Biomedical engineers have a vital role in the advancement of medical technology. They create and develop new medical devices and equipment. They can even assist in the creation of artificial organs and limbs.
A master’s degree in biomedical technology online can prepare you for a career in this field. You will be able to manage research teams and take on some of the industry’s biggest challenges. Medical technology will continue to progress, as will the need for knowledgeable professionals in this field.
Consider one of these eight programs for an online master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. We compared each program that met our ranking criteria to help you.
Top 8 Best Online Master’s In Biomedical Engineering Of 2024
- Johns Hopkins University
- Villanova University
- University of Southern California
- Columbia University in the City of New York
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Case Western Reserve University
- Purdue University
- University of North Dakota
1. Johns Hopkins University
Graduate Tuition
$5,090/course
Percentage Of Grand Students Enrolled In distance Education
81%
Overall Graduation Rate
93%
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
- School Type: Private
- Application Fee: $75
- Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Part time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Orthopedic biomechanics, medical sensors and devices
- Concentrations Available: Biomechanics, imaging, medical devices, neuro engineering, translational tissue engineering
- In-Person Requirements: Yes
When Johns Hopkins University (JHU) opened its doors in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1876, it became the first research university in the United States. The school spends more money on research and development than any other American university.
Students can choose between five specializations in applied biomedical technology in the online MS program. The program is entirely online but includes a residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The program offers a certificate for postgraduate study in biomedical technology. JHU offers a Dean’s Fellowship to all engineering students. This reduces the cost of each course.
2. Villanova University
Graduate Tuition
$1,541/credit
Percentage Of Grand Students Enrolled In distance Education
46%
Overall Graduation Rate
89%
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Private
- Application Fee: $50
- Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Full time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Protein engineering, gene and cell therapy
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: Yes
The Catholic Villanova University, founded in 1842, enrolls over 10,000 students across 175 programs. Learners can select either a thesis or a nonthesis option for the online MS degree in biochemical engineering.
Graduate students in engineering can choose to take online or on-campus classes. Villanova has several leading centers and labs in this field on its campus, including the Biochemical Engineering and BioProcessing Laboratory and the Center for Cellular Engineering. The Center for Engineering Education and Research will be opening in 2024.
3. University of Southern California
Graduate Tuition
$2,424/credit
Percentage Of Grand Students Enrolled In distance Education
60%
Overall Graduation Rate
93%
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
- School Type: Private
- Application Fee: $90
- Degree Credit Requirements: 28 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Physiological control systems, signal and systems analysis
- Concentrations Available: medical imaging and imaging informatics, medical device and diagnostic engineering
- In-Person Requirements: No
From just 50 students in 1880, the University of Southern California (USC) now has nearly 50,000. You can take classes at the Los Angeles campus or online for the MS in Biomedical Engineering. You can choose from two specializations as an online student: a course-based and a thesis-based program.
USC’s online delivery model lets you mix asynchronous and synchronous delivery methods for the best experience. Distance learners pay the same tuition as on-campus students, but they can save money on health insurance, health enter fees and programming.
4. Columbia University in the City of New York
Graduate Tuition
$2,362/credit
Percentage Of Grand Students Enrolled In distance Education
29%
Overall Graduation Rate
93%
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
- School Type: Private
- Application Fee: $85
- Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Part time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Computational modeling of physiological systems, solid biomechanics
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Columbia University was established in 1754. It is the oldest university in New York and among the oldest universities in the United States. If you choose the online MS program in biomedical Engineering, your focus will be biomechanics, imaging, and cell and tissue engineering.
Since 1986, the University has used the Columbia Video Network to provide online education. Distance learners are required to pay $395 for each online course in addition to their tuition.
5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Graduate Tuition
$1,137/credit
Percentage Of Grand Students Enrolled In distance Education
72%
Overall Graduation Rate
86%
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: $70
- Degree Credit Requirements: 32 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part time, full time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Biological measurement, managing business operations
- Concentrations Available: General bioengineering, bioinstrumentation
- In-Person Requirements: No
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign–the flagship school of the University of Illinois system–was founded in 1867. U of I is a leader in research among U.S. universities, receiving annual funding of more than $600 million. Students pursuing an M.Eng.
Students prepare for technical and management careers in healthcare with the M.Eng. The program includes a capstone product lifecycle project that students can complete independently for an employer or consult. All online students at U of I pay the same tuition rate, no matter where they reside.
6. Case Western Reserve University
Graduate Tuition
$39,000/program
Percentage Of Grand Students Enrolled In distance Education
27%
Overall Graduation Rate
84%
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
- School Type: Private
- Application Fee: $50
- Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Full time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Biomedical instrumentation and signal processing, applied engineering statistics
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), located in Cleveland, Ohio, enrolls over 12,000 students from more than 100 countries. The online MS in Biomedical Engineering is among 160 graduate programs. It offers an online version of one of the nation’s first biomedical master’s programs.
This program involves completing team projects, practical assignments and virtual simulations using software. The students may also choose to tackle a research project.
All online students at CWRU are eligible for a generous new scholarship.
7. Purdue University
Graduate Tuition
$1,139/credit (in state)
Percentage Of Grand Students Enrolled In distance Education
42%
Overall Graduation Rate
75%
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: $60
- Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Biomedical signal processing, polymeric biomaterials
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Purdue University opened its doors in West Lafayette, Indiana, in 1874 with only 39 students. Almost 150 years after its founding, Purdue University educates over 50,000 students in hundreds of programs. This includes more than 200 online degree programs.
The online MS in Biomedical Engineering is one of nine engineering specializations that are available. It combines engineering, biology, and medicine. Students can select between thesis or non-thesis tracks.
Students also take professional skills courses, including project or program management, system engineering processes, and clinical study design.
8. University of North Dakota
Graduate Tuition
$798/credit
Percentage Of Grand Students Enrolled In distance Education
73%
Overall Graduation Rate
50%
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: $35
- Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Full time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Digital image processing, intelligent decision systems
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
The University of North Dakota (UND) is a historic institution in Grand Forks, North Dakota. It offers more than 250 programs, including an MS in biomedical engineering online program.
This program is designed for students who want to learn how to use engineering principles to solve problems in healthcare. Students can choose between two paths: one that involves writing a research paper and another that doesn’t. Then, they can select from various internships in hospitals, companies, or the university’s research labs.
Even though students are not required to be physically present on campus, they will pay the same tuition rate as students who attend classes on campus. However, they will also be charged an additional fee of $72 per credit to cover technology costs.
Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Program?
Did you know you can now earn a master’s degree in biomedical engineering without leaving your home? Many universities across the country have started offering this degree online, which means you can have a flexible schedule and may not have to travel to attend classes. However, before enrolling in an online program, figuring out if it fits you is essential.
Online programs usually offer two types of delivery methods: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous delivery means you have set class times often in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working students. Asynchronous delivery allows you to schedule your classes anytime but may require more self-motivation than synchronous learning.
When choosing an online program, it’s essential to consider how you learn best and which delivery method suits you. For instance, if you prefer an interactive classroom environment, you might want to consider an on-campus, hybrid or synchronous online program. On the other hand, if you have good organizational and time management skills and can work well on your schedule, then an asynchronous program might be the right choice.
How To Find the Right Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering for You?
Consider Your Future Goals
It’s important to know what you want to do after you finish school so you can choose the right program that fits your goals. The biomedical field has different areas of focus, and it might be easier to find a job in your area of interest if you study a related subject or do an internship during your studies. It’s also a good idea to choose a school where the professors specialize in your area of interest or have partnerships with industry.
Different programs can also lead to different career paths. If you’re interested in pursuing a doctorate degree, a program that involves writing a thesis would be a good choice. If you prefer more hands-on projects or practical experience, a program that emphasizes projects or lab work might be better suited for you.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
The cost of getting a master’s degree in biomedical engineering can vary widely depending on where you study. For example, the University of North Dakota offers a program that costs around $23,940 for the entire program, while Columbia University charges $70,860 for the same degree.
On average, graduate students in the US can expect to pay about $19,749 per year for tuition. This breaks down to around $12,394 per year for public schools and $26,621 for private schools. If you’re attending a school outside your home state, you can expect to pay around $35,900 annually on average.
It’s important to remember that many options are available to help pay for your education. One of the best places to start is by filling out the FAFSA, which can help you qualify for federal aid, grants, and scholarships. Additionally, you may want to look into loans or work-study programs to help cover the cost of tuition.
FAQs About Online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Programs
How long does an MS in biomedical engineering take?
It usually takes two years of full-time study to complete a typical MS program in biomedical engineering. Depending on your program, you may be able to speed up the process by taking a heavier course load, or you can slow it down by opting for a part-time schedule.
How hard is a biomedical engineering master’s?
Biomedical master’s programs can be challenging due to their rigorous nature, requiring a deep understanding of medicine, engineering, and complex sciences. However, they can be rewarding depending on your interests.
Are online engineering master’s degrees respected?
Online engineering master’s degree programs usually offer the same curriculum as their on-campus counterparts. In fact, distance learners often have the same instructors as on-campus students. Additionally, your diploma will not indicate whether you earned your degree online or in person.
Is a master’s in biomedical engineering worth it?
Obtaining a master’s degree in biomedical engineering can open up opportunities in a rapidly growing field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bioengineers and biomedical engineers are projected to experience a 10% growth rate between 2021 and 2031, twice the average growth rate projected for jobs nationwide. As of May 2022, the median annual salary for these professionals was $99,550.
