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.
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.
Best 11 Accredited Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Programs
Institution 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
Columbia University Engineering
Intelligent Score: 97.28Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $57,864
Out-of-state: $57,864
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $49,024
Out-of-state: $49,024
Test scores
SAT: 1460-1570
ACT: 33-35
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$2,362
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
30
Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals
Intelligent Score: 96.34Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $54,160
Out-of-state: $54,160
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $57,010
Out-of-state: $57,010
Test scores
SAT: 1470-1560
ACT: 34-36
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,957
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online, Hybrid
ACCREDITATION
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
30
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Intelligent Score: 96.05Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $14,317
Out-of-state: $33,824
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $15,016
Out-of-state: $15,016
Test scores
SAT: 1200-1460
ACT: 27-33
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,110
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
32
University of Southern California
Intelligent Score: 95.13Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $59,260
Out-of-state: $59,260
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $47,880
Out-of-state: $47,880
Test scores
SAT: 1340-1530
ACT: 30-34
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$2,137
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online, On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
28
Colorado State University
Intelligent Score: 91.99Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $9,426
Out-of-state: $28,147
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $10,520
Out-of-state: $10,520
Test scores
SAT: 1070-1280
ACT: 23-29
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$964
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
30
University of Maryland
Intelligent Score: 91.79Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $8,824
Out-of-state: $34,936
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $13,158
Out-of-state: $13,158
Test scores
SAT: 1270-1480
ACT: 30-34
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,340
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
30
Purdue University
Intelligent Score: 91.63Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $9,208
Out-of-state: $28,010
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $9,208
Out-of-state: $9,208
Test scores
SAT: 1170-1420
ACT: 25-33
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
Resident: $1,139
Non-Resident: $1,459
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
30
UW Department of Bioengineering
Intelligent Score: 91.41Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $10,629
Out-of-state: $37,998
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $16,278
Out-of-state: $16,278
Test scores
SAT: 1200-1453
ACT: 27-33
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$864
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
36
University of California at Riverside
Intelligent Score: 90.79Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $41,196
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $11,442
Test scores
SAT: 1310-1530
ACT: 30-35
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$875
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
36
Case School of Engineering
Intelligent Score: 89.71Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $52,448
Out-of-state: $52,448
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $47,920
Out-of-state: $47,920
Test scores
SAT: 1340-1520
ACT: 31-34
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,692
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
30
Villanova University
Intelligent Score: 87.49Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $56,730
Out-of-state: $56,730
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $20,619
Out-of-state: $20,619
Test scores
SAT: 1320-1460
ACT: 30-33
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,541
DELIVERY FORMAT
Online, On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
30
How We Rank Schools
To ensure flexibility for working students, we only reviewed programs that can be completed online. Many programs on this list are also offered in an on-campus format or can be completed with a blend of online and in-person classes.
We only reviewed programs offered at regionally accredited institutions to ensure they meet high quality standards for postsecondary education. ABET, a specialty organization that accredits engineering and technology programs, has approved several of these options.
Our team reviewed programs based on their course offerings, cost, reputation, faculty, and flexibility. Then, we assigned each program an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
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.