Program Overview

M.S. Biomedical Engineering

The M.S. Biomedical Engineering program is designed to provide graduates with a Master's level depth in Biomedical Engineering fundamentals, along with practical application of academic depth through a culminating Master's experience, either an MS Thesis or Project.

Application Deadlines

• Blended Thesis Track: End of 4th full week of Fall/Winter/Spring quarters
• Blended Project Track: End of 4th full week of Winter quarter only
• Blended Regenerative Medicine: Rolling admissions beginning January 1st through February 1st
• All External Applications Due: February 1st

Program Overview

The program shares a common core curriculum that provides graduates with a Master's level depth in Biomedical Engineering fundamentals. The curriculum is designed to offer practical application of academic depth through a culminating Master's experience, either an MS Thesis or Project.

Thesis Track

The Thesis Track is the traditional path toward a Master's in Biomedical Engineering. Thesis students work on individual research or a well-defined aspect of a larger research effort under the direct mentorship of one of the tenured or tenure-track faculty. To ensure matriculation into the Thesis Track, applicants are encouraged to identify and explore research project opportunities with the tenured or tenure-track faculty.

Project Track

The Project Track in Biomedical Engineering for a Master's in Biomedical Engineering was launched in Fall 2018. MS Projects are staffed by 2 MS students. This track is designed to provide MS students with a team research experience on an industry-relevant project. Projects can be sponsored by either industry or tenure/tenure-track faculty. Industry-sponsored projects receive technical mentoring by an industry representative with a faculty member's assistance.

Specialization in Regenerative Medicine

The specialization in Regenerative Medicine is a unique program in which students work at the interface between Biomedical Engineering and Stem-Cell Biology. This program is associated with the California Initiative for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). Applicants who are selected and matriculated into this program receive one year of coursework and a project experience to prepare and maximize student education and value in a subsequent paid 9-month internship at a partner institution that is an active participant in the Regenerative Medicine consortium.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the Graduate Program have successfully transitioned into Medical Device companies and start-up companies, establishment of start-ups, various Ph.D. programs, M.D. programs, J.D. programs, Physical Therapy Programs, and Engineering Consulting Firms. The specialization in Regenerative Medicine prepares students for careers in regenerative medicine and related fields, including immediate employment in regenerative medicine, biotechnology, or medical technology companies, as well as research specialists/laboratory managers at universities or research institutes.

Required Coursework

The required coursework for the MS Biomedical Engineering program can be found in the Cal Poly Academic Catalog.