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.

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
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • None
Application Deadlines
  • Spring admission—Sept. 1 for international and U.S. applicants
  • Fall admission—Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

   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
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • None
Application Deadlines
  • Must apply to continue with the master’s degree early during the semester in which you will complete all undergraduate requirements

   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
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • None
Application Deadlines
  • Spring admission—Sept. 1 for international and U.S. applicants
  • Fall admission—Dec. 1 for international and U.S. applicants

   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
GRE/GMAT Requirements
  • None
Application Deadlines
  • None

   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.  

Explore ways to connect with other graduate students on campus, online and off campus, locally and internationally.

Learn about our commitment to ensuring our graduate education is accessible and welcoming for all students.

Find resources with contact and location information for a broad range of services.

Attend regular, graduate-specific workshops and seminars to hone practical and professional skills before entering the job market.

Connect with an established graduate peer mentor who serves as your guide through the graduate student experience.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Go to Admissions