Biomedical engineering

Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University melds engineering principles with medical sciences to develop innovative solutions that improve healthcare and patient outcomes. This interdisciplinary program provides students with a comprehensive education in the fundamentals of engineering, biology, and medicine, equipping them to design and implement cutting-edge biomedical devices, imaging systems, and therapeutic technologies. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers, engaging in hands-on projects that address real-world medical challenges. The curriculum covers core topics such as biomechanics, biomaterials, medical imaging, systems physiology, and tissue engineering, ensuring a well-rounded knowledge base. Through collaborative research opportunities and partnerships with leading healthcare institutions, students gain practical experience and develop critical problem-solving skills. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in biomedical device development, clinical research, healthcare innovation, and academia. With a strong emphasis on both theory and application, the Biomedical Engineering program at Northwestern University fosters an environment of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous learning. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, research assistantships, and industry-sponsored projects, which enhance their professional readiness. The program’s dedicated faculty are experts in their fields, inspiring students to pursue groundbreaking research and technological advancements. Graduates leave equipped with the technical expertise, ethical grounding, and innovative mindset necessary to contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of healthcare technology and biomedical research.

All master's students have to fulfill the following curriculum:

• BME Seminar: BMD_ENG 512 (3 quarters - zero credits, not part of the 9 or 12 courses)
• Systems Physiology (2 courses). Choose from BMD_ENG 401, 402, 403
• Statistics (1 course)
• Quantitative Sciences and Engineering (1 course)

THESIS MS REQUIREMENTS

The thesis MS program requires students to take nine courses and takes two years to complete. The MS with thesis program is targeted toward students who are interested in pursuing both coursework and independent study.

COURSES

• Total of five engineering courses, including Systems Physiology
• Additional courses that you will select with your adviser
• 1 course may be BMD_ENG 499. 
• Dissertation: A peer-reviewed journal article with the student submitted as a primary author or a written thesis document.

NON-THESIS MS REQUIREMENTS

The non-thesis MS program requires students to take 12 courses, and takes three quarters to complete.

COURSES

• 7 courses in Engineering/Math/Science (5 must be engineering)
• Additional courses that you will select with your adviser
• Up to 2 courses may be BMD_ENG 499. Only one BMD_ENG 499 may be taken per quarter.
• Final Exam: BMD_ENG 499 Project and a 25 page report or 3 project courses

Requirements

• We require at least two (three preferred) letters of recommendation. The letters of recommendation should be submitted online only.
• Students with undergraduate degrees in other engineering fields or the quantitative sciences may apply for admission and are often admitted. At a minimum, students must have a background in advanced mathematics (through ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, and vector calculus) and a basic understanding of biological sciences, physics and engineering related to their intended area of research. Under exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted prior to meeting these requirements, but is expected to meet them before enrolling.
• The BME department does not enforce minimum GPA or GRE scores for applicants. However, admission is competitive. The average GPA of the Fall 2015 entering class was 3.5.
• All applicants must take and submit the results of the general GRE exam. Official scores must be less than five years old and include results from the new analytical writing section. The institutional code assigned to The Graduate School at Northwestern is 1565. Be sure to include this number, and only this number, on your test form. If your results are not sent to this code, we will not receive them. If you are unable to submit an official copy from Educational Testing Services (ETS), you may submit your test results via screenshot or in PDF format. It must clearly show that these were taken from the ETS website. We also accept MCAT scores in lieu of GRE scores.
• Students whose first language is not English must take and submit the results of the TOEFL exam. International students who completed a BS or MS degree from an institution where English is the medium of instruction are not required to take the TOEFL exam. TOEFL scores for MS applicants must be 90 or higher. On the IELTS, the score must be 7.0 or higher.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The biomedical engineering program at Northwestern University offers a comprehensive financing structure designed to support students throughout their academic journey. Undergraduate students enrolled in the program often have access to a variety of funding opportunities, including merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, and external scholarships provided by external organizations and industry partners. Northwestern University’s Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid provides detailed guidance on application procedures and eligibility criteria, ensuring that students can access available resources efficiently.

For eligible students, Northwestern offers merit scholarships that recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and extracurricular achievements. Need-based financial aid is available to eligible students and is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. These resources help offset tuition costs, living expenses, and other related fees associated with the biomedical engineering program. In addition to institutional aid, students are encouraged to seek external scholarships, internships, and research grants, which can significantly alleviate financial burdens and provide valuable professional experience.

Northwestern University also has programs aimed at providing work-study opportunities, allowing students to earn money through campus employment that can be used toward educational expenses. For graduate students, financing options include fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and loans. These fellowships and assistantships often come with stipends and tuition waivers, supporting students in their research and teaching responsibilities while funding their studies.

Furthermore, the university provides guidance on loan options, including federal and private loan programs, with counseling available to help students understand repayment terms and manage debt responsibly. The university’s commitment to financial accessibility is exemplified by a range of support services, including financial literacy workshops aimed at helping students budget effectively and plan for their financial futures.

Overall, Northwestern University’s biomedical engineering program offers a robust suite of financing options designed to make education accessible for students from diverse economic backgrounds. The university continuously seeks to expand its financial aid offerings and reduce barriers to education, thereby fostering an inclusive academic environment. The combination of institutional aid, external scholarships, employment opportunities, and loan programs ensures that students can focus on their academic and research pursuits without undue financial stress, preparing them for successful careers in biomedical engineering.

The Biomedical Engineering program at Northwestern University is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary program designed to prepare students for advanced careers in healthcare technology, research, and industry. The program emphasizes the integration of engineering principles with biological and medical sciences to develop innovative solutions for medical problems. Students enrolled in this program have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities that foster hands-on learning and cutting-edge research. The curriculum covers fundamental topics such as biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, biosignal processing, and systems physiology, providing a robust foundation in both engineering and biological sciences.

The program typically offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including Bachelor of Science and Master of Science levels, with options for specialization areas depending on the student's interests and career goals. Northwestern University encourages collaborative projects with hospitals, research institutes, and industry partners, which helps bridge academic training with practical application. Students are often involved in projects that address real-world medical challenges, such as developing devices for diagnostics or treatment, improving biocompatibility of implants, or advancing minimally invasive procedures.

Faculty members in the Biomedical Engineering department are leaders in their fields, many of whom have affiliations with Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine and other medical research centers. The program also offers interdisciplinary minors and research opportunities that allow students to expand their expertise beyond core engineering topics. Graduates of the program go on to careers in biomedical device design, medical research, healthcare consulting, and pursue advanced degrees or professional licensure in medicine or engineering. Northwestern’s strong industry partnerships and alumni network provide valuable connections for internships, co-op experiences, and employment. Overall, the program aims to develop versatile and innovative engineers equipped with the skills to improve healthcare outcomes worldwide.