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Programs

Department of Biomedical Engineering

Affiliated with both the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the School of Medicine and Dentistry, the University of Rochester graduate program in Biomedical Engineering emphasizes the application of engineering skills to biomedical problem-solving at both the master’s and doctoral levels. In addition, the Center for Medical Technology and Innovation (CMTI) offers a one-year MS in Biomedical Engineering degree with specialized training in medical device design. With access to over 40 laboratories on the River Campus, Medical Center, and Strong Memorial Hospital, students can tailor their own interdisciplinary research experience. The program offers state-of-the-art dedicated training laboratories, close individual attention and faculty mentoring, and a welcoming learning community where you will find great friends and future colleagues. Students who are interested in the department can also participate in the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Student Council.

Information about faculty and research can be found on the Department of Biomedical Engineering website.

AdmissionsLink to section

Applying to Master's ProgramsLink to section

MS applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The program is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, applied physics, or related fields. The undergraduate curriculum should include courses in calculus through differential equations, chemistry, and physics, as well as in-depth training in engineering or the physical sciences. Some formal training in the biological sciences is also desirable. Students who do not have the required background in engineering or the physical sciences may be admitted to the program, but may need to take additional coursework, typically during the first year of study. Students for whom English is not a native language are strongly urged to come to Rochester early, in order to prepare for the first-year program.

In addition to completing the online application and personal statement, the following materials must be uploaded with the application:

  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts (minimum GPA is 3.0)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Optional Graduate Record Examination
  • TOEFL (or IELTS) test scores should be uploaded to the application and official copies should be mailed to the University for verification

Other than test scores, documents that are uploaded do not need to be mailed to the department

Applying to Doctoral ProgramsLink to section

The program is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, applied physics, or related fields. The undergraduate curriculum should include courses in calculus through differential equations, chemistry, and physics, as well as in-depth training in engineering or the physical sciences. Some formal training in the biological sciences is also desirable. Students who do not have the required background in engineering or the physical sciences may be admitted to the program, but may need to take additional coursework, typically during the first year of study. Students for whom English is not a native language are strongly urged to come to Rochester early, in order to prepare for the first-year program.

In addition to completing the online application and personal statement, the following materials must be uploaded with the application:

  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts (minimum GPA is 3.0)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Optional GRE
  • TOEFL (or IELTS) test scores should be uploaded to the application and official copies should be mailed to the University for verification

Other than test scores, documents that are uploaded do not need to be mailed to the department.

AcademicsLink to section

Master's Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

All master’s degrees require at least 30 credits, and more than 21 of these credits must come from engineering-prefixed coursework.

  • Plan A, Thesis Option: Courses are taken both in support of a research project and to broaden the student’s educational experience. Plan A is centered on the successful execution and communication of an in-depth research project. The option requires a thesis defense.
    • BME core coursework (4 credits)
    • Additional coursework (15 credits minimum)
    • Research (6-11 credits)
  • Plan B, Coursework Option: Plan B focuses on developing an advanced understanding of biomedical engineering principles. Courses are selected to provide depth in an area of the student’s interest and to develop an understanding of the breadth of applications in biomedical engineering. This option requires an exit exam.
    • BME core coursework (4 credits)
    • Additional required coursework (20 credits minimum)
    • Research (6 credits maximum)
  • CMTI specialization in medical technology and innovation: Students will enroll for 30 credit hours during the academic year. This program is part of the Plan B, with a coursework structure.
    • Core curriculum (16 credits)
    • Elective courses

Doctoral Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

We strongly recommend that PhD students complete 30 credit hours by the end of their first year in the program. For a doctoral degree, the University requires completion of 90 credit hours. The number of non-research course credits needed to meet the minimum BME PhD requirements is 41. The remaining 49 credits, if not earned through additional coursework, will be earned as research.

Curricular requirements for the PhD degree:

  • BME core coursework (14 credits)
  • Additional required coursework (27 credits)

Graduate Course TitlesLink to section

  • BME 402: Research Methods
  • BME 404: Computational Methods Applied to Biological Systems
  • BME 406: Technical Computing in BME
  • BME 410: Introduction to Augmented and Virtual Reality
  • BME 411: Cell and Molecular Biology Foundations
  • BME 412: Viscoelasticity in Bio Tissues
  • BME 413: Selected Topics in Augmented and Virtual Reality
  • BME 414: Biomed Printed Circuit Board Design and Prototyping
  • BME 415: Neuroprosthetics
  • BME 417: Neuroscience of Neuroprosthetic Devices
  • BME 418: Introduction to Neuroengineering
  • BME 425: Human Neurophysical Measurement
  • BME 428: Physiological Control Systems
  • BME 429: Applied Nanoscience and Nano-engineering
  • BME 431: FDA and Intellectual Property
  • BME 432: FDA and Commercialization
  • BME 438: Introduction to Quality Engineering
  • BME 442: Microbiomechanics
  • BME 451: Biomedical Ultrasound
  • BME 452: Medical Imaging – Theory and Implementation
  • BME 453: Ultrasound Imaging
  • BME 455: Translational Biomedical Optics
  • BME 459: Applied Human Anatomy
  • BME 460: Quantitative Physiology
  • BME 462: Cell and Tissue Engineering
  • BME 465: Introduction to Cell Mechanics and Mechanobiology
  • BME 467: Models and Simulations of BME Systems
  • BME 468: Introduction to Structure and Analysis of Biomolecules
  • BME 472: Advanced Biomedical Microscopy
  • BME 474: Biomedical Sensors, Circuits and Instruments
  • BME 483: Biosolid Mechanics
  • BME 486: Finite Element Methods
  • BME 487: Nonlinear Finite Elements Analysis
  • BME 491: Master’s Reading in BME
  • BME 492: Neuroenhancement and Rehabilitation Engineering
  • BME 493: Master’s Essay
  • BME 494: Master’s Internship
  • BME 495: Master’s Research in BME
  • BME 496: Current Research Seminars
  • BME 498: CMTI Summer Rotation
  • BME 501: Practicum in Augmented and Virtual Reality
  • BME 513: MR Imaging: Spins to Brains
  • BME 515: Neural Cortical Movement
  • BME 517: Advanced Topics: Sensory Systems
  • BME 535: Special Topic: Medical Device Design
  • BME 589: Writing Proposals in BME
  • BME 591: PhD Readings in BME
  • BME 592: Special Topics
  • BME 593: Laboratory Rotations in BME
  • BME 594: Research Internship
  • BME 594P: Internship Research Part-Time
  • BME 595: PhD Research
  • BME 595A: PhD Research in Absentia
  • BME 895: Continuation of Master’s Enrollment
  • BME 897: Master’s Dissertation
  • BME 897A: Master’s in Absentia
  • BME 899: Master’s Dissertation
  • BME 899B: Master’s Dissertation in Absentia
  • BME 997: Doctoral Dissertation
  • BME 999: Doctoral Dissertation