Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Humans are the most complex machines one can imagine, resisting any one description of our engineering disciplines. Instead, human health and biology involve all disciplines and many other sciences. Cleveland State University's (CSU) Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering degree (BME) program provides an interdisciplinary study that applies engineering principles to human health issues.

Built to supply students with the knowledge and skills to tackle ongoing challenges in the industry, students use engineering analysis and design to develop innovative solutions to biomedical-related problems. Graduates enter the workforce prepared to work in the medical device industry, and many choose to continue their education at the doctoral level.

Why Choose CSU's Biomedical Engineering Master's Degree Program?

As advancements in medical technology shape the future of health care, pursuing a master's in biomedical engineering from Cleveland State University provides unique advantages for your career:

• Comprehensive curriculum: Establish a foundation built on fundamentals in the life sciences, including those at the cellular, tissue and human physiology levels. Tailor your education to your interests and goals through one of our three tracks: the course, thesis or design track.
• Complete the program in two years: Pursue your MS in biomedical engineering full or part time and take advantage of our class schedule featuring courses offered primarily during the evenings. You can complete the program in just two years if you study full time.
• Collaborate with Cleveland Clinic: Benefit significantly from collaborations with the world-renowned Department of Biomedical Engineering at Cleveland Clinic, only a three-mile bus ride from the CSU campus. In addition, some of Cleveland Clinic adjunct faculty teach CSU courses.
• Apply your knowledge: Conduct your thesis research at Cleveland Clinic's top-notch research facilities. Discover our recently completed $40 million expansion of our engineering building, including greatly enhanced research, design and computation labs.
• Funding opportunities: To support your graduate education, we provide graduate research assistantships and tuition grants on a competitive basis. For funding consideration, indicate your interest in your application for graduate admission so we can determine if you qualify for funding. 

Program Curriculum

The Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering program consists of 12 credit hours of core courses, including:

• Biomedical signal processing
• Cell and tissue biology
• Foundations of biomedical physiology
• Key elective: biomaterials, medical imaging or biomechanics

Students select elective courses from the specialties within biomedical engineering, including biomaterials and tissue engineering, biomechanics, imaging, instrumentation, drug delivery and nanotechnology.

Explore the catalog for a detailed overview of the biomedical engineering master's program

Course Track

The BME course track option is ideal for working students whose full-time employment makes it challenging to devote sufficient time to a thesis or design project. Alternatively, this track may be a good fit for doctoral students who wish to earn their master's degree on the way to their doctorate.

Thesis Track

In this track, students complete an in-depth study of a specific research topic with a faculty mentor. This work can often be a stepping stone to a doctoral program or fellowship opportunities.

Design Track

The design track allows students to work in teams on a yearlong design project with mentors from the local industry or Cleveland Clinic's Medical Device Solutions Department.

Unique to Northeast Ohio and among only a handful of similar programs nationwide, this biomedical design option is appropriate for those seeking industrial employment directly after completing the program and/or interested in starting their own business.

4+1 Accelerated Option

We encourage undergraduate students to consider the accelerated Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering at CSU. This program enables students to graduate with both degrees in approximately five years.

Faculty and Research

The faculty of the MS Biomedical Engineering program include members from the Departments of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics at CSU, and over 30 adjunct faculty members from the Department of Biomedical Engineering of the Lerner Research Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.  The biomedical engineering faculty at CSU and at the Cleveland Clinic conduct their world-recognized research in the following areas:

• Biomaterials
• Tissue Engineering
• Drug delivery
• Biomechanics
• Automated high-throughput screening systems
• Medical Imaging

CSU and the Cleveland Clinic offer a vibrant research environment, including top-notch research facilities, core technical support, regular technical seminars, and social programs. 

Biomedical Engineering Careers

Graduates of the biomedical engineering master's program achieve employment in biomedical product development and design, testing and quality assurance, and research. Additionally, thesis track students planning careers in academia or industrial research graduate well-prepared to expand their education through a doctoral program (e.g., in applied biomedical engineering).

Job titles for BME graduates may include:

• Biomechanics engineer
• Biomedical engineer
• Clinical engineer
• Data analyst
• Medical imaging engineer
• Product manager
• Research scientist
• Tissue engineer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the annual mean salary of biomedical engineers in the U.S. is $99,550. Learn more about careers in biomedical engineering, or explore the biomedical industry in Ohio.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the MS in biomedical engineering degree program should meet the following criteria for admission:

• A minimum baccalaureate GPA of 3.0.
• A baccalaureate degree in engineering or science and satisfactory evidence of the ability to pursue graduate studies.
  • Students with backgrounds other than engineering may take prerequisite courses as described in the course catalog and congruent with the preparatory program.
• Official transcripts from undergraduate institutions.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the student's undergraduate or graduate work.
• GRE test scores (if applicable).
• TOEFL scores (if applicable).

Learn more about the admissions requirements for the master's in biomedical engineering program, or start the application now.

Financial Aid

In addition to our fully funded assistantships and research grants, students can seek additional funding options through traditional forms of aid, including scholarships and student loans.

We encourage prospective students to utilize our roadmap to financial aid, which outlines the steps of applying for federal financial aid.

Learn More About CSU's Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Embark on a journey of discovery and innovation with Cleveland State's MS in biomedical engineering degree program. Experience a supportive educational environment that blends foundational concepts with cutting-edge technologies, preparing you for a successful career in biomedical engineering or advanced studies.

Learn more about the program by requesting information or contacting a program staff member directly.

Program Director:

Nolan B. Holland, PhD
Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program Director
Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Cleveland State University
2121 Euclid Avenue, FH 455
Cleveland, OH 44115-2425
(216) 687-2571
E-mail:  n.holland1@csuohio.edu