Upon completing an online master’s in biomedical engineering program, students will have a further understanding of the biomedical industry and the potential career applications of what they have learned. With this degree, students can attain an advanced position in various careers, including nanotechnology, military medicine, tissue engineering, pharmaceuticals, and much more. And completing the degree doesn’t take long: this graduate degree typically takes between 28 to 33 credit hours, allowing full-time students to complete their studies in two years or less.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for graduate school is $20,513. Once you graduate, you will qualify for jobs in the bioengineering and biomedical engineering field, where you can expect an average salary of $100,730.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
Our Methodology
Our list features the best online Biomedical Engineering degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 8 Accredited Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Johns Hopkins University
Intelligent Score: 97.94In-state: $54,160
Out-of-state: $54,160
In-state: $57,010
Out-of-state: $57,010
SAT: 1470-1560
ACT: 34-36
$1,756
Online, On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
30
Columbia University
Intelligent Score: 97.31In-state: $57,864
Out-of-state: $57,864
In-state: $49,024
Out-of-state: $49,024
SAT: 1460-1570
ACT: 33-35
$2,462
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
30
University of Southern California
Intelligent Score: 96.40In-state: $59,260
Out-of-state: $59,260
In-state: $47,880
Out-of-state: $47,880
SAT: 1340-1530
ACT: 30-34
$2,543
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
30
Case Western Reserve University
Intelligent Score: 94.51In-state: $52,448
Out-of-state: $52,448
In-state: $47,920
Out-of-state: $47,920
SAT: 1340-1520
ACT: 31-34
$1,692
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Intelligent Score: 92.29In-state: $12,230
Out-of-state: $29,012
In-state: $17,736
Out-of-state: $17,736
SAT: 1180-1410
ACT: 25-32
In-State: $894
Out-of-State: $1,414
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
33
Florida Atlantic University
Intelligent Score: 91.89In-state: $2,522
Out-of-state: $14,374
In-state: $5,467
Out-of-state: $5,467
SAT: 1060-1220
ACT: 21-26
In-State: $371
Out-of-State: $1,026
Online
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
30
University of Houston
Intelligent Score: 90.94In-state: $8,449
Out-of-state: $20,665
In-state: $8,539
Out-of-state: $8,539
SAT: 1120-1310
ACT: 22-28
$428 - $579
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
University of North Dakota
Intelligent Score: 90.47In-state: $8,540
Out-of-state: $12,810
In-state: $11,060
Out-of-state: $11,060
SAT: 1000-1230
ACT: 20-27
$545
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
30
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Program
Choose your area of study
This degree is typically offered as a Master of Engineering (MEng) or Master of Science (MS). Many programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as biomaterials, biomedical instrumentation, medical imaging informatics, or neuroengineering. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your program will also be approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for engineering education.
Students should also strongly consider the program’s overall cost, as choosing a more affordable school can mean the difference between graduating with heavy student debt or little to no student debt.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program. Some programs may require students to submit GRE scores, and since the GRE can take up to three months to study for and it takes up to 15 days to receive results, students will need to factor in how long everything can take against application deadlines. In some cases, no GRE is required, but the school may require students to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5. You will likely need to submit transcripts, and letters of recommendation and a personal statement may be required as well.
Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
With the list of schools narrowed down, prospective students must determine the exact program(s) they will apply to.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
To help pay for an online master’s in biomedical engineering program, students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which helps qualify students for federal loans that can pay for (or at least mitigate) the cost of their graduate education.
In some cases, filling out this form can also help students to qualify for special grants or scholarships. While those aren’t as common for graduate students as they are for undergraduate students, it never hurts to contact specific schools and ask if these or other forms of aid are available. Inquiring may help students discover financial assistance available from the school and the state that they would otherwise have no way of knowing about. Be sure to speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost and financing options.
Also, those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition reimbursement benefits.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Program?
An online master’s in biomedical engineering helps students build upon their existing undergraduate studies in science while preparing them to compete in a growing and intersectional industry.
For example, students will learn about design and data analysis, the structure and function of biomaterials, and relevant material issues in mechanical design. All of this helps prepare students for a field where they may tackle very different tasks ranging from fighting pernicious diseases to helping those suffering from a disability. Remember, choosing a specialty can help better prepare students for a highly-specific post-graduate career.
Master’s in biomedical engineering programs take most full-time students about two years to complete, though it’s possible to complete accelerated programs in as little as a year. For most online programs, students shouldn’t have to complete any residencies or in-person labs, which can help them finish everything sooner.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in biomedical engineering program
- Biochemical Sensors. This course helps students learn more about the different principles behind using chemicals to sense physiological signals. Students will learn about electrochemistry and biophysical chemistry and the design, construction, and use of these very specialized sensors. As technology progresses rapidly, the course also covers emerging technologies and their potential future applications.
- Physiology for Applied Biomedical Engineering. This course focuses primarily on the physiological principles that students must master to thrive in a biomedical engineering career and, before that, succeed in the rest of their graduate coursework.
- Molecular Biology. This course offers a deep dive into molecular biology and provides a solid introduction to the subject in question. Students will learn more about chemistry and biochemistry and how these fundamental concepts serve as the building blocks for cutting-edge tech, including recombinant DNA technology.
- Frontiers in Neuroengineering. While the brain has remained a mystery for far too long, modern neuroengineering tools are helping us to learn about the mind in ways our ancestors could only dream of. This class helps students learn more about current neurological theories and how those theories are being put to the test using the latest technology.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering?
Career outlook
The versatility of a master’s in biomedical engineering allows graduates to adapt to various industries, including medical device manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and research institutions. The demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between engineering and healthcare is on the rise. Their education equips them with the expertise to design and improve medical devices, develop innovative therapies, and conduct groundbreaking research. Here are some common career paths for individuals with a master’s in biomedical engineering:
- Bioengineer or biomedical engineer — Use the principles of biology and engineering to design, develop, and test equipment and devices, such as medical implants and artificial organs.
- Median annual salary: $100,730
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New job openings projected: 1,200 annually
- Medical scientist — Help research diseases and develop new drugs.
- Median annual salary: $100,890
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 10%
- New job openings projected: 7,500 annually
- Health services manager — Manage a healthcare-related firm and supervise medical staff.
- Median annual salary: $110,680
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 28%
- New job openings projected: 54,700 annually
Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in biomedical engineering degree program?
Students can apply to online master’s in biomedical engineering programs by filling out the online application on the university website. Such applications will specify any additional paperwork students may need to submit, including GRE scores or letters of recommendation from previous professors.
If applying to several programs, it is best for students to carefully review the specific requirements of each application, as they may differ. Students with lingering questions should contact the admissions counselor for each school: the counselors can verify what needs to be submitted and answer any remaining questions students may have about either the program or the school.
How much does an online master’s in biomedical engineering degree cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate degrees such as an online master’s in biomedical engineering will cost you an average of $20,513 per year in tuition.
Your costs may be higher or lower due to various factors, including whether you go to a public school (which will be cheaper) or a private school (which will be more expensive). Another factor influencing the cost is how many credit hours the program is and how long it takes to finish.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in biomedical engineering degree?
Most online master’s in biomedical engineering degrees are designed to be completed in two years by full-time students, which is the same amount of time it will take to complete such a degree on-campus. Students attending an accelerated program can earn this degree in just one year.
Is an online master’s degree in biomedical engineering worth it?
Earning an online master’s degree in biomedical engineering can be worthwhile for individuals seeking a rewarding career at the intersection of engineering and healthcare. This degree equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to make a significant impact on the development of medical devices, therapies, and research.
Graduates with this degree are likely to find a broad range of career options open to them, including positions that allow for career growth and advancement. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and specialization, but this degree often leads to well-compensated positions.
Online programs offer flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments. This makes them particularly appealing to adult learners who may be juggling multiple priorities.