Master of Science Program

The MS degree program in the Department of BME prepares students for research activities at the highest level. 90% of our MS students participate in cutting edge research during the course of their degree program. The Department of Biomedical Engineering also maintains a strong partnership with the Columbia University Medical Center, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that add to the quality and strength of the program. Research areas of particular interest include biomechanics, cellular and tissue engineering, artificial organs, regenerative medicine, auditory biophysics, biosignals and biomedical imaging, point-of-care diagnostics, and neural engineering. The MS degree program is well equipped to prepare students for admission to highly competitive doctoral programs across the United States, as well as employment within industry fields of biotechnology and medical devices.

"This flexible program allowed me to sample many fields underneath the biomedical engineering umbrella while having the opportunity to conduct mentored research either for credit towards my degree or as a volunteer. The coursework I completed and research experience I received were what prepared me best for the life of research I have chosen to pursue and helped build the strong resume I needed to apply to top tier doctoral programs."

Christian Aurup
MS '15, PhD candidate Columbia University

The MS degree program in the Department of BME provides students with unparalleled training and mentorship in medical technology innovation and entrepreneurship. Project-based courses in the design and commercialization of medical innovations offered by the Department of Biomedical Engineering, complemented by courses offered by other departments and schools, including the Columbia Business School and Columbia University Medical Center, provide students with a rich interdisciplinary educational experience. Graduates of our MS degree program are able to contribute to and drive medical innovation and support the promotion, development, and realization of the clinical potential of translational research.

"I didn't start Columbia expecting to be involved in entrepreneurship, but after going through the biodesign process in an MS Biomedical Design course, the idea of entrepreneurship was very exciting. We made the decision to continue our biodesign project after competing in and receiving our first funding from the Columbia Venture Competition, and we couldn't have started Neopenda and gotten this far without the encouraging support from Columbia."

Sona Shah
MS '16, Co-Founder & CEO, Neopenda

MS degree students in the Department of BME come from diverse training, including research and industry, and backgrounds, including sciences (such as physics, chemistry, and biology), mathematics, and several fields of engineering (such as mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering). The program offers a flexible curriculum that allows students interested in transitioning into biomedical engineering the opportunity to individualize their experience and complete the necessary requirements to prepare for advanced study at the graduate-level. MS degree students work closely with their Faculty advisor to identify courses and research/project experiences that will allow for a seamless transition into the field of BME. The program also provides excellent preparation for students interested in transitioning into the health sciences and the study of medicine.

All applicants to our MS program should have a solid foundation in mathematics, including multivariate calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations and experience in computer programming (Matlab or Python).

"I chose Columbia BME for the inspiring faculty, the research opportunities that reflected my own interests in the field, and the flexibility of the curriculum. As someone coming from a non-engineering background, like many of my fellow classmates, this program has allowed me to develop a strong engineering foundation by giving me the freedom to select courses that reflected my specific needs, while continually offering guidance and mentorship during this transition. Columbia BME encourages networking and diversity within our own department, as well as collaboration between departments, creating an atmosphere of innovation and opportunity throughout the university."

Liz Hulphers
MS '16