Thinking About a Biomedical Engineering Degree? Here’s What to Look For

Biomedical engineering is a fast-growing, in-demand field, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting significant growth over the next decade.¹ As technology progresses and new advances in medicine are developed, the need for biomedical engineers who can bring together the principles of engineering and medical science is only going to increase. Compound those advances with an aging population with evolving expectations for their medical care, and it’s easy to see why so many people are entering this exciting field.

Becoming a biomedical engineer typically requires a graduate degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or another closely related discipline. As you consider your educational path, there are some important things to look for in a biomedical engineering degree program.

Requirement #1: Relevant Coursework

The best biomedical engineering schools require students to complete equal amounts of coursework in biology and engineering; often, courses will combine the two subject areas and require students to apply engineering principles to biological problems. Because the biomedical engineering field is fast-paced and constantly changing, a well-rounded curriculum that provides the foundational skills necessary to solve problems and develop solutions to emerging problems should be your top priority.

Students enrolled in Case Western Reserve University’s Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Engineering program typically complete a well-rounded array of courses. The curriculum includes not just biomedical engineering, but also engineering, quantitative analysis and biology. Students also choose from biomedical specialty elective courses in material science, medical imaging and neural engineering, so they can specialize in their area of interest.

Requirement #2: A Biomedical Engineering Program Should Build Soft Skills

A successful career in biomedical engineering requires more than just technical knowledge. Biomedical engineers need to be excellent communicators; they also need to be innovative, creative and focused on problem solving and leadership. For instance, biomedical engineers are often called upon to explain complex concepts to others who don’t share their technical background, and thus must have the ability to explain their work in terms that the average person understands. At Case Western Reserve, these skills are developed in every course.

Requirement #3: Opportunities for Research

Research is a cornerstone of biomedical engineering, and graduate students need to have access to research opportunities to develop and sharpen their hands-on skills. As part of Case Western Reserve University’s MS in Biomedical Engineering, students are regularly engaged in research that bridges the gap between medicine and engineering. We are renowned for our cutting-edge research that has led to numerous interdisciplinary engineering discoveries and biomedical applications, and currently have more than $41 million in grants and relationships with over 20 research centers to continue this ground-breaking work.

The opportunity to be involved in research is a key aspect of any biomedical engineering program. Not only does it allow for hands-on experience and learning, but experience in a research environment is often a must for employers, many of whom want to hire candidates that have both technical knowledge and experience in applying that knowledge to problems. Not to mention, being involved in research can expand your network and present new opportunities for employment in the future.

Requirement #4: Excellent Faculty and Opportunities to Build Relationships

In any graduate program, you want to work with knowledgeable professionals who have experience in the field. You should have the opportunity to work with faculty from an array of diverse backgrounds, giving you a true interdisciplinary experience.

At Case Western Reserve, you will develop strong relationships with faculty and gain knowledge and insight from a team of professionals. From the Admissions Advisor who will shepherd you through the application process, to the Student Success Coordinator who advises you throughout coursework, to the dedicated faculty who will support you professionally, your team of mentors is built around your academic interests, so you receive personalized attention and advice. With this arrangement, you not only have the benefit of multiple perspectives, but you graduate with a network of mentors and a well-rounded perspective on the field of biomedical engineering.

Get Your Master’s in Biomedical Engineering Online at CWRU

Founded in 1968, Case Western Reserve offered one of the first biomedical engineering programs in the world, and is ranked among the Top 20 graduate programs Biomedical Engineering.² When you are looking for a program that combines the right mix of academics and research, a respected and experienced faculty, and support and guidance in developing your career and broadening your academic horizons, Case Western Reserve’s biomedical engineering master’s programs check all of the boxes. To learn more about our program and how you can become a leader in biomedical engineering and shape the future of medicine, check out our degree programs here and request more information.