Michigan State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core engineering fundamentals with specialised biomedical topics. Students typically take coursework in areas such as biomaterials and tissue engineering, biomechanics, biomedical imaging, bioinstrumentation, systems biology and computational methods for biological data. Courses commonly cover quantitative physiology, medical device design, signal and image processing, biomolecular engineering and statistical methods for experimental data.

There are both thesis and non‑thesis pathways. The thesis option emphasises independent research under a faculty supervisor and culminates in a written thesis and defence. The non‑thesis option focuses on advanced coursework and may include a project or capstone design experience. Most students also gain laboratory experience through research rotations, independent study and collaboration with medical school or engineering research centres.

• Core modules: fundamentals of biomedical engineering, research methods, and applied mathematics for bioengineering.
• Specialist modules: biomaterials & tissue engineering; biomechanics; biomedical imaging and signal processing; bioinstrumentation; computational biology.
• Research/project: independent research leading to a thesis or an applied capstone project with industry/clinical partner.
• Electives: courses in regulatory science, entrepreneurship, machine learning for health, or translational medicine.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, physics, biology with strong quantitative training, or a closely related field. A competitive academic record is expected; applicants should demonstrate proficiency in calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and basic programming or data analysis.

Typical supporting documents include official transcripts, a statement of purpose describing research interests, letters of recommendation, and a CV. Some applicants provide GRE scores where available; requirements vary by programme and advisers. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements through an approved test or prior education in English, and may be required to provide certified translations of academic records.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers in medical device and diagnostics companies, biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms, clinical engineering departments, and research laboratories. Job roles include biomedical engineer, device design engineer, quality and regulatory engineer, product development specialist, applications scientist, and data scientist for health applications. Many students continue to PhD study or move into translational research, while others combine technical roles with product management, consulting or intellectual property careers.

Internships and collaborative projects with industry or campus medical centres often lead to professional connections and employment opportunities. The programme’s emphasis on hands‑on design, computational skills and laboratory research prepares graduates for roles that require both engineering rigour and knowledge of biological systems.

Why study at Michigan State University

Michigan State offers an interdisciplinary environment that brings together engineering, medicine and the life sciences. Students benefit from access to well‑equipped research laboratories, cores and centres that focus on bioengineering, imaging and translational health research, and opportunities to collaborate with the College of Human Medicine and affiliated hospitals.

The university’s location and industry partnerships support internships and applied projects with regional and national biomedical firms. Faculty research spans biomaterials, biomechanics, imaging, computational biology and device development, providing a wide range of thesis and project supervisors. Graduates leave with practical laboratory experience, design and computational skills, and connections to academic and industry networks that support careers in engineering and bioscience.