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Biomedical Engineering MS, PhD Programs

At the nexus of the living and the synthetic, biomedical engineers are helping us to live longer — and live better. Biomedical engineering brings engineering methods to questions in biology, medicine, and human health. Michigan Tech’s MS in Biomedical Engineering focuses on understanding living systems and developing technologies at the interface of engineering and the life sciences. The program gives graduate students opportunities to explore devices, materials, measurements, and approaches that inform biomedical research and technology development.

Combine the best of the natural and artificial worlds. Are you ready?

The Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Who is This Program For?

Our master's or doctorate in biomedical engineering program develops new devices at the interface of engineering, biology, and medicine.

This program may be a good fit for students who want to bring engineering analysis to biological or health-related questions. It may appeal to those interested in engineering methods for measuring or understanding physiological systems; biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, or related device technologies; and research that connects engineered systems with living tissues and processes

What You'll Study

MTU's areas of biomedical engineering research include cardiovascular engineering, tissue regeneration and stem cell engineering, biomaterials, physiological measurements, biosensors, microdevices, biomechanics, and medical imaging and optics. You'll connect the analysis of living systems with methods for designing, testing, and understanding engineering technologies used in biomedical settings.

Where You'll Apply Your Knowledge and Skills

Biomedical engineering connects technical design and analysis with questions about human health. You can apply this knowledge when evaluating biosensors, studying the interaction between materials and tissues, interpreting physiological measurements, or investigating medical imaging and instrumentation.

Biomedical engineering is practiced in medical-device companies, healthcare research centers, and testing or development laboratories. For instance, Medtronic and Stryker employ biomedical engineers; Mayo Clinic also supports research and health-technology work. Particular roles, of course, depend on your specialization and experience.

Delivery Options
- Accelerated: MS
- On-Campus: MS, PhD

Biomedical Engineering Program Details

Choose a specific degree option or delivery type to learn more about the biomedical engineering program at Michigan Tech. For international students, Biomedical Engineering is a designated STEM program.

On-Campus Programs

PhD Requirements: Biomedical Engineering

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
Pass Qualifying Examination
Pass Research Proposal Examination
Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Degrees	Credits
MS-PhD (minimum)	30 Credits
BS-PhD (minimum)	60 Credits

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the Doctor of Philosophy Requirements website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

MS, Biomedical Engineering: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Biomedical Engineering: Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	24 Credits
Report	2-6 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Biomedical Engineering: Coursework Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate Admissions. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Accelerated MS, Biomedical Engineering

Bachelor's + 1 Year = Master's Degree

Our accelerated master's degree program is a faster, easier way for Michigan Tech students to earn a master's degree. Up to nine approved credits from your bachelor's degree can be applied towards your accelerated master's degree. Consult your graduate program director for your individualized plan. If you're thinking about pursuing a master's following your bachelor's this option may be the right choice for you.

Additional Accelerated Master's Program Details

Additional Program Information

Want to learn more about biomedical engineering at Michigan Tech? Visit the department for more information:

Contact

Graduate Director

Bruce Lee

Graduate Assistant

Alexandra Holmstrom

Sample Areas of Interest

Select areas of interest to help customize your biomedical engineering MS and PhD. Sample areas include:

Biomedical Instrumentation
Tissue Engineering
Biomaterials
Biomechanics

View full listing for this program

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Using a holistic approach, our graduate admissions team reviews applications on an individual and ongoing basis. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, but you will need to upload them later.

Graduate Admissions Process

Applying to your graduate program is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. Please note that international applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps.

Graduate Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

Graduate Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission to your program as either a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program-Specific Requirements

Program Specific

3 Letters of Recommendation (waived for Michigan Tech Undergrads)
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher for PhD and 3.0 or higher for Master's on a 4.0 scale
Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
GRE (for doctoral applicants only, starting with Fall 2023 applications)

International Students

TOEFL scores as of January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 5.5
- For tests taken before January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 110 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Overall Band score of at least 8.0

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 4.5 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

For full consideration of support, applications should be submitted by the deadline, all others will be considered on a rolling basis. Most support is offered for the fall semester.

Recommended Deadlines

Fall PhD: January 15
Spring PhD: July 1
Apply at least one semester in advance of projected admission to improve your chances of receiving funding.

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accelerated Master's Requirements

Our Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Program Specific

Overall GPA of 3.0 or greater
Résumé/ Curriculum vitae
No GRE required
Completed course plan

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

Biomedical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. We offer over 125 graduate certificates, master's degrees, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

Who You'll Learn From and Work With

You will work with leading biomedical engineers and scientists from across campus, who explore the clinical implications of technical research. Local and regional hospitals also provide opportunities for clinical studies.

Collaborate to research questions in healthcare, medical technology, and biological systems.

Where You'll Study and Do Research

Our labs isolate and culture human cells, image blood flows, model complex biological processes, design new sensors and electrical circuits, and develop new biomaterials.

Our facilities include digital 2-D and 3-D fluorescence microscopes, ultrasound and optical equipment, mechanical testing equipment, and cell and tissue culture facilities.

You'll have access to a wide variety of testing, analytical, and imaging equipment from facilities all across campus.

Faculty Spotlight

Jingfeng Jiang

Jingfeng Jiang
Professor, Biomedical Engineering

"Digital competency is an important skill for graduate students in the 21st century."

Computational biomedical engineering is an exciting and emerging area. With readily available computational capacities, biomedical engineers can use their computational knowledge and skills to greatly improve outcomes in healthcare, particularly, in rural areas like ours. Computational tools and analytics in Dr. Jiang’s lab can be used to assist and test therapeutic devices, and improve therapeutics in cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Program Faculty