addition, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering reports that biomedical engineers working in academia earn a mean salary of $69,400, based on data from 2015. [20]

The importance of getting a graduate degree

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the typical entry-level qualification for jobs in biomedical engineering is a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. Some graduates with degrees in other engineering fields can also pursue careers in biomedical engineering providing they take biological science electives. Earning a master’s degree in biomedical engineering is another route into the profession. [21]

In addition, a graduate degree is normally required for roles that involve leading a research team [22] or that have other managerial responsibilities. [34] Other career paths that graduates choose include earning a law degree to become a patent attorney or an MBA to pursue senior management. [23]

Career outlook for biomedical engineers

In 2014, there were 22,100 biomedical engineering jobs in the U.S. The BLS estimates this will grow to 27,200 jobs by 2024. That is a growth rate of 23%, which is much higher than the general job growth rate (7%) and the engineering growth rate (4%). [24]

The reasons for this growing number of positions for biomedical engineers are varied: [25]

  • Developments in technology
    Technology develops rapidly, presenting opportunities for medicine and health care. Biomedical engineers use these new technologies to create new equipment, devices, and solutions. Examples include the increasing use of smartphones, opportunities presented by 3-D printing, advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, and more.
  • Aging population
    The population is aging, so demand for equipment and devices that prolong and enhance quality of life are increasing.
  • Increasing demand
    The public is now more aware of the technologies available — and those that are being developed — and they have increasing expectations in regards to the treatment of their medical conditions.
Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering Curriculum

Master’s in biomedical engineering degrees can have a range of different tracks or areas of specialization. Examples include assistive technologies, biomedical computation, bioinstrumentation, biomedical device design, regenerative medicine, biomaterials, medical imaging, and more.

The core courses can, therefore, vary depending on the focus area. Examples include:

  • Molecular immunology
  • Molecular, cellular, and tissue dynamics
  • Anatomy, physiology, and biophysics
  • Biomolecular kinetics and cellular dynamics
  • Materials in medicine
  • Biomedical imaging
What electives are available?

You will have to take a number of electives as part of your Master of Biomedical Engineering degree. You should base your choice of electives on the career path you want to have. Examples include:

  • Biomaterials science and engineering
  • Molecular immunology
  • Signal processing by the auditory system
  • Biomedical imaging
  • Biomedical computing
  • Digital signal processing
  • Systems biology
  • Biomedical instrumentation
  • Statistical physics in biology
  • Mathematical modeling in biology
  • Physiological systems analysis
  • Tissue engineering
  • Automatic speech recognition
  • Applied mathematics in engineering
What about fieldwork or research projects?

Many master’s in biomedical engineering programs include research projects to give hands-on experience. In addition, some programs have co-op or internship arrangements with hospitals or companies that develop biomedical devices or are involved in biomedical research. On those programs, you will get the opportunity to work in a real-world environment in the biomedical engineering sector.

Areas of specialization

The core courses and electives you take in a Master of Biomedical Engineering degree depend on your chosen track. The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering identifies what it regards as the main areas of specialization, [38] although what is available will vary depending on the institution and program. You should consider each one based on your area of interest the direction you want your career to take. These specializations include:

  • Bioinformatics
    Gaining a deeper understanding of biological processes by using computers to analyze and manage biological information.
  • Bioinstrumentation
    Developing equipment and devices to treat and diagnose diseases.
  • Biomaterials
    The use of biological or synthetic materials to create medical devices, including implants and other devices that interact directly with the body.
  • Biomechanics
    This is a wide field that involves using mechanical principles to improve mobility. It ranges from developing prosthetics to designing new physical therapy treatments. It also has applications in sports, where biomedical engineers help athletes improve their performance.
  • Biomechatronics
    Developing devices that interact directly with the body to repair, improve, or enhance physiological functions. Often this involves robotics.
  • Biomimetics
    Involves developing devices or solutions using technology or processes that imitate what happens in nature. It is a field that has applications beyond medicine including in engineering new materials, the military, and artificial intelligence.
  • Bionanotechnolog
    Working at a molecular level to develop new treatments and diagnosis tools.
  • Biotechnology
    The development of equipment, devices, and processes using biomolecular and cellular study and understanding. This is another field that has applications beyond medicine including in agriculture, manufacturing, and the environment.
  • Clinical engineering
    Working directly with medical professionals (and, sometimes, patients) to sell, install, maintain, optimize, repair, and support medical equipment, devices, and systems.
  • Bioprocess engineering
    The use of bio-manufacturing processes to develop pharmaceuticals. It also has applications outside medicine. For example, in the production of foods or biofuels.
  • Medical imaging
    Developing, maintaining, and supporting devices that let medical professionals see what is happening inside a patient’s body. Examples include MRI and ultrasound scans.
  • Neuroengineering
    Designing and developing devices that interface with the body’s nervous system to repair or restore mobility or function.
  • Orthopaedic and rehabilitation engineering
    Developing devices, equipment, and processes that interact directly with the musculoskeletal system to restore particular physiological functions.
  • Pharmaceutical engineering
    Involves working to develop new drugs and treatments as well as improving the manufacturing processes of the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Synthetic biology
    Developing and using biological devices and systems for treatment and diagnostic purposes.
  • Systems biology
    Using theory, experiments, and computer modeling to gain a better understanding of the body’s biological systems.
  • Systems physiology
    Studying how the body responds to medicines, implants, or other treatments.
  • Telehealth
    Developing systems, devices, and equipment that enables medical professionals to remotely diagnose, monitor, and treat patients.
  • Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
    This involves treating diseases or injuries by regenerating, repairing, or replacing tissues or organs.
Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering Program Length

The length of an online master’s degree program can depend on a number of variables, perhaps the most prominent of which is the pace at which you choose to study. You can finish a typical master’s program in about two to three years if you study full time, although some accelerated programs may be able to help you finish more quickly.

Online master’s degree programs tend to offer flexibility suitable for students who study part-time. This option will likely extend your time to completion, but it can allow you to study while fulfilling your familial, social, and professional obligations.

You can find more information on this topic at our program length overview page.

How long does it take to complete a Master of Biomedical Engineering program

Most master’s in biomedical engineering programs require you to complete between 30 and 60 credit hours. This normally takes one to two years.

Many programs allow you to transfer graduate credits from equivalent courses at other institutions, although each program has its own criteria.

Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering Admission Requirements

While each program will set its admission requirements based on its own criteria, many requirements are universal across all programs. No matter where you apply, you can expect to provide items like transcripts from previous degrees or coursework; standardized test scores; a personal statement or essay; letters of recommendation; and an overview of relevant work experience.

In certain cases, some of these requirements may be waived.

For more information about admissions, please visit our admissions requirements page.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering to pursue a master’s?

Biomedical engineering is an interdisciplinary field of study. This means most programs have specific admission requirements that can vary depending on your undergraduate degree. Most programs accept bachelor’s degrees in biomedical engineering as well as bachelor’s degrees in other engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, and chemical. Many programs also accept bachelor’s degrees in biological and physical sciences.

There are often also coursework requirements you may have to meet, particularly if you don’t have a bachelor’s in biomedical engineering. Many programs have options for you to complete the courses you are missing at an undergraduate level in your first year of the master’s program. This is a more intensive way of obtaining the degree, but it indicates the diverse knowledge that is required to successfully complete a graduate program in biomedical engineering.

The same situation applies if you have an undergraduate degree in a biological or physical science. Individuals with these degrees can pursue a master’s in biomedical engineering to change their career path or open up new career opportunities, but they will often have to complete additional courses if their undergraduate degree does not meet the minimum admission requirements. This is primarily because of the dominance of math and physics in studying for a master’s in biomedical engineering.

Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering Licensure and Certification Overview

A Professional Engineer license is awarded by the board of registration in your state. It shows you are registered to practice engineering. [35] It also shows a commitment to quality standards and lets you do some things that other engineers can’t, such as run a private firm. Some employers insist that you either have a license or obtain a license during your employment. While it is not always a requirement, it can help as you progress through your career by opening new opportunities and marks another stage of your professional development. [36]

The requirements for obtaining a Professional Engineer license are listed below. One of the requirements is to sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Most states do not offer a biomedical engineering version of this exam, but you still have to take an exam to get a license. [37] Alternatives that biomedical engineers choose to gain a Professional Engineer license include electrical, chemical, or mechanical engineering exams.

Qualifying for a professional engineer license

To obtain a Professional Engineer license you must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program. You must also have four years’ experience working as a biomedical engineer (or in another engineering discipline), and you must complete the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.

Once you have completed these stages, you can sit the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.

Each state has different requirements for obtaining a Professional Engineering license. You can find a list of the boards in your state on the National Society of Professional Engineers’ website. [38]

Will my professional engineering license be recognized in another state?

The administration and awarding of a Professional Engineer license are very similar from state to state. Therefore, if you passed the criteria in one state, including passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, you should have no problem obtaining a license in a different state.

Am I required to do anything after I get a professional engineer license?

To keep your Professional Engineer license, you must engage in continuous professional development to improve your knowledge and skills as a biomedical engineer. An example includes completing continuing education courses, although each state licensing board has different criteria. [39]

History of Biomedical Engineering Degrees

The earliest known biomedically engineered device was a prosthetic toe found on an Egyptian mummy that is more than 3,000 years old. [40] Devices to help people walk were probably used even before that. In fact, all through human history, the medical and engineering professions have worked to develop devices to help treat patients and give them a better quality of life.

The modern biomedical engineering industry, however, can trace its roots to the 1940s and 1950s with the development of kidney dialysis technology and artificial heart valves. The late 1960s marked the beginning of biomedical engineering as a degree. At this time, and in the following decades, universities formed biomedical engineering departments and started offering programs. [41]

Other organizations that have helped advance the study of biomedical engineering over recent decades include:

  • American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering [42]
  • Biomedical Engineering Society [43]
  • National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering [44]
Tuition and Fees Overview

There are a number of factors that can greatly affect how much your education will cost. These include whether you attend a public or private institution; whether you attend as an in-state or out-of-state student; and whether you qualify for financial aid like grants or scholarships.

For a more detailed breakdown of tuition, fees, and other financial issues, please visit our tuition and fees page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Biomedical engineering is the combination of engineering and biological sciences. Through this discipline, professionals are able to design and create health care equipment, devices and software. [48] The biomedical engineering field is behind many health care advancements, including ultrasounds, MRI, prosthetic limbs, pacemakers, and various diagnostic equipment. [49]

A Master of Biomedical Engineering is a professional degree that focuses on applying engineering principles to medical and biological product design. Most biomedical engineering curriculums explore topics in engineering, biology, medicine and may include a thesis or an element of clinical practice. Biomedical engineering graduates leverage multi-disciplinary coursework to improve health care outcomes on a local and national level. [50]

A biomedical engineering degree is ideal for professionals working as an engineer or within health care and that have a propensity for mathematics and the medical field. If you hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or are interested in entering the engineering field, a biomedical engineering degree may be a good choice. While a biomedical engineering degree can help you pursue advanced roles, it is not ideal for professionals interested in earning a Ph.D. as it is more practical than research focused. [51]

At the core of a biomedical engineering degree is a drive to create innovative solutions to health care issues. Biomedical engineers use their expertise to improve patient outcomes behind the scenes through advanced health care technology and techniques. They are tasked with innovative thinking to create solutions to seemingly unsolvable health issues. [49]

The biomedical engineering field is growing. There is a huge need for biomedical engineers in the US. In fact, the growth rate for biomedical engineer roles is 23% between 2014 to 2022, which is more than double the national average growth rate. [52] The median annual wage for these roles was $86,220 in May 2015, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $139,520. [53]

Before you apply to a program, be sure that your priorities are met. Some of the key attributes to look for in a Master of Biomedical Engineering degree include:

Accreditation: Is the program ABET accredited? Is the university regionally accredited?
Support: What kind of support is available to help you through the online learning process?
Delivery: Is the program flexible? Is it offered 100% online, on-campus, or is it a hybrid program?
Experiential Learning: Does the program offer real-world experiences? Will you need to complete a thesis, capstone project, or practicum component?
Affordability: Can I afford the program?
Residency Requirements: Are you required to attend on-campus workshops or sessions?
Prestige: Is the university and program highly ranked or do they have good reputations?
Faculty Expertise: Is the program led by real-world experts?
Specializations/Concentrations: What specializations or concentrations are offered in the program?
Balanced Curriculum: Does the program curriculum cover both biology and engineering topics?

The most common alternatives for a Master of Biomedical Engineering is a Master of Science in Engineering, Master of Engineering Management, and a Master of Business Administration. The differences between these degrees and a biomedical engineering degree is the level of focus offered.

Master of Biomedical Engineering: A biomedical engineering degree combines health and engineering principles to create innovative solutions to health care issues.
Master of Science in Engineering: A Master of Science in Engineering explores engineering principles outside of the health care discipline, though it can be leveraged in the health care field.
Master of Engineering Management: A Master of Engineering Management is more suited for engineering professionals interested in pursuing management roles within engineering departments.
Master of Business Administration: An MBA is ideal for professionals interested in management roles within a private organization, not necessarily an engineering department.

Many universities have a GPA requirement as part of the admissions process. This requirement may vary from university to university, but is often a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. [54]

Whether you will need to complete the GRE prior to applying for a program will largely depend on what school you have chosen. There are many programs that do not require a GRE. Check the admissions requirements for your school before applying.

To enter the field, you do not necessarily have to have a professional background in biomedical engineering. Many professionals pursue a graduate degree in biomedical engineering in order to change fields or specializations.
Most biomedical engineering programs require a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field of study. Students without a bachelor’s degree in engineering will need one in STEM related field, such as biology or chemistry. Students who do not meet this requirement may be required to take prerequisite coursework prior to starting their master’s program, though this varies between universities. [50]

Work experience requirements for admission may vary based on your chosen university. To qualify for the Professional Engineer (PE) certification, you must have a minimum of four years of qualifying engineering work experience. [55]

Generally there are supplementary costs apart from tuition. The tuition does not usually include the cost of books or additional fees. These additional costs will vary from program to program.

The largest provider of student financial aid in the nation is the Federal Student Aid office in the U.S. Department of Education. It supplies college-level or career school students with loans, grants, and work-study funds. You can apply for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA.

There are numerous other scholarships available, but you will need to research which opportunities you’re qualified to pursue. Many states, associations, websites, and businesses award scholarships based on specific criteria. Be sure to do your research and apply for any scholarships you’re qualified to be awarded. [69]

Start with a cost-benefit analysis based on the price of the degree and potential ROI. Weigh the full cost against the positive outcomes you expect as a graduate, which may include a boost in earning potential, upward mobility, or job satisfaction.

Core courses vary between programs. Common topics for biomedical engineering core coursework include biomedical systems, physiology, systems analysis, information processing, and biosensor techniques. [56]

Your biomedical engineering program should cover both biology and engineering topics and offer you an opportunity for advanced learning, whether that is a thesis, capstone project, or practicum component. Your coursework should help you explore topics in physiology, information processing, and engineering, while helping you develop “soft-skills”, such as leadership, communication, and teamwork. [57]

The average graduate level biomedical engineering degree can be completed anywhere from 12 months to two years. Programs with a thesis or internship option may take longer to complete. [51] Part-time students may also take longer to complete their programs compared to full-time students.

Students entering a graduate program should expect to commit approximately 6 hours of hours per week per credit hour to their studies. [58]

Fieldwork and practicum requirements vary between universities. Many programs require some kind of experiential learning beyond the program coursework. Your program may ask you to complete a thesis, practicum, or capstone project. [59] Each option must be approved by the individual university’s graduate committee or faculty and will most likely be overseen by a faculty member.

Asynchronous coursework can be completed on your own time — a big plus for many online graduate students who may be working around a busy work schedule or home life. Synchronous coursework has to be completed within a set timeframe. This is typically done for group projects, seminars, presentations, and other learning initiatives that require multiple attendees.

The elements of asynchronous and synchronous learning in your online program depend on the professor and the course. Once you enroll, reach out to teachers for specifics, but remember that the curriculum may be divided into these two subsets.

Yes. Many institutions offer this degrees online.

Most institutions do not indicate on the degree that it was earned online.

Yes, typically schools follow the same curriculum for their online programs as they do for their campus-based programs.

Many biomedical engineering programs offer specializations or concentrations to help further define your interests and focus your expertise. Common concentrations include: [60]
Bioinformatics
Bioinstrumentation
Biomaterials
Biomechanics
Biomechatronics
Biometrics
Bionanotechnology
Biotechnology
Clinical Engineering
Bioprocess Engineering
Medical Imaging
Neuroengineering
Ortho. And Rehabilitation
Pharmaceutical Engineering
Synthetic Biology
Systems Physiology
Telehealth
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Unlike other engineering specializations, biomedical engineers do not have a specific biomedical engineering exam and therefore do not need to be Professional Engineer licensed to work. Earning your PE license can still be a worthwhile venture, as it enables you to sign and seal engineering drawings, demonstrates your commitment to the field, gives you an extra level of credentials and authority, and can even increase your earning potential. [61]

A Master of Biomedical Engineering can lead to a variety of paths, though the most common is the biomedical engineer role. Possible roles include:

Biomedical Engineer [62]
Engineering Manager [63]
Technical Writer [64]

A Master of Biomedical Engineering can lead to a variety of roles, though the most common is a biomedical engineer career. Possible paths include:

Biomedical Engineer | Median Annual Wage: $86,220 | Project Growth: 23% [62]
Engineering Manager | Median Annual Wage: $132,800 | Project Growth: 2% [63]
Technical Writer | Median Annual Wage: $70,240 | Project Growth: 10% [64]

As a biomedical engineer, you can work in a variety of industries including [65]:

Academic institutions
Medical manufacturing
Pharmaceuticals
Healthcare settings

No — attaining management/senior positions is not guaranteed through the completion of a master’s degree. These positions often require many years of experience and a significant level of career achievement. However, an advanced degree can help you develop the necessary knowledge and skills required for these positions and also prove your dedication to the field.

A Master of Biomedical Engineering should be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, or ABET. ABET accredits programs, not institutions, so be sure to check with your university’s regional or national accreditation. Outside of academia, ABET accreditation ensures employers that you have received a quality education aligned with the standards of the field. [66] ABET accreditation also qualifies you to sit for your Professional Engineer (PE) license, which can grant you more career opportunities and responsibilities. [67]

Accreditations are a strong indication of quality, but are also required for students who plan to apply for federal financial aid. Accreditation ensures that your degree is recognized by employers, professional associations, and other accredited institutions of higher education.

SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) applies only to distance education programs in the United States that cross state lines. This agreement is made between member states and establishes comparable postsecondary national standards for distance education courses.

Not every state is a SARA member. Through SARA, member states only have to receive authorization in their home state. Without SARA, non-member states would have to receive authorization in their home state and the state of each of their online students. [68]

Every school has a department or team responsible for online education. This department will be able to answer questions regarding compliance for your home state. Additionally, you can locate the school through SARA (if it is a SARA institution) to confirm compliance.

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[23] http://www.livescience.com/48001-biomedical-engineering.html
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[26] http://www.bmes.org/about
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[28] https://www.asee.org/about-us/the-organization
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[30] https://www.nspe.org/membership/about-nspe
[31] http://www.abet.org/about-abet/
[32] http://www.abet.org/about-abet/governance/accreditation-commissions/engineering-accreditation-commission/
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[34] https://www.nspe.org/resources/licensure/why-get-licensed
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[51] http://www.master-of-engineering.org/biomedical/
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[59] https://www.bu.edu/academics/eng/programs/biomedical-engineering/ms/
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[63] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm
[64] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm
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[66] www.abet.org
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