Why This Matters

  • BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING JOBS TO INCREASE 4%

    Biomedical engineering is a relatively new, and growing, field, with jobs expected to increase at an average pace over the next 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  • ELDERLY POPULATION RISING TO 95M BY 2060

    The increasing number of baby boomers in the U.S. is contributing to the need for more biomedical engineers to develop new biomedical devices and procedures for this population.

  • 10,600 JOB OPENINGS FOR MEDICAL SCIENTISTS

    Another career opportunity for those with a biomedical engineering degree is medical scientist. These individuals perform more general research aimed at improving overall health.

Our Research

Students can earn degrees in biomedical science at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. This list specifically focuses on master’s degrees. Types of degrees in biomedical engineering include Master of Engineering (ME), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Liberal Arts (MLA).

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 standards of quality in higher education. Several programs are also accredited by ABET, a specialty organization that accredits engineering and technology programs.

Our team reviewed programs based on their course offerings, cost, reputation, faculty, and flexibility, and assigned each program an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Our top picks for the best online master’s in biomedical engineering are cost-effective, customizable, and respected. (For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.)

  • 88 hours to write this article
  • 143 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 339 education programs we compared

The Top 10 Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering

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What You Should Know About This Degree

Biomedical engineering is a bachelor’s-level entry field, meaning an undergraduate degree is the minimum education level needed to obtain a job as a biomedical engineer. Some positions may require an advanced degree, but the pay difference between those with a bachelor’s and those with a master’s is negligible.

Obtaining a master’s in biomedical engineering may be the best option for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a related field who want to transition to the biomedical engineering field. It is also ideal for those who want to focus on research. Most biomedical engineering programs have a research emphasis, and an advanced degree is typically required for positions as research team leaders.

Other areas of study that dovetail with biomedical engineering include medicine, dentistry, law, and business. It’s helpful to consider what your career goals are, and what is the best educational path to achieve them. For example, if you’re interested in patenting biomedical equipment, studying patent law may be helpful in entering that field.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering programs:

  • What are the prerequisites for this program? Biomedical engineering draws on specific knowledge of areas such as mathematics, biology, and chemistry. Therefore, most programs have course prerequisites that students must complete before enrolling. If you did not complete these prerequisites as part of your undergraduate degree, find a program that allows you to earn these credits through a bridge program.
  • Is there a thesis requirement? As a field that emphasizes research, biomedical engineering degree programs often require a thesis. Completing a thesis can be especially valuable for students who plan to pursue doctoral study in the field.

When researching programs, look at their application requirements and deadlines. Gathering the required application materials and submitting them on time will ensure a smooth admissions process. This information can be found on the school’s website, or you can contact their admissions department with questions.

At this stage, you should also consider how you will pay for your graduate education. Find out if the program offers any assistantships, scholarships or grants. You should also look into federal financial aid, and tuition assistance benefits from your employer, if you are currently working.