Earning a Master's in Biomedical Engineering Online

What You’ll Learn & What You Can Do After Graduation

Should I Pursue a Master's in Biomedical Engineering Online?

The field of biomedical engineering is well-suited to students who have an interest in how things work and who want to apply that curiosity and knowledge to advance technologies and processes in the medical field. A master's in biomedical engineering prepares graduates to pursue careers in industries like biomaterials, biomechanics, cell and tissue engineering, drug delivery, medical imaging, pharmaceuticals, genetics, neurotechnology, and prosthetics/orthotics.

Students interested in biomedical engineering may want to consider pursuing a master's from an online program. An online program is ideal for those working full time who are interested in advancing or changing their careers.

A master's in biomedical engineering may appeal to students who enjoy gathering information and data by observing, researching, and experimenting to understand the world and the things in it. Biomedical engineers apply these skills to the medical field to make a positive impact on patients.

Employment Outlook for Master's in Biomedical Engineering Graduates

Master's in Biomedical Engineering Salary

The tables below examine what biomedical engineering graduates can expect to make at different points in their careers. While the field of biomedical engineering tends to pay well across the board, there are some states where biomedical engineers earn more. The five top-paying states are listed below. While the large salaries may seem attractive, take into consideration the demand (or lack thereof), which is noted by the number of biomedical engineers employed in each state.

Top-Paying States for Biomedical Engineers

State Employment Annual Mean Wage
New Jersey 270 $111,680
Arizona 290 $108,740
Minnesota 1,300 $108,290
California 4,280 $103,730
Connecticut 180 $101,200
United States 20,100 $92,970

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Pay by Experience Level for Biomedical Engineering Directors

  • Entry-Level (0-5 Years):
  • Mid-Career (5-10 Years):
  • Experienced (10-20 Years):
  • Late-Career (20+ Years):

Source: PayScale

Master's in Biomedical Engineering Careers

Students pursuing a master's in biomedical engineering online can find numerous career options when they graduate. The most common career paths are in biomaterials, biomechanics, cell and tissue engineering, drug delivery, medical imaging, and pharmaceuticals. Students can specialize their degrees in areas like genetics, neurotechnology, or prosthetics and orthotics. With a variety of career options, there is a path for every student, whether they prefer to work on the big picture or the details, in an office or in the field, independently or as part of a team.

Biomedical Engineer

Annual Median Salary: $88,040
Projected Growth Rate: 7%

A biomedical engineer applies general principles of engineering to the science of medicine, often focusing on medical technologies. They work in universities or hospitals, or at companies that intersect with them, such as manufacturing or research companies. Generally, only a bachelor's degree is required, but a master's degree opens doors to more select positions and companies.

Materials Engineer

Annual Median Salary: $94,610
Projected Growth Rate: 2%

Materials engineers design new materials for applications by studying the structure and properties of existing metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. These materials must meet requirements for use in a multitude of disciplines, including biomedicine and manufacturing.

Architectural or Engineering Manager

Annual Median Salary: $113,030
Projected Growth Rate: 6%

These professionals plan and coordinate operations in architectural or engineering companies. These positions require a bachelor's degree and substantial experience as an architect or engineer, but the advanced instruction and experience a master's offers can offset the work experience requirement.

What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Biomedical Engineering Program?

When considering whether a master's in biomedical engineering is right for you or which program is the best fit, it may help to know more about the core foundational courses biomedical engineering master's programs have in common. The details of these courses vary depending on the program and its research specialty, so be sure to check the curricula of the programs you are considering.

Curriculum for an Online Master's Degree in Biomedical Engineering

  1. Physiology: Physiology is the science of the function of living organisms and their parts. Physiology courses cover topics such as molecules, cells, tissues, organs, systems, and organisms. Knowledge of physiology prepares students for careers in the biomedical sphere and for specialty disciplines such as audiology, epidemiology, and food science.
  2. Bioengineering: Bioengineering is the application of the principles, analysis, knowledge, problem-solving techniques, and technologies of engineering to the fields of biology and health care. Bioengineering opens the door to careers in bioinstrumentation, medical imaging, and orthopedic bioengineering.
  3. Tissue engineering: Tissue engineering is the practice of combining cells with scaffolds made of engineering materials and biochemical factors to improve or replace biological tissues. Tissue engineers can work in academia, hospital laboratories, prosthetics, and cardiovascular research.
  4. Biomaterials: The study of biomaterials is the study of natural and synthetic materials that can be introduced into living tissue to interact with a biological system for a medical purpose. Students who study biomaterials science are well-suited to careers in drug delivery, prosthetics and orthotics, and research.
  5. Neuroengineering: Neuroengineering uses experimental, computational, theoretical, and quantitative engineering techniques to understand, repair, replace, or enhance neural systems. Those who study neuroengineering can pursue jobs in biotech and biorobotics; they may help develop electrical stimulation devices like pacemakers that help patients with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.

Certifications and Licenses a Master's in Biomedical Engineering Prepares For

  • Fundamentals of Engineering: The FE exam/certification is designed for recent graduates in fields of engineering. This computer-based exam takes roughly six hours and tests graduates on the basic principles of engineering.
  • Principles and Practice of Engineering: The PE exam and certification is designed to test for competency in a specific engineering discipline and is required to become a certified professional engineer. As biomedical engineering does not have its own PE exam, applicants should take the Other Disciplines exam.