Biomedical Engineering
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Apply your engineering expertise to the mechanisms of life with a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) College of Engineering. We are among the best graduate programs in the nation as ranked by U.S. News and World Report.
You will learn to meld engineering and technology with medicine and biomedical sciences with access to a variety of specializations from biomedical imaging systems to artificial organs and more.
What you’ll learn
Our 30-credit program can be completed in under two years by full-time students and allows you to specialize in areas like:
- Artificial organs
- Biomaterials
- Biomedical imaging systems
- Brain-computer interfaces
- Cardiovascular devices
- Cell and tissue engineering
- Immunoengineering
- Mechanobiology of disease
- Neural engineering
- Orthopedic biomechanics
- Regenerative medicine
- Rehabilitation and human factors engineering
- Tissue and cellular engineering
You will develop advanced analytical, experimental and technical skills in engineering and science. This will be complemented by a focus on communication, key to the development of your leadership potential through cross-team collaboration and information sharing. By applying creativity to form innovative solutions, master’s program students will use their knowledge to solve technological problems to meet the needs of our changing society and advance the quality of human life.
Your skills can help advance the practice of medicine. Participate in advanced research at one of the nation’s most well-equipped engineering facilities and take advantage of the VCU College of Engineering’s many industry partnerships to further experience and connections. You can work with:
- The Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering
- Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center-Richmond
- Pauley Heart Center
- Sheltering Arms Institute
- VCU Health
- VCU science departments
- VCU School of Dentistry
- Virginia BioTechnology Research (Bio+Tech) Park with Activation Capital
The VCU College of Engineering is etched into the landscape of Richmond, placing students in a culturally vibrant and diverse city full of potential, providing unique learning and job opportunities. Master’s program students also have access to benefits like:
- Close partnerships with hospitals and health organizations like VCU Health, Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center-Richmond, Sheltering Arms Institute and The Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering. VCU Engineering students have access to VCU Health’s outstanding health science campus and opportunities to collaborate with other partner organizations.
- Faculty who are industry experts, finding innovative solutions to biomedical engineering problems as respected leaders in their fields with well-funded labs and industry partnerships.
- Design your own path to education with flexible electives and focus on biomedical engineering topics you are passionate about.
- Dedicated Career Services department that provides internship and employment opportunities
- Industry connections through college partnerships with public and private industry
- Interdisciplinary education to teach collaboration with engineering practitioners outside your field of study
Reference the VCU Bulletin for a full list of biomedical engineering classes. Master’s program courses are 500 level and above (for example, EGRB 602). Below are a few signature courses from the program:
- Numerical Methods and Modeling in Biomedical Engineering (EGRB 601): You will gain proficiency in the use of computational methods and modeling to solve realistic problems in biomedical engineering. Advanced technical skills in numerical data analysis and modeling applications for biology and medicine will also be developed. Advancing your problem-solving skills and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different numerical approaches applied in biomedical engineering is an important component of this course.
- Biomedical Engineering Systems Physiology (EGRB 602): Learn the basic physiology of major organ systems while identifying and implementing mathematical modeling approaches to simulate and better understand these organ systems. You will also learn how to apply engineering concepts, such as fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, structural mechanics and mass transport to better understand organ system physiology.
If you’re looking to enter a professional school, like medicine or dentistry, a graduate degree in biomedical engineering can enhance your resume. It also boosts career opportunities upon graduation, especially if you’re entering a research field.
The VCU College of Engineering master of science with a concentration in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine can facilitate career advancement in a number of specializations related to biomedical engineering like:
- Research Scientist/Engineer: Conduct research to develop and advance rehabilitation and assistive device technologies
- Clinical Scientist: Integrate rehabilitation engineering technologies into medical practice to improve patient outcomes
- Clinical Research Coordinator: Oversee and coordinate clinical trials related to rehabilitation medicine
- Biomedical Engineer: Apply engineering principles to design and develop medical devices, implants and systems related to rehabilitation engineering
- Regulatory Affairs: Work with government agencies (like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) to facilitate the approval and commercialization of new therapies and products
- Biotech Startup Entrepreneur: Take innovative ideas in rehabilitation engineering and assistive devices and develop them into commercial ventures
With the help of our Career Services team, VCU College of Engineering graduates have many opportunities to network with alumni and industry professionals. Our students work at companies like:
- Bionica Labs
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Harvard University
- IEH Laboratories & Consulting Group
- LifeNet Health Sciences
- Medtronic
- Merck & Co., Inc.
- Plakous Therapeutics
- PPD (part of Thermo Fisher Scientific)
- Recovery Centers of America
- Simon-Kucher & Partners
- Syneos Health
- Tympanogen
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
How to apply
VCU offers an online, self-managed application process. See what’s needed to apply for an engineering graduate program and reference our list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).