Master’s–MS

Program Overview

The Biomedical Engineering Master’s program provides the opportunity to specialize in one of five areas that reflect the latest opportunities in biomedical engineering. Master’s graduates are prepared for a wide range of jobs in medical-oriented industries, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. In addition, the master’s degree is excellent preparation for further study in graduate or medical school.

Practice Your Purpose

A rich variety of experiential learning opportunities can help you find your niche, connect with people who share your passion, and gain hands-on experience that will distinguish your resumé. Reach out for professional growth through the Engineering Career Resources Center, campus career fairs and our network of more than 640,000 U-M alumni in 180 countries around the world. U-M BME also hosts a department-only career fair for BME students, special networking opportunities, and consultants to review BME majors’ resumes and provide professional career advice.

Five Concentrations to Choose

MS students choose from five concentrations:

Biomechanics and Biotransport (MS)

• Biomechanics is a hybrid discipline requiring a thorough understanding of classic engineering mechanics, physiology and cell biology, and the interface between the two. Biomechcanics also has important applications in fields like tissue engineering and mechanotransduction. Mechanotransduction is the study of how cells sense and react to mechanical stimulus, a field with applications in such diverse areas as hearing (hair-cell movement in fluids) and orthopedics (bone and tendon response to physical stress).

Bioelectrics and Neural Engineering (MS)

• Bioelectrics and Neural Engineering is the study of electrical fields and potentials within the body. In the bioelectrical concentration, students learn how to examine and control these fields towards developing medical devices and restorative therapies. Neural engineering seeks to understand the function of the nervous system and to apply this knowledge to developing new devices and therapies.

Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine (MS)

• Biomaterials is the study of interactions between living and nonliving materials. Biomaterials are an integral component of issue engineering and regenerative medicine. The field of biomaterials encompasses the design of orthopedic, dental, cardiovascular, and neuro-sensory protheses, artificial organs, blood-surface interactions, cellular and tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensors, microencapulation technology, and implant retrieval analysis.

Biomedical Imaging and Ultrasonics (MS)

• Biomedical imaging scientists and engineers must understand the basic principles of all primary modalities including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiography and nuclear medicine, optics and ultrasound. The biomedical imaging curriculum recognizes trends and requires students to have a solid background in signal processing and imaging science, and simultaneously be literate in both the basic life sciences and the basic operating principles of several imaging modalities.

Biotechnology and Systems Biology (MS)

• Advances in cellular and molecular biology have changed and expanded the ways therapeutic devices and drugs are designed. Goals include the production of improved biomaterials for medical implants and prosthetics, tissues engineered for specific functionality, and new therapeutic drugs. The biotechnology currilculum emphasizes critical areas of chemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology, but also exposes students to a broad range of engineering approaches necessary for the interdisciplinary field.