The University of Texas at Dallas

Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science

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Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Advance Healthcare Innovation Through Engineering 

The Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (MS BMEN) at The University of Texas at Dallas equips students with the interdisciplinary knowledge and technical expertise to design innovative medical technologies. This graduate program integrates engineering principles with biological and medical sciences to solve complex challenges in healthcare, preparing students for impactful careers in industry, research and academia. 

Key Highlights of the Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Program 

Flexible Curriculum

Tailor your degree plan with electives in areas such as medical imaging, biomaterials, biomechanics and neural engineering. 

Research Opportunities

Work alongside faculty on pioneering projects such as tissue engineering, biomedical optics and bioinstrumentation.

Industry and Clinical Connections

Benefit from UT Dallas’s partnerships with UT Southwestern Medical Center and major biotech firms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 

Timeline

The MS BMEN program can be completed in 2 years, full-time. 

UT Dallas MS in Biomedical Engineering Program Overview 

The Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering program offers both thesis and non-thesis options.

Students gain hands-on experience with real-world biomedical engineering applications and participate in multidisciplinary research aimed at improving human health. 

Core Courses

All MS BMEN students complete foundational courses in:

  • Physiology and Immunology
  • Genes, Proteins and Cell Biology

Concentration Areas

All MS BMEN students complete two courses in one of the following areas:

  • Bioelectronics/Biosensors
  • Bioimaging
  • Biomaterials
  • Biomechanics
  • Neuroengineering
  • Systems Biology

Elective Options 

Customize your degree with: 

  • Pursuing the thesis option and conducting research with a faculty member
  • Completing the Certificate in the Develoment of Regulated Medical Devices and Drugs
  • Completing the Certificate in Health Data Analytics and AI 

MS in Biomedical Engineering Admission Requirements 

Applicants to the MS BMEN program must meet the following criteria: 

  • Academic Background: A bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or a related field (e.g., electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biology or physics). Students with non-engineering backgrounds may need to complete prerequisite courses. 
  • GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.00 or better on a 4.00 scale 
  • GRE Scores: Not required. Even if a student submits them, we do not review them.
  • English Proficiency: International applicants must submit TOEFL (minimum score of 80) or IELTS (minimum score of 6.5) results. 
  • Letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose: required.

Applications are accepted for the fall, spring and summer terms. To apply, visit the UT Dallas Graduate Admissions page for more details. 

Program Structure

Core Curriculum (6 Credit Hours) 

All students complete core biomedical engineering courses that provide a strong foundation in physiology, immunology, and cellular/subcellular biology. 

Concentration Areas (6 Credit Hours) 

Complete two courses in one of the following areas: (1) Bioelectronics/Biosensors, (2) Bioimaging, (3) Biomaterials, (4) Biomechanics, (5) Neuroengineering, or (6) Systems Biology.

Electives (21 Credit Hours)

Choose from a range of electives based on your area of interest.

  • Thesis credits conducting research with a faculty member
  • Neural engineering 
  • Biomechanics 
  • Bioimaging 
  • Biomaterials  
  • Systems Biology
  • Biosensors

Thesis or Non-Thesis Track

  • Thesis Track: Complete three to nine credit hours of supervised research and write a thesis. 
  • Non-Thesis Track: Replace thesis with additional electives.

Graduate Certificates in Biomedical Engineering

The department of Bioengineering offers two certificates that are targeted to those with an undergraduate degree in bioengineering or a similar background, to build skills in new and emerging growth areas with high interest and value to industry.  These certificates may be integrated into the MS degree or pursued as a stand-alone program.

Health Data Analytics and AI 

Focuses in biostatistics, machine Learning, statistical learning, and deep learning of health data.

  • 2 semesters of calculus

Development of Regulated Medical Devices and Drugs

Focuses on the development of regulated medical devices and drugs including the medical device Industry, FDA regulations, and good manufacturing practices for consistent quality and conformance to standards.

  • 1 semester of calculus

Requirements

  • Nine semester credit hours
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science with a GPA of 3.0
  • A course background of at least 1 semester of Biology

Biomedical Engineering Career Opportunities and Salary Outlook 

Graduates with a master’s degree in biomedical engineering are equipped for roles in: 

  • Medical device design 
  • Research and development 
  • Clinical engineering 
  • Biotech and pharmaceutical industries 
  • Regulatory affairs  

Common job titles include biomedical engineer, clinical engineer, quality assurance engineer and R&D scientist.

Salary Outlook 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry data, median salaries include: 

  • Biomedical engineers: $106,000 
  • Clinical engineers: $100,000 
  • R&D scientists (biomedical focus): $115,000 
  • Regulatory affairs specialists: $98,000 

Salary potential depends on job function, education level and experience. A biomedical engineering master’s degree opens doors to high-paying, high-impact careers.

Biomedical Engineering Funding and Financial Aid  

UT Dallas offers several forms of financial support to graduate students: 

  • Research assistantships 
  • Teaching assistantships 
  • Fellowships and scholarships 
  • External grant support 

Visit Graduate Fellowships and Scholarships for more info. 

Frequently Asked Questions About a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering 

What can I do with a biomedical engineering degree?

You can work in medical device design, clinical engineering, biotech R&D or pursue a PhD in biomedical engineering

What does a biomedical engineer do?

Biomedical engineers design equipment, software and systems used in healthcare, such as prosthetics, imaging systems and diagnostic devices. Biomedical engineers work in a collaborative team environment alongside physical scientists, engineers, clinicians and life scientists. 

Is a master’s in biomedical engineering worth it? 

Yes. It offers specialized skills that lead to careers with strong salary growth and impact on human health.

How long does it take to complete the program? 

Most students complete the MS in biomedical engineering in 18 to 24 months of full-time study. 

What degree do you need to be a biomedical engineer?

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, but a master’s or PhD in biomedical engineering is recommended for advanced roles. 

Can I work while completing my degree? 

Yes. UT Dallas offers flexible course scheduling, including evening classes, to accommodate working professionals.