The 10 Best Online Master's in Biomedical Engineering Programs

Johns Hopkins was founded in 1876 as the first research university in the U.S. The university’s researchers in Baltimore, Maryland have achieved significant advancements across many fields of study since then, from verifying the authenticity of the Dead Sea Scrolls to developing a blood test to detect cancer. Today, the university serves approximately 15,000 graduate students, including those in the biomedical engineering online master’s program.

The M.S. in applied biomedical engineering is a ten–course program that must be finished within five years. Students select one of three tracks: instrumentation, imaging, or translational tissue engineering. Graduates can solve complex medical problems using engineering solutions and computer simulation strategies. Coursework combines core classes, track options, and electives. Examples of available elective courses include biomechanics of cell and build–a–genome.

The program is fully online, but students may select to take some courses on–campus. Each degree option requires one on–campus component. Students in the biomedical engineering practice and innovation course must attend six days of clinical and laboratory work at the Johns Hopkins University campus and Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Applicants must have completed undergraduate courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and molecular biology. Potential students hold at least a 3.0 GPA for the last half of coursework. Applicants do not need to submit GRE scores.

Columbia’s interdisciplinary master of science in biomedical engineering empowers students to solve medical problems with innovative scientific solutions. Students in this 30–credit program complete three core courses, one mathematics class, two biomedical engineering courses, and four electives of interest. Students must also complete a class in computational modeling of physiological systems. Notable biomedical engineering courses include artificial organs and tissue engineering. Advisors may need to approve selected electives.

This fully online program is delivered asynchronously through the Columbia Video Network. It features an online remote proctor service for testing, but students may opt to have their exams proctored in–person. Most students finish the program in three and a half years, but have up to five years. Distance learners gain access to Columbia’s library and career services. Student financial services staff can assist with identifying opportunities for aid.

Applicants to this master’s degree in biomedical engineering must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, computer science, or physics. They should also have completed undergraduate coursework in calculus, biology, physics, and chemistry. Applicants submit GRE scores, three letters of recommendation from previous professors and work supervisors, a resume, personal statement, and transcripts verifying a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Columbia does not accept transfer credits. Admission is rolling, so potential students can apply anytime. Accepted students must register for at least two classes each year.

UMD’s online biomedical engineering master’s program enhances the expertise of engineers in the field. This program is administered through the UMD Office of Advanced Engineering Education, which partners with the A. James Clark School of Engineering. This research center regularly achieves biomedical advancements such as the first 3D bioprinted model of a placenta used to study preeclampsia. The engineering department develops technology that positively impacts the understanding and management of diseases and disabilities.

The master of engineering in bioengineering is fully online. This 30–credit, 10–course program is comprised of three core classes and seven electives. Elective courses include: the science and engineering of biopharmaceuticals, biomedical device development, and applications of tissue engineering. Distance learners must log in for synchronous weekly conferences. There is no thesis requirement. Some instructors require students to have their exams proctored. Local students have the option to take exams on campus in College Park, Maryland.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering. They should hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prerequisites include biology, engineering science, differential equations, and calculus I, II, and III. Upon admittance, students without engineering science experience must take a course in fundamentals of thermal systems. Tuition is the same for Maryland residents and non–residents. There are four admission dates per year.

UW’s master of pharmaceutical bioengineering is a 38–credit program that takes approximately two years to complete. This fully online program assists students with launching a new career in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals. Distance learners gain knowledge in drug design, pharmacy, and molecular and cellular biology. Students can select one of three tracks: drug discovery and design, translational pharmaceutics, or basic bioscience.

Students in this 38–credit degree must complete core coursework before beginning classes in their chosen track. Instead of a thesis, students complete a capstone project in which they showcase their understanding of drug development. Graduates may use findings from the project to secure employment or gain admission to Ph.D. programs.

There are two application deadlines each year. All applicants must submit GRE scores. Potential students should have a bachelor of science in biomedical engineering, public health, or a related field. UW may waive this requirement for students with a minimum of two years work experience in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals. Students that do not meet either of these criteria must complete additional coursework in calculus, chemistry, biology, physics, and statistics. Distance learners are eligible for financial aid if they register for a minimum of five credits.

UW boasts a variety of bioengineering centers, including the Center for Cardiovascular Biology and the Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering. The university values collaboration across its diverse bioengineering efforts. The school’s BioEngage initiative connects students, faculty, and professionals in the biomedical industry through networking opportunities. The faculty includes 29 American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering fellows.

WPI’s Bioengineering Institute develops new biomedical technologies such as skeletal remodeling and bioinstrumentation. Successful initiatives include blood vessel engineering and sutures that can heal wounds. Graduates of WPI’s master’s degree in biomedical engineering have the leadership, communication, and analytical skills to develop solutions that create positive change. Students receive the training to successfully conduct experiments, analyze data, and adhere to FDA guidelines and regulations. Courses include medical device design controls; biomedical robotics; and business law, ethics, and social responsibility.

Most courses for this biomedical engineering master’s online program are asynchronous. Students conduct group projects through email and discussion boards. The team efforts required by these WPI “project teams” mirror the collaborative work of the biomedical engineering field. Students can develop their own degree plan based on their career interests, but advisors must have final approval. The degree requires 12 credits in biomedical engineering, nine credits in life sciences and advanced mathematics, and 12 credits in electives. Students must also take a graduate seminar online, on–campus, or off–site.

Ideally, applicants should have an ABET–accredited degree in engineering, computational chemistry, physics, or computer science. Potential students should hold a 3.0 minimum GPA. There are three program start dates each year. Part–time students can complete the degree in three to five years.

WPI offers the Gateway Scholarship to online graduate students. The scholarship provides up to $5,000 toward tuition expenses. Distance learners may also receive financial aid through federal sources, other scholarships, and fellowships.

Located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Rutgers was established before the American Revolution. Today, Rutgers is a distinguished public research university with more than 200 graduate programs, including an online master’s degree in biomedical engineering. Rutgers’ alumni network includes more than 480,000 active members. The school’s small class sizes enable students to collaborate with each other while receiving individual attention from instructors.

Students enrolled in the online master’s degree in biomedical engineering gain knowledge and skills in key areas of biomedical engineering, including biomaterials, biomedical imaging, and neuroengineering. The program prepares students for professional research in tissue engineering, drug delivery, medical devices, and other cutting–edge bioengineering initiatives. Students have the unique opportunity to conduct an independent study project with a faculty member. Faculty members are experts in diverse aspects of biomedical engineering, including neurotechnology and biomaterials.

Interested students are provided enrollment coaches. These coaches walk students through the admissions and financial aid processes and offer resources as needed. Applicants must submit GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Potential students should hold a minimum GPA of 3.0. Undergraduate coursework must include one or two semesters of physics and three semesters of calculus. The school accepts applications throughout the year. There are three program start dates. Distance learners gain access to executive coaches who provide free training on topics like motivation, study habits, and time management.

CWRU established one of the first biomedical engineering programs in 1968. Today, the university operates a biomedical engineering department jointly administered by the Case School of Engineering and the CWRU School of Medicine. The department oversees 20 innovative research centers and almost $42 million in active grants. Faculty members partner with clinicians to solve health problems related to stroke, cancer, paralysis, and many other diseases and conditions. CWRU works with more than 270 organizations and companies to fund research projects, expand employment opportunities, and provide networking events for students.

The master of science in biomedical engineering is rich with cutting–edge research, simulations, and case studies. Faculty members serve as both instructors and researchers. The online curriculum requires nine courses totaling 27 credit hours. The degree plan includes: two core courses in biomedical engineering, one core engineering course, two biomedical engineering specialty courses, two translational research classes, and two technical electives. Biomedical engineering specialty courses include polymers in medicine or bioelectric phenomena. Options for the technical electives include a business course and research project.

In their undergraduate studies, applicants should have completed two semesters of chemistry, two semesters of physics, four semesters of mathematics, and one programming class. CWRU offers a new $10,000 scholarship for online graduate students pursuing the master of science in biomedical engineering.