Master of Science
Program Details
The Master of Science (MS) degree in Biomedical Engineering at Michigan State University emphasizes biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship. We seek to empower students to advance their problem-solving and technical skillsets in the context of solving pressing unmet needs facing clinicians. Our two semester “Biodesign” course sequence is an experiential learning experience in medical technology innovation, based on the Biodesign process developed at Stanford University. In the first semester, students immerse in hospitals and other patient care environments and interact directly with clinicians to identify unmet needs in the real-world environment. Students from both engineering and medical backgrounds form small, interdisciplinary teams to work collaboratively on open-ended, self-defined medical technology design projects. In the latter part of the course, students go through the design cycle and build rapid prototypes to address their identified unmet clinical need. For some teams, outcomes and next steps from the course may include patents, external presentations, academic articles, the opportunity to compete in business plan competitions, and/or launching a start-up.
The MS coursework degree requires a total of 30 credits for completion. The core curriculum in Biodesign (BME840-841) and Research Methods (BME803) is complemented by additional electives in the life sciences, engineering, statistics/mathematics, and entrepreneurship domains. We also offer a thesis option for interested students, which requires identifying a BME faculty mentor and directed research project.
Shared Program - Undergraduate to Graduate
MSU allows current undergraduate students to apply for "shared enrollment" in a graduate program. The MSU Academic Programs describes this option as "an opportunity for academically talented undergraduate students to enroll in graduate courses and conduct research toward a graduate degree while completing the last two years of their bachelor's degree(s)". Students from any undergraduate major at MSU may apply for shared enrollment admission to a Master's program in Engineering (or other graduate programs). When you are shared enrolled, up to 9 credits of the required 30 credits for a Master's degree can be waived. In order to waive 9 credits, you must carefully plan your senior-level technical electives IN ADVANCE and in consultation with the graduate program director in your intended M.S. program. If you are interested in this program, you can learn more on the Shared Program - Undergraduate to Undergraduate page or reach out to bme@msu.edu to learn more.
Application Process
Michigan State University uses a decentralized admissions process for graduate studies. Visit the College of Engineering Graduate Admissions page for details on the overall process.
Biomedical Engineering Department admissions process:
Fill out a complete MSU Graduate School Application. Use the online forms, or contact gradschool@grd.msu.edu to check on the availability of a paper application. Note the following degree code:
Biomedical Engineering (BME) Degree Code 8077
Applications from students are due and will be reviewed beginning December 1 for Fall enrollment. Applications are all considered for financial aid and assistantships. Applications received by this date will receive the maximum consideration for this financial aid and assistantships.
Completing the MSU application online will give you access to the Graduate Student Portal where you can:
Step One
- Upload Resume/CV
- Upload personal and academic statements
- Manage Letter of Recommendations (see guidelines below)
- Upload any other pertinent information for your application
- Send Messages to the Graduate Secretary and Graduate Director
Step Two
The following items must be submitted in an official capacity:
- Official transcripts (undergraduate and graduate). Note: for paper copies, please have official correspondence sent to department. Please contact the Graduate Secretary if you wish to have electronic copies sent, as they must meet certain criteria.
- The GRE General Examination is not required. You are welcome to submit GRE scores if available.
- Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (international applicants only; see guidelines below).
- Official test scores (GRE and TOEFL) must be submitted to the University via the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Unofficial photocopies of scoresheets are useful for review purposes, but we cannot admit applicants without a complete application, which requires official scores.
Step Three
Arrange for three recommendations from instructors and/or advisors familiar with your academic record who have agreed to write a letter of recommendation for you. This may be done via the student portal (step 2) or by mail. The student portal allows for the student to add referrers, send reminder emails and waive his/her right to view letters. For mail submissions, please use the Letter of Recommendation form provided by the graduate school. Fill out and sign the top portion of each form. Ask the recommender to complete the form, attach a letter if they wish, and return it to the departmental address.
Address For Mailing All Printed Application Materials
Ashley Justice, Academic Program Coordinator
Michigan State University
Department of Biomedical Engineering
775 Woodlot Drive, Room 2040
East Lansing, MI 48824-1226
Applications will only be reviewed when complete and official. Please utilize the student portal for up-to-date information about your application status.