Master's Program

Our MS program in biomedical engineering equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance biomedical research, healthcare technology, and clinical care solutions. Through close collaboration with the , students gain real clinical insight and hands-on experience, learning to apply engineering principles in ways that directly improve patient outcomes.

Students with backgrounds in engineering, biology, or related STEM designated fields are well-suited to an MS program in biomedical engineering. For more information about financing and application requirements, visit the applying page.

Customize Your MS Program

The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers several different MS options to meet a variety of students’ needs:

Coursework MS

The coursework MS program is designed to offer specialized depth in areas of student interest while building broad expertise across key biomedical applications and technologies.

Required Courses

Coursework MS students will take a total of 30 credit hours of courses.

All the following core courses are required:

  • BST 467: Applied Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences (three credits)
  • BME 496: Current Research Seminars (no credit)

Plus 14 elective credits taken in the following approved categories:

  • Advanced biomedical engineering: four credits minimum
  • Engineering: four credits minimum
  • Biology: four credits minimum
  • Additional coursework (including 6-11 research credits)

Students must also complete a comprehensive oral exam during the spring semester.

For more information on the approved topic courses and electives available and program requirements, see the Graduate Handbook (pdf).

Sample Schedule

Fall semester:

  • BST 467: Applied Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences
  • BME 496: Current Research Seminars Electives or research
  • Electives

Spring semester:

  • Electives or research
  • Oral exam
Teaching Assistantships

All biomedical engineering MS students are required to complete one teaching assistantship. This service is required whether or not the student has received financial support from the University.

Center for Medical Technology and Innovation MS

This specialized MS program in biomedical engineering provides students with hands-on experience in clinical observation and medical device design, preparing them for careers in healthcare innovation and bioengineering.

The , which resides within the Department of Biomedical Engineering, helps coordinate this program, providing unique opportunities for graduate students.  

Required Courses

Center for Medical Technology and Innovation (CMTI) MS students will take a total of 30 credit hours of courses.

All the following core courses are required:

  • BME 498: CMTI Summer Rotation (no credit)
  • BME 535: Medical Device Design (four credits)
  • BME 431: FDA and Intellectual Property (two credits)
  • BME 495: Biomedical Engineering Research (four credits)
  • BME 438: Introduction to Quality Engineering (two credits)
  • BME 432: FDA and IP Commercialization (two credits)
  • OPT 481: General Management of New Venture (four credits)

Plus 12 elective credits:

  • Two courses in biomedical engineering intensive OR engineering
  • One course in biology

*For more information on the approved topic courses and electives available and program requirements, see the Graduate Handbook (pdf).

Sample Schedule

Fall semester (14 credits):

  • Seminar series
  • BME 535: Medical Device Design
  • BME 431: FDA and Intellectual Property
  • Graduate biology course (may be moved to spring semester)
  • Engineering elective (may be moved to spring semester)
  • Clinical rotation (may be moved to the spring semester)

Spring semester (16 credits):

  • BME 495: Biomedical Engineering Research
  • BME 432: FDA and IP Commercialization
  • BME 438: Introduction to Quality Engineering
  • OPT 481: General Management of New Venture
  • Engineering elective or graduate biology elective
  • Clinical rotation
  • Final project and exit exam

Summer semester (optional):

  • Corporate internship

Clinical Rotation

The CMTI MS program offers students a unique, hands-on opportunity to explore the intersection of biomedical engineering and clinical care through an intensive eight-week clinical practicum.

Guided by Clinical Director Dr. Jonathan Stone, students observe a wide range of medical procedures and specialties, including orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiac care, and pain management, to gain real-world insights into the needs of healthcare professionals and patients.

Teaching Assistantships

All CMTI MS students receiving tuition-based scholarships are required to serve as teaching assistants (TA). It may be completed in one semester or spread out over two semesters if the student is serving as a project management liaison for the senior design program.

Professional Development

The CMTI MS program includes professional development opportunities such as corporate tours, visits from industry partners, and personalized career support through the University's Career Center.

Thesis MS

The thesis MS program is a great option for students looking to get advanced training in research and pursue a research-based thesis. This option generally requires 18 to 24 months and allows the student to develop a high level of expertise in a specialized field.

Required Courses

Thesis MS students will take a total of 30 credit hours of courses.

All the following core courses are required:

  • BST 467: Applied Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences (three credits)
  • IND 501: Ethics and Professional Integrity in Research (one credit)
  • BME 496: Current Research Seminars (no credit)

Plus 14 credits taken in the following approved categories:

  • Advanced biomedical engineering: four credits minimum
  • Engineering: four credits minimum
  • Biology: four credits minimum
  • Additional credits: six to twelve (including six research credits max)

For more information on the approved topic courses and electives available and program requirements, see the Graduate Handbook (pdf).

Sample Schedule

Fall semester, first year:

  • BST 467: Applied Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences
  • IND 501: Ethics and Professional Integrity in Research
  • BME 496: Current Research Seminars
  • Electives

Spring semester, first year:

  • Electives
  • Research

Fall/spring semester, second year:

  • Research
  • Thesis writing
Teaching Assistantships

All biomedical engineering MS students are required complete one teacher assistantship, usually completed in the first year. This service is required whether or not the student has received financial support from the University.

More Information

If you're interested in learning more about biomedical engineering at the ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ, email bmegraduateofc@rochester.edu, or call (585) 275-3891.

For questions specifically pertaining to the Center for Medical Technology and Innovation (CMTI) MS degree, email the CMTI graduate program coordinator, Mahllet Beyene, at mahllet.beyene@rochester.edu or call (585) 273-2353.