Sample Curriculum for MS in Biomedical Engineering Thesis Track
The BME MS Thesis Track pairs a research project advised by BME faculty with coursework in a chosen specialization, for students who want hands-on research experience before pursuing a PhD or an R&D-focused industry role. BME graduate students who wish to complete a Master’s Thesis must take a minimum of 6 credits of BME 699. Up to 9 credits of BME 699 can count towards the Master’s degree. In addition, BME MS students doing a thesis may take up to 6 credits of independent study (BME 596/696).
UMass BME hosts research groups spanning biomedical imaging, biomedical AI/ML, biosensors, nanorobotics, biomaterials, drug delivery, biomechanics, and tissue engineering, giving thesis students a wide choice of labs and advisors. A full list of core and adjunct faculty who can serve as thesis advisors is available here, and details on individual BME research labs can be found on the BME research strengths and labs page.
A minimum of 30 credits is required for the MS in Biomedical Engineering
- At least 21 credits must be BME major courses
- 12 credits must be 600-level and above
- Up to 9 credits of approved non-major classes can count towards the degree
BME Major Courses
- Clinical Orthopedics for Engineers (BME 501/601)
- Drug Delivery (BME 502/602)
- Biomedical Imaging (BME 503/603)
- Intro to Gene Therapy (BME 504/604)
- Biotransport (BME 505/605)
- Intro to Biophotonics (BME 508/608)
- Biomedical Signals and Systems (BME 509/609)
- Tissue Engineering (BME 510/610)
- Immunoengineering (BME 511/611)
- Intro to Force Spectroscopy (BME 512/612)
- Frontiers of Bioelectronics (BME 513)
- Biosensing: Fundamentals & Applications (BME 514/614)
- AI in Biomedicine (BME 515/615)
- Intro to Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and Microrobots (BME 519/619)
- Nature’s Materials (BME 575/675)
- Orthopedic and Dental Biomaterials (BME 590STC)
- Drugs and Pharmaceutical Engineering (BME 590STE)
- Ultrasound Imaging (BME 590STF)
- Scientific Method in Biomedical Engineering Research (BME 650)
- Medical Physiology & Anatomy (BME 651)
- Independent Study (BME 596/696)
- Masters Thesis (BME 699)
The full list of approved non-major classes can be found here.
A potential sequence of courses for a BME MS with thesis student would be as follows:
Fall (1st year): 2 BME major classes (6 credits), BME 699 (3 credits) = 9 credits
Spring (1st year): BME 696 (6 credits), BME 699 (1 credit) = 7 credits
Fall (2nd year): 2 BME major classes (6 credits), BME 699 (2 credits) = 8 credits
Spring (2nd year): 2 nonmajor classes (6 credits), BME 699 (1 credit) = 7 credits
Total thesis credits: 7 credits (must earn at least 6 credits)
Total nonmajor course credits: 6 credits (within limit)
Total independent study credits: 6 credits (within limit)
Total program credits: 31 credits, meets minimum requirement of 30 credits
**Students may complete the MS program quicker than 4 semesters given that all graduation credit requirements are met.