Online Biomedical Engineering Degrees by Program Level

Biomedical engineering is a rapidly expanding field of study with tremendous career prospects. Bachelor's degrees are typically offered in biomedical informatics or technology, while a graduate degree is required for careers at the core of the discipline. Those who already hold an undergraduate engineering degree, are working professionally as engineers and are interested in their discipline's medical applications are good candidates to earn an online master's degree in biomedical engineering.

Overview of a Master's Degree in Biomedical Engineering

An online master's degree program in biomedical engineering combines concepts from biology, engineering and medicine to prepare science-oriented scholars to create better medical devices and treatments. Courses touch on data collection, statistical analysis, mathematical modeling and the practical challenges of studying, designing and manipulating artificial and natural materials. Students also learn to navigate the regulatory environment surrounding biomedical engineering. Applicants to a master's degree program need an accredited bachelor's degree in either one of the hard sciences, math or engineering. They must have previously achieved at least a 3.0 GPA, and satisfactory GRE scores are required prior to graduate school enrollment.

Program Information and Requirements

Hybrid programs with on-campus classroom components are also available, but in many cases, courses in a master's degree program for biomedical engineering may be completed entirely online. All lectures, readings, assignments and other materials are distributed through the school's website and may be accessed at a student's convenience. Classes may be taken in any order, but must be completed by set deadlines. Communication with instructors and fellow students is handled via discussion forums, online chat and e-mail. A master's degree is typically earned in 2-3 years.
Students need a personal computer with basic productivity software to participate in an online program. Although a dial-up connection is adequate, most schools recommend a DSL or cable connection for high-speed access to the Internet.

List of Common Biomedical Engineering Courses

An online master's degree program generally consists of a group of required core courses and elective courses. Elective courses may supply more in-depth coverage of a particular topic in biomedical engineering, or broader coverage of useful topics related to bioengineering.

Biosensors Course

This class examines the design of biosensor devices and explores their performance characteristics. Coursework emphasizes applications in biosecurity, food safety and environmental remediation.

Biomaterials Course

Students learn concepts in biomaterial design and synthesis as they consider practical uses for engineered materials in the body. Main themes include materials science and the integration of engineering and biology.

Tissue Engineering Course

This course examines existing and experimental methods of engineering mammalian tissue, with the intent of restoring damaged organs and improving their function. Featured topics are cell transplantation, in-vivo regeneration and drug delivery.

Biomedical Regulation Course

Lessons explain the FDA approval processes for biomedical devices. Subject areas include 501K regulations, PMA requirements and standards for Class I, Class II and Class III devices.

Career Information for Biomedical Engineering Graduates

An online master's degree in biomedical engineering qualifies graduates to supervise research in a pharmaceutical company lab or government research lab. Hospitals, non-profit organizations, foundations and universities also employ biomedical engineers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 72% increase in employment of biomedical engineers over the years 2008-2018, a significantly higher rate of growth than for other occupational categories. This shift will be driven by demand for improved medical care and a rapidly expanding knowledge base about how to manipulate biological systems for better health care outcomes. According to Payscale.com, the median salary of biomedical engineers with 1-4 years of experience was $46,216-$66,097 as of May 2010.

Continuing Education Information

Biomedical engineers who want to become research team leaders, lab directors or college-level professors should consider earning a doctoral degree. As of June 2010, doctorate programs for biomedical engineering are not offered online.