Graduate Degrees in Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

CU Boulder’s Department of Biomedical Engineering teaches you how to use engineering principles to create technology that saves lives and improves the quality of life.

Through intensive, hands-on experience under the guidance of world-class faculty, you’ll earn a degree that sets you apart in the workforce and allows you to make your mark on the medical field.

Degree Types

MS ᐧ PhD ᐧ BAM

Top Green College

(Princeton Review, 2025)

No. 46 among public universities in the country

(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

5 Nobel Laureates

Since 1989

Partner with top-ranked medical institutions, laboratories and Front Range medical companies to solve pressing biological problems and address unmet medical needs.

Use what you’ll learn at CU Boulder to make an impact in Colorado. More than 90 Colorado employers are hiring graduates with biomedical engineering degrees.

Join a fast-growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the biomedical engineering field will grow by at least 6% between 2020 and 2030.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Biomedical Engineering

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Can be completed in 1–2 years
Must complete 30 credit hours of advanced graduate study in the discipline
May choose either a coursework- or thesis-based MS

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the course catalog for the MS in biomedical engineering.

Bachelor of Science and Accelerated Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Open to currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students
Can double-count 6 credit hours toward BS and MS
Can continue working with established undergraduate faculty mentors

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the course catalog for the BAM in biomedical engineering.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering

Can be completed in 4–5 years
Must complete 30 credits of advanced graduate study and at least 30 dissertation credits
Composed of 3 core tracks: biomechanics, medical devices and imaging

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in biomedical engineering.

Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Engineering

Open to both degree- and non-degree-seeking students
Can take 100% online
Must complete 9 credit hours of graduate-level coursework

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the course catalog for the graduate certificate in biomedical engineering.

Research Areas

Biomechanics
Medical Devices
Imaging and Diagnostics
Therapeutics

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Graduate Student Organizations