MS in Biomedical Engineering: Program Overview and Admissions

Biomedical engineering is found at the nexus of healthcare and engineering. This field is at the forefront of transforming the medical world to reflect the innovation and direction of the future. For instance, biomedical engineers are the brains behind prosthetic limbs, stem cell research, and biomedical signaling, to name just a few innovations. In other words, as a biomedical engineer, you can have a significant impact on how people feel, how they interact with their environment, and the overall quality of their lives.

Program Structure and Delivery

The master of science in Biomedical Engineering degree is designed to be completed in two years or less of full-time study beyond the Bachelor of Science Degree. This program requires completion of 28 units of coursework. The MS in Biomedical Engineering can be completed with a thesis, requiring 4 units of BME 594abz, or without a thesis, requiring coursework only. International Students: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.

Regarding delivery methods, DEN@Viterbi - Online Delivery is available. Both on-campus and DEN@Viterbi students pay the same tuition. Earning an online biomedical engineering masters is a crucial step in this rewarding and dynamic career, as an online Master’s in Biomedical Engineering will give you the foundations from which to specialize in your area of interest.

Application Deadlines

The following table outlines the key application dates for prospective students:

Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Science program in Biomedical Engineering must have a bachelor’s degree or be in the process of completing a bachelor's degree. Most applicants have degrees in engineering or closely related fields, such as Biology/Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Physics, and Medicine. Applicants without a bachelor's degree in a directly related field may still be considered if they have demonstrated strong proficiency in the following coursework:

• Computer Programming
• Electronics
• Math
• Physics

The following materials are required to be included with your online application:

• Transcripts
• Resume/CV
• Personal Statement
• Letter of Recommendation (3 required)

NOTE: The GRE is not required for 2026 applications.

Curriculum and Specializations

Common courses you might take in a graduate program in biomedical engineering include:

• Biosimulation
• Medical sciences
• Physiological control systems
• Cellular systems engineering
• Systems biology

The bulk of the coursework will be done in your area of specialty, for which there are many options. For example, you might focus on Biomedical systems and imaging, Neuroengineering, Pediatric engineering, or Bioinformatics.

Student Experiences at USC

Students choose USC because there is ample education and research resource available. For instance, some have access to computation resources like GPU by their Lab (LONI), which helps in research work. Others enjoy the life sciences and biomedical ecosystem that California has to offer, including the vast presence of biotech and biomedical companies and start-ups.