Graduate Degrees in Biomedical Engineering in California
This article lists the schools in California that offer master's and doctoral programs in biomedical engineering. Read more to know about the highlights of these programs, tuition costs, courses taught, and admission requirements.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California offers a full-time, 28-unit Master of Science program in biomedical engineering, which can be completed in about two years. The program provides a thesis and non-thesis track and entails courses in biomedical systems, bioengineering, cell therapeutics, nanomedicine, and systems biology.
<h2 id="section---CaliforniaPolytechnicStateUniversity">California Polytechnic State University</h2><p>California Polytechnic State University is home to a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering program, which requires a total of 45 units for completion and offers three tracks: thesis, exam, and project. The main courses taught in the program include biomedical systems, biomedical imaging, experiment design, regression models, and biomedical signal transduction.
</p><h2 id="section---SanJoseStateUniversity">San Jose State University</h2><p>San Jose State University also provides a Master of Science program in biomedical engineering; this is a 30-semester unit program with thesis and project options. Both the options tracks require 16 units of core courses, which include medical device design, experimental methods, mathematical methods, and regulatory aspects of biomedical devices; students also need to meet a graduate writing requirement for the successful completion of the program.
</p><h2 id="section---UniversityOfCaliforniaIrvine"> University of California, Irvine</h2><p>Master of Science and Ph.D. programs that require 42 units and a combined M.D./ Ph.D. are offered in biomedical engineering by the University of California, Irvine. The core courses for these degree programs include cell and tissue engineering, applied engineering mathematics, clinical medicine, and quantitative physiology; the master's program also includes a written thesis while the Ph.D. program requires a dissertation.
</p><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th> School Name </th><th> Programs Offered </th><th> Tuition Cost (2019-20)*</th></tr>
<tr><td> University of Southern California </td><td> M.S. in Biomedical Engineering </td><td>$46,272</td></tr>
<tr><td>California Polytechnic State University </td><td> M.S. in Biomedical Engineering </td><td>In-state: $7,176; Out- of-state: $16,680</td></tr>
<tr><td> San Jose State University </td><td> M.S. in Biomedical Engineering </td><td>In-state: $7,176; Out- of-state: $16,680</td></tr>
<tr><td> University of California, Irvine </td><td> M.S. in Biomedical Engineering <br/> Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering <br/> M.D./Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering </td><td>In-state: $11,442; Out- of-state: $26,544</td></tr>
</table><h2 id="section---GraduateProgramsInBiomedicalEngineeringInCaliforniaGeneralInformation"> Graduate Programs in Biomedical Engineering In California: General Information</h2><p>Common graduate programs in biomedical engineering available in California include Master of Science and Ph.D. programs. The common courses taught in these programs include cellular systems engineering, biomedical engineering, and physiological systems.
</p><h3 id="section---CellularSystemsEngineering"> Cellular Systems Engineering</h3><p>This course gives a basic introduction to the principles, techniques, and tools used in engineering tissue systems. The course might look into the physical, chemical, and molecular properties of cells and tissues. It might also include topics like microfabrication, signal transmission, stem cells, and the extracellular matrix.
</p><h3 id="section---PhysiologicalSystems">Physiological Systems</h3><p>This course gives an introductory description of various physiological systems in the body, including the circulatory system, nervous system, renal system, and skeleton and muscles. The course might apply control theory to these systems or look at these systems from a quantitative approach. It might also describe various control methods that happen in the body.
</p><h3 id="section---BiomedicalEngineering"> Biomedical Engineering</h3><p>The course might mostly be in the form of a seminar to discuss advanced topics in the field of biomedical engineering. The coursework might also focus on innovative research methods and tools of research used in the field. It might include discussion sessions with academicians and professionals.
</p><h2 id="section---AdmissionRequirementsForGraduateProgramsInBiomedicalEngineeringInCalifornia"> Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs in Biomedical Engineering in California</h2><p>An accredited bachelor's degree is mandatory for admission to these graduate programs, and many schools also mandate that the bachelor's degree should be in subjects in or related to engineering, physics, and biology. Some schools might also take in students without a relevant degree and offer courses in basic engineering in the first year. A few schools also mandate a minimum CGPA for admissions. As a part of your application, you will have to submit official transcripts of your undergraduate degree and at least three letters of recommendation. You might also be required to submit a resume and a personal statement that describes your academic background, subject interests, and career goals. Submission of GRE scores is mandatory for most of the schools, and a few schools might even put a cut-off mark for GRE scores; some schools might also consider MCAT scores in the place of GRE scores.
</p><p>A few schools in California offer graduate programs in biomedical engineering; these are mainly Master of Science or Ph.D. programs. They offer courses in topics like mathematical engineering, cellular systems engineering, and physiological systems and might require GRE scores for admissions.</p>